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Economic Development Board (EDB)

The investment promotion agency responsible for attracting foreign direct investment to Bahrain.

The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is the leading public agency tasked with attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Kingdom and supporting strategic initiatives that enhance the investment climate.

Role of the EDB in Bahrain

Unlike the Ministry of Industry & Commerce (MOIC), which acts as the regulatory registrar, the EDB serves as an enabler and catalyst for foreign investors. The EDB functions as a single point of contact for international businesses, providing guidance, market intelligence, and coordination with government entities.

Investor Facilitation: The EDB works closely with government authorities through its Team Bahrain approach to streamline market entry, facilitate approvals, and support strategic investments across key sectors.

Strategic Focus Sectors

The EDB actively promotes and offers targeted incentives for investments in key sectors aligned with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030:

  • πŸ’³
    Financial Services Supporting FinTech, digital banking, wealth management, insurance, and Islamic finance businesses leveraging Bahrain's established financial ecosystem.
  • βš™οΈ
    Manufacturing & Logistics Positioning Bahrain as a gateway to GCC markets with advanced infrastructure, industrial zones, and regional connectivity.
  • πŸ’»
    ICT & Technology Promoting cloud computing, cybersecurity, software development, digital transformation, and technology startups through Bahrain's growing innovation ecosystem.
  • πŸ₯
    Tourism & Healthcare Facilitating investments in hospitality, healthcare services, medical facilities, tourism projects, and mixed-use developments.

EDB Investor Support Services

Partnering with the EDB provides foreign businesses with tangible advantages during the setup phase:

βœ“
Market Intelligence Access to sector reports, economic insights, cost analyses, and market-entry intelligence.
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Site Selection Assistance with identifying offices, industrial facilities, logistics hubs, business parks, and strategic investment locations.
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Government Coordination Facilitating engagement with MOIC, LMRA, CBB, and other regulatory authorities throughout the investment process.
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Talent Acquisition Connecting investors with Tamkeen programs, workforce development initiatives, and expatriate employment support through LMRA.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Business licenses and commercial registrations are issued by the Ministry of Industry & Commerce (MOIC). The EDB serves as an investment facilitation agency and supports investors during the setup process.
No. EDB investor support services are generally provided free of charge to qualifying investors and businesses exploring opportunities in Bahrain.
No. The EDB does not typically provide direct grants. However, it can connect eligible businesses with programs offered by Tamkeen and other support initiatives that may provide funding, training, wage support, or business development assistance.

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