Steel Meets Sunshine: Bahrain’s Bold Leap into the Future

A Vision Forged in Light

In **MANAMA, Bahrain**, a new chapter in industrial history unfolds. **Foulath Holding**, the powerhouse behind **Bahrain Steel** and **SULB**, has joined forces with **Yellow Door Energy**, the Middle East and Africa's leading sustainable energy developer, for a truly groundbreaking sustainability initiative. Together, they are set to develop a massive **123-Megawatt-Peak (MWp)** solar project under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) — one of the largest of its kind in the world.  

At the heart of this monumental feat is the **world’s largest single-site rooftop solar power plant**, boasting an impressive **50 MWp** capacity. Imagine **77,000 gleaming solar panels** stretched across a sprawling **262,000-square-meter stockyard shed**, turning steel production into a cleaner, greener process. This visionary project was proudly announced at the **Gateway Gulf Forum**, hosted by the **Bahrain Economic Development Board** at the Four Seasons Hotel, Bahrain Bay — a gathering of global industrial innovators, policymakers, and investors.  

More Than Power: A Commitment to the Planet

This initiative is not just about energy — it’s about responsibility 🌍. **H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif**, Minister of Sustainable Development, emphasized Bahrain’s leadership in clean technology, highlighting the nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its ambitious **Net Zero 2060 target**. Her remarks capture the spirit of a country determined to merge innovation with sustainability.  

For **Foulath Holding’s Chairman, Meshary Al-Judaimi**, the solar project continues a long-standing pledge, backed by USD 250 million invested in sustainability projects over recent years. The move aligns industrial ambitions with environmental protection, setting a precedent for steelmakers worldwide. As **Sherif ElKholy** of **Actis** noted, this initiative proves that cost-competitive clean energy is not just possible — it’s transformative, and it’s capable of decarbonizing even the most energy-intensive industries.  

Ripples of Change Across the Gulf

In its first year, the solar plant will generate **200 million kilowatt-hours (kWh)** of clean electricity, reducing **90,000 metric tons** of carbon emissions — a remarkable stride toward a greener Bahrain. With over **189,900 high-efficiency panels** spanning more than **707,000 square meters**, this engineering marvel will inspire similar initiatives across the Gulf and beyond.  

From rooftop solar arrays to ground-mounted installations, the project stands as a beacon for future industrial sustainability. It’s more than an achievement; it’s a clear signal that Bahrain, driven by innovators like Foulath Holding and Yellow Door Energy, is ready to redefine the very fabric of its industrial identity. 

Gateway Gulf 2025: Bahrain’s Grand Stage for Global Investment Horizons

A Kingdom at the Crossroads of Opportunity

MANAMA, Bahrain – The Kingdom of Bahrain is poised to welcome senior international delegates from across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Gulf region for the highly anticipated third edition of **Gateway Gulf**, taking place from **2–3 November 2025** at the iconic Four Seasons Hotel, Bahrain Bay. Set against sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf, this invitation-only gathering will unite **200 distinguished guests** — global investors, policymakers, ministers, and visionary business leaders — under the resonant theme *"Rethinking Global Investment for New Trade Dynamics."* The air will be charged with purpose as participants explore high-value opportunities, forging partnerships to shape the future of trade and investment.  

Hosted by the **Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB)**,

and supported by senior government officials, Gateway Gulf will spotlight a region in the midst of a remarkable **economic transformation**. With the Gulf's GDP surpassing **USD 2 trillion** and forecasted to reach **USD 6 trillion by 2050**, Bahrain emerges as a strategically vital hub where non-oil sectors already contribute more than **86%** of GDP. Here, a future-ready environment blends local traditions with avant-garde innovation, offering global investors unparalleled scope for scalable, sustainable growth.  

