Bitcoin infrastructure provider OpenNode will test a Bitcoin payment processing and payouts solution in the Central Bank of Bahrain’s (CBB) regulatory sandbox, the company announced Sept. 13. This is the latest of several steps the kingdom has taken to join the crypto economy both on its own and as a member of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC).

OpenNode will provide the first Bitcoin (BTC) infrastructure in Bahrain, although the Gulf island nation has been luring fintech companies to its shores for the past several years as it transitions away from an petroleum-based economy. OpenNode CEO and cofounder Afnan Rahman called the agreement with the CBB, "a watershed moment for the people of Bahrain, the Middle East and the Bitcoin economy as a whole.”

Bahrain Economic Development Board Investment Development for Financial Services Executive Director Dalal Buhejji commented on the addition of OpenNode to the CBB sandbox:

Nonetheless, Bahrain is unlikely to edge out Dubai as the most crypto-forward in the Gulf region.

The CBB set up a regulatory sandbox in 2017 and enhanced it in 2021. Also in 2021, Bahrain licensed the local Sharia-complaint crypto exchange CoinMENA.

Related: Bahrain is Eyeing at Becoming Middle East Pioneer in Blockchain

This year, the CBB licensed Binance to operate in the country, making Binance the first international crypto exchange to receive a license in the GCC. It also partnered with JPMorgan Chase’s crypto unit Onyx to create an instant cross-border payment solution.

"This is a watershed moment for the people of Bahrain, #Bitcoin economy as a whole.OpenNode's leading #BTC infrastructure solution continues to pave the way for countries, governments and reputable financial