Features

Shared Horizons

by: BTM - Sun, 08 Nov 2026

A series of major agreements and growing commercial ties have brought fresh momentum to relations between Italy and Bahrain. As cooperation expands across industries and cultural institutions, the partnership is entering a significant new chapter.

Strengthening Ties

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1972, Italy and Bahrain have steadily expanded their cooperation. The opening of the Italian Embassy in Manama in 2002 marked an important milestone, followed by agreements establishing formal channels for political dialogue.

A further step came in November 2021, when the two countries signed an agreement establishing a Joint Bilateral Commission. Its first high-level meeting took place in Rome in June 2023, providing a framework for cooperation across trade, investment, education, technology and culture.

Recent years have brought significant developments. In January 2025, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made the first visit by an Italian Prime Minister to Bahrain, meeting His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

In September 2025, His Royal Highness visited Rome, where the two countries signed a Strategic Investment and Cooperation Partnership involving commitments valued at more than €1 billion. Representing a major step in bilateral economic relations, the agreement identified six priority sectors: energy, logistics, tourism, industry, financial services and information and communication technologies.

The relationship was further strengthened in December 2025, when Prime Minister Meloni returned to Bahrain and attended the 46th GCC Summit as Guest of Honour. Her participation also highlighted Italy’s commitment to developing relations between Europe and the Gulf.

Business Connections

Economic cooperation has become an increasingly important part of the relationship. Bilateral trade grew by 34.9% in 2025, with Bahraini exports to Italy increasing by 71% and Italian exports rising by 3.8%.

Bahrain primarily exports raw aluminium and base metals, while Italian exports include industrial machinery, chemicals, jewellery, food products and transport equipment.

Several agreements are translating this commercial relationship into industrial opportunities. Bahrain’s Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ASRY) has pursued partnerships with Italian companies including Leonardo, De Wave and Fincantieri, covering shipbuilding, vessel maintenance and maritime technology.

A separate agreement with Italian technology company Roboze concerns the development of a smart manufacturing facility in Bahrain. The proposed facility would use advanced 3D printing technology to produce specialised engineering components locally.

Italian companies are also contributing to Bahrain’s energy and infrastructure sectors. Eni has been active in the Kingdom since 2018, with cooperation extending to sustainability and energy diversification. Prysmian Group is involved in electricity transmission projects, while Leonardo’s activities include aviation safety, radar systems and naval modernisation.

Meanwhile, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat, has invested in Italian businesses including healthcare operator KOS Group and motorsport equipment manufacturer Racing Force Group.

Made in Bahrain

One particularly striking example of Italian-Bahraini industrial cooperation can be found beside Bahrain International Circuit.

Racing Force Group’s facility in Sakhir manufactures Bell Racing helmets used in international motorsport, including Formula 1. Combining Italian technology with Bahraini manufacturing, the expanded 12,000 sqm facility employs approximately 400 people and produces more than 115,000 units annually, comprising approximately 50,000 competition helmets and 65,000 collectible miniature helmets.

The site handles activities ranging from research and development to manufacturing and safety testing, demonstrating how the partnership supports specialised industrial production within the Kingdom.

Italian brands are also becoming increasingly visible in Bahrain’s consumer market. Eataly opened its first Bahraini location at Marassi Mall in 2025, while gelato brand La Romana and historic Roman chocolatier S.A.I.D. have expanded the Italian culinary offering.

Pramac, the Italian power equipment manufacturer, has established a regional headquarters in Manama, further demonstrating Bahrain’s appeal as a base for companies serving the wider Gulf.

Supporting Trade

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) plays an important role in connecting businesses from both countries. Its Manama Desk, inaugurated at the Italian Embassy in 2021, assists Italian companies entering the Bahraini market while supporting local entrepreneurs seeking commercial partnerships and investment opportunities in Italy.

Working alongside the Embassy’s Commercial Office, the Desk facilitates trade delegations, provides tailored business assistance and helps companies identify opportunities in both markets.
The agency celebrates its centenary in 2026, a milestone coinciding with a significant Italian presence at Jewellery Arabia.
From November 24 to 28, the exhibition at Exhibition World Bahrain will feature the first collective Italian Trade Agency Pavilion, bringing together 16 companies from across Italy.

Alongside established exhibitors, more than 30 Italian companies are expected to participate in the event.

Located in Hall 3, Booth C50, the pavilion will showcase Italian jewellery craftsmanship and contemporary design, strengthening commercial connections with Bahrain’s jewellery market.

Cultural Exchange

Beyond business and diplomacy, cultural cooperation remains central to relations between the two countries.

The Italian Embassy has supported performances at the Bahrain International Music Festival, including appearances by Italian jazz musicians Luca Velotti and Silvia Manco. Visual arts have provided another platform for collaboration.

Crossroads: A Visual Dialogue Between Italy & Bahrain, presented at the Bahrain National Museum, brought together Bahraini photographers Hanan Al Khalifa and Ghada Khunji with Italian artists Loredana Mantello and Valentina Costa.

Organised in collaboration with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the exhibition formed part of the 21st edition of Contemporary Art Day. Italian language and cuisine have also featured prominently in cultural exchanges. The Royal University for Women houses the Grazia Deledda Centre for Italian Language and Culture, while initiatives such as the Week of Italian Cuisine introduce audiences to Italy’s regional culinary traditions.

Academic partnerships extend these connections further. The King Hamad Chair for Inter-Faith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence was established at Sapienza University of Rome in 2018, while Bahrain’s Gulf University has developed a partnership with the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli to support research and academic exchanges.