Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber, Nabeel Kanoo, affirmed that the anniversary of the establishment of the Bahrain Chamber represents a national occasion to celebrate a distinguished legacy dating back to 1910. For more than a century, the Chamber has continued to serve Bahrain’s merchants, the private sector, and the national economy, cementing its position as the first chamber of commerce in the Arabian Gulf and one of the Kingdom’s oldest economic institutions.
On this occasion, Nabeel Kanoo extended his highest appreciation, gratitude, and thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the support and attention extended to the Chamber and the private sector, as well as for the wise leadership’s efforts in providing the foundations necessary to develop the business environment and strengthen the private sector’s contribution to comprehensive economic development.
Kanoo said that the roots of the Chamber date back to 1910, during the reign of His Highness Isa the Great, Ruler of Bahrain and its Dependencies, may his soul rest in peace. That period witnessed the beginnings of organized commercial activity through the Merchants’ Council, which represented the foundation for a longstanding journey in regulating merchants’ affairs and representing their interests.
He added that this journey continued to develop gradually and organically as commercial activity expanded and merchants’ needs grew. In 1939, the Merchants’ Council evolved into a more organized entity under the name “General Association of Bahrain Traders,” which later became the “Bahrain Chamber of Commerce.” The Chamber reached another important milestone in 1967, when a new statute was adopted and its name was changed to the “Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” reflecting the expanding scope of economic activity and the growing role and responsibilities of the Chamber in serving the private sector.
Kanoo emphasized that this historic evolution from the Merchants’ Council, to the General Association of Bahrain Traders, to the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce, and ultimately to the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry represents a continuous journey carried forward by generations of Bahraini merchants and business owners. Together, they helped build an institution whose roles evolved alongside the development of the national economy.
Kanoo affirmed that the prosperous era under His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, marked a pivotal chapter in the Chamber’s history and a transformative milestone in its journey, particularly in light of the economic and legislative modernization witnessed by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the development of the business environment, and the strengthened position of the private sector as a key partner in development.
He noted that one of the most prominent milestones of this era was the issuance of Decree-Law No. (48) of 2012 concerning the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The decree established a comprehensive legal framework governing the Chamber’s operations and defining its objectives and responsibilities, further consolidating its role in representing the private sector and articulating its interests, while strengthening its contribution to discussions on economic policies and legislation.
Kanoo emphasized that throughout its history, the Chamber has remained a national partner in supporting economic development, serving as a voice for the aspirations of the private sector. Through its successive boards of directors, the Chamber has contributed to presenting the views of the business community, supporting the development of economic legislation, enhancing the investment environment, and strengthening public-private sector partnerships.
He added that the prosperous era under His Majesty the King also witnessed the Chamber’s relocation to its current headquarters, “Bait Al Tijjar,” reflecting its standing and keeping pace with the expansion of its services and the evolution of its roles. This was accompanied by a stronger presence in discussions on economic legislation and policies, the presentation of private-sector views, and active participation in matters related to the business environment, labour market, education, and training.
Kanoo highlighted that His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has given the private sector a central role in the Kingdom’s development journey and reinforced an approach based on partnership, communication, and coordination between the government and the business community. This has strengthened the Chamber’s role in discussing economic priorities, conveying the views of business owners, and contributing to national initiatives aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the Bahraini economy.
Kanoo affirmed that the Chamber’s Board of Directors will continue building on the legacy created by generations of Bahraini merchants and successive boards by developing the Chamber’s services and working tools, strengthening its presence, and expanding its channels of communication with business owners. This will enable the Chamber to keep pace with economic transformations, meet the aspirations of the private sector, enhance its contribution to economic development, and further consolidate the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for business and investment.
Kanoo concluded by emphasizing that commemorating the anniversary of the establishment of the Bahrain Chamber is an expression of loyalty to the legacy of generations of Bahraini merchants who contributed to building this journey, an opportunity to draw inspiration from an economic history spanning more than a century, and a renewal of the commitment to continue the Chamber’s role in representing the private sector and strengthening its partnership with various state institutions, in support of comprehensive development under the leadership of His Majesty the King.
