The UAE contributed 10% of Bahrain’s foreign direct investment (FDI) stocks, taking the third place, according to the latest figures, a report said.

A statement issued by Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), said Bahrain has secured a record $6.8 billion FDI inflows in 2023, according to the latest World Investment Report (WIR 2024) by the United Nations Conference of Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Emirates News Agency, WAM, said.

Marking one of the highest ratios in the world, Bahrain’s FDI stocks relative to GDP stood at 99.7% as of the end of 2023, a figure significantly higher than the global average of 46.9%.

According to Bahrain’s Information & eGovernment Authority, the top countries contributing to Bahrain’s FDI stocks as part of a diverse portfolio include Kuwait (36%), Saudi Arabia (23%) and the UAE (10%).

The figure tops the previous record set in 2022, marking a huge increase of 148% from $2.8 billion. This contributed to the growth of cumulative inward FDI stocks, which climbed from $36.2 billion in 2022 to $43.1 billion in 2023.

Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of Bahrain EDB, said: “The milestone FDI inflows attracted in 2023 reflects the strength of Bahrain’s value proposition and continued standing as a trusted destination of choice for regional and global investors seeking best value operating costs in a strategic location that serves as an ideal gateway to the region and beyond.”