Building Momentum, Shaping Tomorrow

Following the trailblazing success of **Gateway Gulf 2024** — where over **USD 12 billion** in investments and strategic agreements were announced — the 2025 edition promises an even deeper and more transformative agenda. This high-caliber event will feature **curated panel discussions**, intimate one-on-one investor meetings, and showcases of investable projects drawn from across the Gulf. Beyond the business realm, attendees will be immersed in Bahrain’s vibrant cultural tapestry, gaining insights into its unique blend of tradition and modernity — a reminder that economic growth thrives in places where innovation meets heritage.  

Transitioning from insight to action, the forum will examine key global and regional trends, such as **digital transformation**, the **energy transition**, and bold sustainability initiatives. Industry pathways in financial services, ICT, manufacturing, logistics, and tourism will be explored with precision, spearheaded by ministers and C-suite executives determined to chart new routes for collaboration. More than a meeting of minds, Gateway Gulf 2025 stands as a strategic catalyst — reinforcing Bahrain’s role as a trusted global partner, equipped with advanced infrastructure, future-ready human capital, and a genuinely business-friendly environment. This platform will not only facilitate dialogue but will serve as a launchpad for visionary partnerships that can redefine the investment landscape for decades to come.  

This blog paints Bahrain as the shimmering nexus where opportunity and ambition collide — a place where Gateway Gulf 2025 will script the next chapter of economic evolution.  

Heat Waves and High Hopes: JETOUR’s Epic Endurance Challenge

Alright, folks! Buckle up because JETOUR is about to take us on a wild ride across the scorching sands of the Middle East! After nailing its extreme cold challenge, the brand is ready to tackle the heat with an epic cross-border expedition. Picture this: starting at the end of June and stretching for a full month, JETOUR will cover over 3,000 kilometers through some of the hottest climates imaginable. From Oman, they’ll cruise through the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, and Kuwait, before culminating at the breathtaking “Edge of the World” in Saudi Arabia. Yep, you heard that right!

Now, you might be wondering what’s behind this crazy adventure. Well, the star of the show is none other than the T2 i-DM, JETOUR’s first hybrid SUV, making waves since its debut in Qatar last December. This vehicle isn’t just here to look pretty; it’s ready to prove its mettle. With a series of demanding test scenarios lined up, including extended desert driving and solar load testing, the T2 i-DM will showcase its performance capabilities under extreme conditions. Can you say “ultimate road trip challenge”? 

The Star Performer: T2 i-DM

Let’s talk about the real MVP here—the JETOUR T2 i-DM! This hybrid upgrade of the popular T2 is not just a pretty face; it’s loaded with features that make it a standout in the SUV market. With a combined fuel consumption of only 0.8L/100km and a pure electric range of 139 km, it’s the perfect companion for everything from your daily commute to adventurous camping trips. Plus, it even supports high-power external discharge for those outdoor escapades! Talk about versatility!

And don’t forget, JETOUR is not just about performance; they’re also about building a community. They’ve invited top auto media, influencers, and professional drivers from the Middle East to join this specialized team for the expedition. It’s all about putting the T2 i-DM through its paces and showcasing its strength in harsh environments. With JETOUR already ranking 4th in SUV sales in 2025, this challenge is sure to boost its recognition and growth even further. So, keep your eyes peeled for updates on this thrilling journey—this is one road trip you won’t want to miss!

Bridging Continents: Bahrain's Leap into the Future with the 2Africa Pearls Submarine Cable

A Landmark Achievement for Global Connectivity

In a groundbreaking development for international telecommunications, stc has successfully landed the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable system in Bahrain. This project represents a monumental investment of US$ 205 million, marking a significant milestone in global connectivity. Notably, the 2Africa cable system is recognized as the world's longest submarine cable, stretching across 45,000 kilometers. The successful landing of this cable, which occurred on June 4, next to the Seef District, was attended by dignitaries such as H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, and Eng. Khalid Al Osaimi, Chief Executive Officer of stc Bahrain.

