Bahrain and U.S. Formalize $17 Billion Economic Partnership

Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, announced plans to invest over $17 billion in the United States during a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House on July 16, 2025. This substantial investment encompasses agreements across aviation, technology, energy, and manufacturing sectors, reflecting a deepening of economic ties between the two nations.

A significant component of the investment is a $7 billion agreement between Bahrain's national carrier, Gulf Air, and American companies Boeing and General Electric (GE). The deal includes the purchase of 12 aircraft, with an option for six additional planes, and 40 GE engines. This agreement is expected to support approximately 30,000 American jobs.

In the technology sector, Bahrain plans to collaborate with Oracle and Cisco to enhance its technological infrastructure. Notably, there are plans to replace Chinese servers with Cisco products, aiming to bolster cybersecurity and technological resilience.

Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat Holding Company, will invest $2 billion in U.S. downstream aluminum projects, focusing on job creation and increasing domestic aluminum production. Additionally, investments are planned in U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) production to secure energy supplies for Bahrain. Bahrain also intends to purchase advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips in collaboration with American companies, positioning itself at the forefront of technological advancements.

Plans have been announced for an 800-kilometer multi-fiber submarine cable connecting Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq to global networks, enhancing regional connectivity.

A significant memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani to explore commercial nuclear development. This agreement marks a pivotal step in bilateral cooperation on nuclear energy.

These agreements are expected to support approximately 30,000 American jobs, underscoring the mutual economic benefits of the partnership.

Bahrain and the U.S. have maintained a strategic partnership for over 80 years, encompassing defense, trade, and shared values. Bahrain hosts the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet and the headquarters of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, underscoring the depth of their alliance.

This announcement follows previous significant foreign investment deals secured by President Trump during his Middle East visit in May 2025, including a $600 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia and a $142 billion arms deal.

The $17 billion investment signifies a strengthening of U.S.-Bahrain relations, with potential positive impacts on job creation and economic growth in both countries. The focus on technology and energy sectors aligns with global trends towards digital transformation and energy diversification.

Bahrain's announcement of a $17 billion investment in the United States marks a significant milestone in the economic partnership between the two nations. By encompassing key sectors such as aviation, technology, energy, and manufacturing, these agreements are poised to foster economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement, further solidifying the longstanding alliance between Bahrain and the United States.