A raft of major industrial and infrastructure projects are spurring activity and investment in Bahrain’s construction industry. An initial set of large-scale projects is already under way, with several multibillion-dollar developments on track to be finished in the next three to four years. Project pipeline The total project pipeline – including long-term builds like the $3bn King Hamad Causeway,…
A continued flow of investments in infrastructure looks set to maintain Bahrain’s upward trajectory in the second half of this year, with non-hydrocarbons sectors helping to drive the country’s fastest growth rate in two years. According to data issued by the Economic Development Board (EDB) in late July, the economy expanded by 0.8% quarter-on-quarter from January to March and 4.5% year-on-year…
A rising number of tourists combined with steady job growth is driving demand in Bahrain’s retail sector and spurring the development of a number of new retail centres. Some of the best performers in Bahrain’s current retail market are operators in the food and beverage segment, according to a recent report by real estate consultancy firm Cluttons, with demand in the retail sector supported by…
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Providing countrywide high-speed internet service is the overarching aim of Bahrain’s latest master plan for the kingdom’s ICT industry. Launched on May 8 and set to run over the next three years, the fourth National Telecommunications Plan (NTP) targets improving connectivity and data transfer speeds across the kingdom, while also providing universal fibre optic coverage through stronger infrastructure. Shoring…
In a bid to turn the kingdom into a knowledge-based economy, the British Accreditation Council (BAC) is rolling out Bahrain’s national university accreditation system following the completion of the second of several pilot inspections at the turn of the year. The Higher Education Council (HEC) – the governing body of the BACin Bahrain – has required universities to submit reports for accreditation…
The shape of the wealth and asset management sectors in the GCC is unique and the last two decades have confirmed the region’s position as an important financial hub for wealth and asset management, as well as a key trading centre connecting East and West. Indeed, the financial services industry has made significant contributions to the impressive economic growth rates across the GCC. However,…
An expanded bus network and a new light rail project are set to improve traffic conditions in Bahrain, while a planned second causeway to the Arabian peninsula should help ease regional freight transport over the long term. The Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications (MTT) has already expanded the reach of its public transport system to 77% of the population by expanding routes across the country…
Ensuring the safety and security of major economic drivers such as the production, storage and international distribution of energy is vital in GCC countries. Presided over by Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, Bahrain’s minister of energy, InfraSec 2016 will be held April 18-20, 2016. Supported by the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) and the Bahrain National Gas Company (BANAGAS), Infrasec…
Early indicators suggest that investor sentiment in Bahrain has been largely unaffected by a recent credit rating downgrade from Standard & Poor’s (S&P). Ratings action In mid-February S&P lowered Bahrain’s rating by two rungs from “BBB-” to “BB” with a stable outlook, citing concerns over falling energy revenue and rising public debt levels. “We expect the impact of lower…