The implications of this achievement extend far beyond the mere physical presence of the cable. It serves to enhance Bahrain's status as a prominent ICT hub, thereby accelerating digital transformation across connected countries. This influx of connectivity is expected to attract significant international investments, create job opportunities, and foster innovation across multiple sectors. As H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah highlighted, this endeavor aligns perfectly with the aspirations of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, which seeks to bolster the Kingdom's position on both regional and global stages.

Empowering a Digital Economy

Eng. Khalid Al Osaimi expressed enthusiasm regarding the landing of the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable, noting that it will increase Bahrain's connectivity capacity tenfold, with the potential for future scalability. This expansion is crucial for cementing Bahrain’s role as a leading communications and digital hub in the region. The cable, designed with a remarkable capacity of 180 terabits per second, will enable faster adoption of new technologies and digital solutions. This is particularly relevant in today’s data-driven world, where applications such as content streaming, cloud computing, and gaming demand high-speed internet connectivity.

Furthermore, the benefits of the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable extend to both businesses and consumers. For enterprises, the increased connectivity offers improved communication, greater access to global markets, and enhanced operational efficiency. On the consumer front, this transformative project promises reliable internet services and a richer digital experience. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for innovation, paving the way for emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The successful landing of the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable in Bahrain is not merely an infrastructural achievement; it is a transformative leap toward a digitally empowered economy. Through strategic investments and partnerships, Bahrain is poised to enhance its global connectivity, fostering innovation and growth across various sectors. As we look towards the future, the implications of this monumental project will resonate not only within the Kingdom but also across the broader region, solidifying Bahrain's role as a key player in the global digital landscape.

Cainiao’s Strategic Expansion into the GCC

In a significant development for the logistics sector, Cainiao, a global leader in smart logistics, has recently launched its global-to-global express delivery service across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This expansion, which includes the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of cross-border e-commerce logistics. By enabling e-commerce platforms to fulfill their logistics requirements in as little as three days, Cainiao is not merely enhancing its services; it is propelling the entire logistics landscape forward, addressing the escalating demand for expedited delivery options in both local and cross-border markets.

As the first Chinese logistics provider to establish a unified express network throughout the Middle East, Cainiao's initiative comes at a time when the region is experiencing unprecedented growth in economic activity and consumer expenditure. The Middle East, projected to witness its e-commerce market surge to $50 billion by 2025, serves as a fertile ground for innovative logistics solutions. Within this context, Cainiao's layered logistics strategy—offering both rapid air freight and economical overland shipping options—positions the company as a pivotal player in the regional logistics ecosystem.

Tailored Solutions for a Dynamic Market

Cainiao's strategic approach to logistics in the Middle East encompasses a comprehensive array of air and ground shipping alternatives designed to cater to the diverse needs of e-commerce platforms. Notably, the air freight option promises deliveries in as little as three days between countries, ensuring that businesses can meet customer expectations for swift service. Conversely, the overland shipping option provides a cost-effective solution for reaching any city within 6-8 days, thereby accommodating a broader spectrum of logistical requirements.

Moreover, the affordability of Cainiao's services further enhances its appeal. By keeping shipping costs comparable to the price of a cup of coffee—approximately $1 less per kilogram than the market average—Cainiao ensures that efficient delivery remains accessible to a wide range of businesses. This commitment to affordability and reliability reflects the company's deep understanding of local market dynamics and its dedication to fostering growth within the region's e-commerce sector.

William Xiong, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cross-border at Cainiao Group, emphasizes the importance of this expansion. "Building a global smart parcel network is central to Cainiao's core strategy, and the Middle East is a key region within our global footprint," he states. Such insights underline Cainiao's commitment to not only expanding its global network but also actively engaging with local partners to enhance the efficiency of cross-border logistics solutions.

Cainiao's launch of its express delivery service in the GCC represents a transformative step in logistics, promising to bridge gaps in e-commerce delivery across the region. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of global trade, Cainiao stands poised to empower them with the tools and solutions necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected marketplace. For more information about Cainiao and its services, potential partners and businesses can visit [cainiao.com](http://cainiao.com) or reach out through designated contact channels.