Interview: Ali Al Baqali, CEO, Aluminium Bahrain How do you expect global volatility, interest rate projections and a strong US dollar to impact global aluminium demand over the medium term? ALI AL BAQALI: The global aluminium market is navigating sluggish demand. Initial optimism from restocking activities has waned as expectations for imminent interest-rate cuts diminish, compounded by inflation…
Interview:Somaya Al Radhi To what extent is Bahrain a destination for oil, gas and renewable energy investment? SOMAYA AL RADHI: Bahrain has been a destination for international oil and gas investment since the discovery of oil in the 1930s. Today, the kingdom continues to attract regional and global investment, encompassing financing, exploration and production activities. International partnerships…
Interview:Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina Where do you see opportunities for investment in the energy transition over the medium to long term? MOHAMED BIN MUBARAK BIN DAINA: Renewable energy presents a compelling investment opportunity, with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems ideal for large-scale deployment given Bahrain’s abundant sunshine. Although Bahrain’s wind potential is moderate, targeted…
Amid the backdrop of dynamic shifts in global trade patterns and technological advancement, Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence (AI) are substantially reshaping manufacturing landscapes in emerging markets. Although challenges exist for full implementation, including infrastructure and skill gaps, rapid urbanisation and a burgeoning young workforce in these countries drive demand for automation…
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…
While oil and gas may be the first industry that many people associate with the Gulf, the non-oil sector is by far the most dominant component of Bahrain’s economy. In 2023 the non-oil sector was responsible for a record 83.9% of the kingdom’s GDP, and industry accounted for around 14% of the overall economy that year. This category stretches from the giant aluminium plants of Aluminium Bahrain…
Bahrain, which was the first country in the Gulf where oil was discovered, is navigating the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition. While focusing on renewables production, energy efficiency and sustainability, new drilling projects in Bahrain’s offshore oil fields, combined with significant investment projects, indicate that hydrocarbons will continue to play an important role in…
Industry, including large aluminium plants and numerous smaller enterprises, represented 14% of the economy in 2023 with aims to increase its contribution to 14.5% by 2026. The kingdom has long prioritised manufacturing and industrial activities, supported by a sophisticated financial and governmental network. Bahrain is embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, expanding smart factory infrastructure…
Bahrain has seen its economy expand through diversification efforts, with a focus on finance, industry and technology. Projects in infrastructure, digital transformation and tourism aim to drive growth and attract foreign investment. The kingdom is committed to sustainability, targeting a 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035. The financial sector is a key contributor with innovation in financ
Interview: Saleh Al Solami, CEO, Industrial Centre To what extent will advanced manufacturing technologies drive the next phase of industrial growth? SALEH AL SOLAMI: Advanced technologies, particularly automation and artificial intelligence (AI), will be pivotal in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s industrial landscape. These technologies are integral to the Kingdom’s ambition to establish…
