Bahrain to Host Fintech Forward Forum in October 2026

Bahrain is preparing to host the Fintech Forward 2026 forum from October 7-8, 2026, at Exhibition World Bahrain. The event, now in its fourth edition, will convene international thought leaders and financial services pioneers to shape the next phase of innovation in the sector.

Organized by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) in partnership with Forbes Middle East, Fintech Forward 2026 (FF26) will address the most pressing challenges and investment opportunities driving growth within Bahrain's financial services ecosystem and the wider region.

Supported by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) and Bahrain FinTech Bay, this year's theme is "Finance in the Era of Smart Infrastructure." The forum aims to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and industry advancement, building on Bahrain's position as a hub for financial innovation.

Mohammed AlAlawi, Marketing and Communications Director at Bahrain EDB, highlighted that financial services constitute over 17% of Bahrain's GDP. FF26 serves as a platform to showcase the sector's progress and its pivotal role in driving economic growth. The agenda includes panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities addressing the evolving global financial landscape.

Despite ongoing global economic uncertainty, the financial services sector demonstrates resilience. Bahrain's regulatory framework and public-private collaborations foster stability while stimulating innovation. FF26 will focus on tangible growth pathways, including closer integration between financial systems, regulation, and infrastructure.