Analysis

Bahrain’s Economic Recovery Plan boosts economic resilience
OBG
plus

Bahrain launched its Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) in October 2021 to address the economic stresses that arose during the Covid-19 pandemic, and to keep the kingdom on track to achieve the goals of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. Workforce strengthening and job creation is one of the ERP’s five central pillars, with the government intent on cultivating a local talent pool equipped to compete…

Analysis

Bahrain harnesses artificial intelligence technology to bolster growth
OBG
plus

As part of ongoing efforts to diversify their economies and build a platform for sustainable future growth, MENA countries are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI). A slew of recent investment and initiatives – primarily in academia and the government, but also in the private sector – has reinvigorated interest from industry leaders around the globe in the potential for AI to strengthen…

Analysis

Bahrain's financing frameworks boost sustainability initiatives
OBG
plus

As Bahrain’s policymakers work to create an environment conducive to the realisation of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the kingdom’s net-zero target, businesses are aligning strategic priorities and operational practices with national environmental and socio-economic objectives. In particular, investment in clean energy and energy-efficiency solutions, as…

Analysis

Emerging markets shifting towards sustainability initiatives
OBG
plus

Impact investment – which is designed to generate tangible social and environmental benefits alongside financial returns – presents promising risk-adjusted prospects. This type of investment not only provides value for investors, but can also greatly advance progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A Maturing Sector Impact investing continues to expand in both depth and sophistication,…

Analysis

Digital payment platforms grow with high demand in emerging markets
OBG
plus

Despite the ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds experienced by the global economy, one area of the international financial system that has shown steady progression is digital payments. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, they have been spurred by a jump in remittance flows, and the greater availability of digital infrastructure and services, as well as higher demand for fast and seamless non-physical…

Analysis

Bahrain’s regulatory sandbox fuels growth in financial technology
OBG
plus

Bahrain’s financial technology (fintech) ecosystem has undergone significant changes in recent years as the country seeks to enhance its reputation for innovation in the financial services sector and stimulate the growth of start-ups. In September 2023 Benefit, a Bahraini fintech company providing electronic financial transaction services, finalised its acquisition of Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB), which…

Analysis

Initiatives help insurance sector reduce climate change risk
OBG
plus

With the launch of a new joint initiative to support the countries most vulnerable to climate change, the global insurance industry is evolving in ways that could carry important implications for business in emerging markets. The initiative, the Global Shield against Climate Risks (GSCR), was announced by the ministers of finance of the Vulnerable Twenty (V20) Group – which comprises economies susceptible…

Analysis

Regional focus on ESG boosts Bahrain's green finance projects
OBG
plus

Following the COP28 UN Conference on Climate Change, hosted by the UAE in late 2023, GCC member countries have seen intensified regional efforts to expedite the energy transition, implement environmental strategies and establish new financial frameworks emphasising climate action. This shift has catalysed the emergence of new investment products and strategies that incorporate environmental, social…

Analysis

Emerging markets navigating the rising cost of solar power
OBG
plus

With high energy prices and supply chain disruptions creating shortages of renewable energy components and materials, emerging markets are reassessing how to build out utility-scale solar power to accelerate their energy transitions. After more than a decade of decline, the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels has risen around the world, due primarily to the increasing cost of solar-grade polysilicon…

Analysis

Regional cooperation to boost Bahrain's tourism sector
OBG
plus

Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy 2022-26 aims to diversify the country’s economic portfolio and increase the sector’s contribution to GDP. Key targets of the strategy include attracting 14.1m tourists by 2026 and increasing average visitor expenditure and length of stay. The plan focuses on facilitating entry, developing tourist attractions, marketing and promoting tourism, and improving accommodation…