bahrainthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2025 INTERVIEW 22 Strengthening German-Bahraini Ties As Bahrain and Germany continue to deepen their longstanding relationship, the arrival of His Excellency Henning Simon, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kingdom of Bahrain, marks an exciting new chapter. In this exclusive interview with Bahrain This Month, Ambassador Simon shares his first impressions of the Kingdom and his diplomatic priorities. Excellency, congratulations on your appointment. What are your first impressions of Bahrain, and how do you envision your role in further strengthening German–Bahraini relations? I arrived exactly two weeks ago and my first impressions are really great. I am overwhelmed by Bahraini hospitality, friendliness and openness. I have already been invited to several Bahraini families who informed me about Bahraini culture, the economy and business. We also shared food together, including Machboos and Halwa, which I enjoyed very much. I have already visited Qal’at al-Bahrain and Bab Al Bahrain and seen the richness of Bahraini culture. My role will be to further strengthen this relationship, building on the warmth I have already experienced. What are the key priorities of your mission in Bahrain, both bilaterally and within the wider Gulf region? I see myself as somebody who is building bridges between Bahrain and Germany in all fields. Politically, Germany has always been represented at a high level at the IISS Manama Dialogue and this year again a senior representative will attend. Bahraini politicians also frequently travel to Germany, participating in the Munich Security Conference and other events. Economically, I want to foster relations, supporting both large German companies already present and smaller ones like Delivery Hero, which operates Talabat here. Culturally, I want to promote language, art and music, and finally, people-to-people contact, which I believe is the most important bridge of all. Thanks to Gulf Air we now have 10 direct flights per week between Manama and Frankfurt or Munich, making these ties even closer. How do you see opportunities for enhancing trade and investment between Bahrain and Germany? Bahrain is truly a gateway to the Gulf region. Its infrastructure and legal conditions are very attractive, especially in sectors where German companies excel such as engineering, logistics and technology. Companies like DHL already have their regional headquarters here. When I landed at the airport, the first thing I saw was DHL, which made me proud. I believe there is still untapped potential in Bahrain. The embassy can play a mediating role, opening doors for German businesses and providing a platform for connections. In your view, what advantages does Bahrain offer to German enterprises, and how might more German firms be encouraged to establish here? Bahrain offers excellent infrastructure, low taxes and a well-skilled labour force. German business leaders have already told me they are impressed with the Bahraini education system and the availability of qualified staff. On top of that, Bahrain is an air and shipping hub, which is crucial for Germany as a trading nation. There is also huge potential in digitalisation, artificial intelligence and renewable energy. At the embassy we even charge our BMW using solar panels, which is possible here thanks to the 350 days of sunshine every year. Green energy is an area where Bahrain and Germany can naturally cooperate. Are there plans to expand German language learning or academic cooperation with Bahraini institutions? Definitely. We already work closely with the University of Bahrain, offering German language courses, but we want to expand. There is strong demand from students and professionals. With the Bahraini German Friendship Society we are preparing to open new language courses soon.
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