UAE Embassy in Bahrain Hosts Dialogue Session on Taking National Brands Global

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in cooperation with the Bahrain Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, hosted a dialogue session entitled “Taking Our Brands Global” on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.

The session brought together a distinguished group of senior officials, business leaders, brand owners, investors and experts from the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain, providing a platform to exchange experiences and insights on the growth and international expansion of national brands.

At the opening of the session, H.E. Fahad Mohammed bin Kardous Al Ameri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Kingdom of Bahrain, delivered a welcoming address in which he expressed his sincere appreciation to all attendees and participants from the UAE and Bahrain. He highlighted that the gathering reflects the depth of the fraternal ties and strategic partnership that unite the two brotherly countries.

H.E. Al Ameri expressed his great pleasure and pride in convening the session on the sidelines of the “Made in the Gulf 2026” Forum and Exhibition, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and inaugurated on His Majesty’s behalf by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He noted that the event reaffirms the importance of joint Gulf action in strengthening cooperation and economic integration, while highlighting the exceptional capabilities and potential of the GCC countries in the fields of entrepreneurship, investment and industry.

His Excellency underscored the UAE’s strong commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, developing the private sector and enhancing the competitiveness of national companies. He emphasized that the UAE’s leadership recognizes local companies and brands as key drivers of economic diversification, the creation of high-quality opportunities, innovation and competitiveness in regional and global markets.

He also commended the achievements of UAE brands, which have demonstrated their ability to develop competitive business models, enter regional and international markets, and establish themselves as trusted brands. He attributed their success to a clear and ambitious vision; a commitment to quality, competitiveness and sustainability; a strong focus on distinctive identity; and the ability to innovate and expand, supported by an enabling business environment and strategic partnerships.

H.E. Al Ameri explained that the dialogue session was designed to showcase successful UAE and Bahraini experiences and the pioneering achievements of brands in both countries, while examining their respective journeys and the factors that enabled them to grow, expand and reach international markets.

“These experiences represent a genuine wealth of knowledge that can inspire more members of the business community and companies to launch and develop new brands that originate in the Gulf and reach the world, carrying with them our identity and values, the quality of our products, and our capacity for innovation and competitiveness,” he said.
His Excellency further praised the insights, ideas and cooperation opportunities presented during the session, noting that they have the potential to contribute to the establishment of new business and investment partnerships and further strengthen the position of the UAE, Bahrain and the GCC countries as a source of brands capable of competing regionally and globally.

The session highlighted the economic and investment potential and opportunities in both countries, as well as their role in enabling companies and brands to grow and expand, and to transition from local success to regional and global presence. It also showcased successful UAE and Bahraini brands that have successfully expanded beyond their domestic markets and established a presence in international markets.

The first session, entitled “Incentives and an Attractive Investment Environment: Accelerating Growth,” examined the role of the investment and legislative environment, as well as government incentives and initiatives, in enabling companies and brands to grow, enhance their competitiveness and prepare for expansion from local to regional and global markets.

The session featured H.E. Fahad Al Gergawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade; H.E. Osama Amir Fadel, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Accelerators at the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology; and Mr. Fawzi Al Jabri, Director of the Trademarks Department within the Intellectual Property Sector at the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The session was moderated by Mr. Ibrahim Al Tamimi, Institutional Assessment Expert.

The second session focused on “UAE and Bahraini Brands: Success Stories and Global Expansion.” Participants shared their companies’ experiences, key milestones in their growth journeys, the challenges they encountered, and the factors that contributed to their success and expansion beyond their domestic markets.

Representing the UAE were Mr. Omar Al Busaidi, Chairman of Future Factory for Pipe Manufacturing, and Mr. Mohammed Al Khatib, Marketing Manager at National Fire Fighting Manufacturing Company (NAFFCO).

Representing the Kingdom of Bahrain were Mr. Ammar Awaji, Chief Executive Officer of Taha International Industrial Services; Mr. Redha Abdulameer Salman, Deputy General Manager of Al Salwa Meat Factory; and Mr. Ali Jasim, Business Development Manager at Midal Cables.

The dialogue subsequently turned to the perspective of the business community and the role of institutions that work directly with companies and respond to their needs and aspirations. This was addressed through the third and final session, entitled “Common Success Factors and Challenges.”

The discussion highlighted the role of chambers of commerce in the UAE and Bahrain, as well as other supporting entities, in empowering the business community and enabling companies and brands to access new markets.

The session featured H.E. Aisha Mohammed Al Mulla, Chairwoman of the UAE Businesswomen Council; Ms. Nada Al Hajeri, General Coordinator of the Sharjah Economic Excellence Award and representative of the Federation of Chambers; and Mr. Shaker Mirza Al Helli, Board Member of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chief Executive Officer of Mirza Al Helli & Sons.