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This article also features in Bahrain. Read more about this report and view purchase options in our online store.

Bahrain Economic Research Highlights

The Report: Bahrain 2022

After weathering a series of global and regional challenges in recent years, Bahrain is emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic with strong growth, rising government revenue and a new plan for the future economy...

How Bahrain's banks are shifting towards sustainability and green finance

Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Helaissi

In this Global Platform video, Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Helaissi, Group CEO and Member of the Board of Gulf International Bank, discusses a sector-wide shift towards sustainability and the issuance of green bonds.

Economic Analysis & Insights 2022-23: Bahrain
Viewpoint
Overview

What factors are setting the stage for economic growth in Bahrain

For much of its history, Bahrain was the name for the eastern coast of Arabia. The name Bahrain means “two seas” in Arabic, and this has come to identify the largest of the 33 natural islands of the archipelago that makes up the kingdom.
Interview

Jean-Christophe Durand, CEO, National Bank of Bahrain (NBB): Interview

On meeting customer needs in a rapidly evolving landscape
Overview

How Bahrain remained resilient among global economic crises

After weathering a series of global and regional challenges in recent years, Bahrain is emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic with a return to growth, rising government revenue and a new plan for the kingdom’s future economy. It was able to weather the 2020-22 period that was characterised by low energy prices on international markets, which resulted in slowed GDP growth both in the GCC and at home.
Interview
Economic News

Bahrain’s Industrial Sector Strategy 2022-26 to attract investment

The Industrial Sector Strategy 2022-26 was launched in late December 2021 as part of the national Economic Recovery Plan to help Bahrain recover from the economic slowdown brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Viewpoint

Mubeen Khadir, Head of Tax and Corporate Services, KPMG Bahrain: Viewpoint

On the future possibility and impact of corporate tax

Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure: Viewpoint
What factors are setting the stage for economic growth in Bahrain
Jean-Christophe Durand, CEO, National Bank of Bahrain (NBB): Interview
How Bahrain remained resilient among global economic crises
Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Industry and Commerce: Interview
Bahrain’s Industrial Sector Strategy 2022-26 to attract investment
Mubeen Khadir, Head of Tax and Corporate Services, KPMG Bahrain: Viewpoint
 

Bahrain Economic Research & Views
Economic News

Can proptech disrupt real estate in emerging markets?

Emerging markets are increasingly harnessing data and software to disrupt and streamline their real estate markets and meet the needs of young people and businesses.
Economic News

How the GCC Railway could revolutionise trade and transport in the Gulf

Following delays, the long-awaited GCC Railway looks likely to be revitalised, a move that could transform trade and connectivity across the Gulf.
Economic Views

Sheikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, CEO, Bahrain Bourse (BHB)

On leveraging capital markets to facilitate economic recovery
Economic News

Which sectors stand to benefit from a UK-GCC trade deal?

As part of plans to expand and diversify its global trade partners, the GCC has launched negotiations with the UK on a free trade agreement that is expected to bolster the bloc’s economy, help attract investment and provide greater opportunities for local businesses.
Economic View

Alex Craine, CEO, Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company

On the pandemic’s impact on office real estate in Bahrain
Economic News

The competitive outlook for artificial intelligence in MENA

As part of ongoing efforts to diversify their economies and build a platform for sustainable future growth, MENA nations are increasingly turning towards artificial intelligence (AI).
Economic View

Abdulwahab Al Sadoun, Secretary-General, Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA)

On the industry’s role in the GCC’s economic diversification
Video

How viable is Bahrain's economic recovery plan?

After emerging as one of the GCC's most vibrant and diversified economies in the 1990s and early 2000s thanks in large part to a dynamic financial services sector, Bahrain faced headwinds in the form of the 2008 financial crisis and the Arab Spring, before contending with the coronavirus pandemic.

Can proptech disrupt real estate in emerging markets?
How the GCC Railway could revolutionise trade and transport in the Gulf
Sheikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, CEO, Bahrain Bourse (BHB)
Which sectors stand to benefit from a UK-GCC trade deal?
Alex Craine, CEO, Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company
The competitive outlook for artificial intelligence in MENA
Abdulwahab Al Sadoun, Secretary-General, Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA)
How viable is Bahrain's economic recovery plan?
 

Highlights from The Report: Bahrain 2022

Elevated oil prices are helping Bahrain rebound from the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, and driving an economic expansion that is expected to continue through 2022 and into the coming years. With some $30bn in infrastructure projects in the pipeline, the country is seeking to strengthen its position as a regional logistics destination.

ESG in Bahrain and GCC

Economic News

What does the future hold for Islamic finance?

After remaining resilient in 2020, the Islamic finance segment is performing strongly this year, as an improved economic environment, a rise in the number of large projects and an increased focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors combine to drive demand.

Economic News

Carbon emissions: How will the Gulf get to net-zero?

As global leaders in politics and business continue to meet in Glasgow to discuss environmental issues as part of UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), some of the world’s most fossil fuel-dependent countries have launched plans to reach net-zero carbon emissions.

ESG Intelligence Report

Report: The future of sustainable finance in Kuwait’s banking sector

The regulatory landscape for Gulf financial service providers is changing, with growing awareness of the need for banking institutions to adopt sustainable finance frameworks and responsible lending and operational practices in order to manage risk and attract international investment.

Economic News

Sustainable construction in the Gulf: building a greener future?

As industries around the world increasingly turn towards environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies to support their recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, focus is sharpening on sustainable construction in the Middle East.

Economic News

Is hydrogen the key to the Gulf’s energy transition?

With hydrocarbons-rich countries in the Gulf increasingly looking to reduce their carbon emissions, some in the region are turning towards multi-coloured hydrogen as a more environmentally sustainable solution.

ESG Intelligence Report

Report: The road to a zero-emission automotive industry in the Middle East and Africa

Automotive stakeholders are increasingly aware that the business-as-usual scenario that has sustained the industry for more than 100 years is no longer tenable. Regulatory changes and emissions-reduction targets at the national and global level are spurring a pivot to low-carbon and zero-emissions vehicles.

ESG Intelligence Report

Report: How can Saudi Arabia finance sustainable industrial development?

As the Kingdom works towards reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, corporations and supporting bodies such as the Saudi Industrial Development Fund are taking actions to reduce their carbon footprints and adopt clear environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies to ensure future expansion is sustainable and inclusive.

Education: Shaping Bahrain's Future

Economic News

How has the pandemic changed university course offerings in the Gulf?

With the current semester winding up, many higher education institutions in the Gulf are already planning an expanded offering of courses for the next academic year – with a focus on supporting the needs of the region’s post-pandemic economy.

Economic News

Covid-19 and Gulf higher education: are e-learning solutions here to stay?

After rising to the challenge of the pandemic early last year, educational institutions in the Gulf have continued to develop their digital strategies as part of broader plans for the future.

Covid-19 Response Report

Report: Will digitalisation in UAE higher education spur longer-term economic growth?

The novel coronavirus spread quickly across the globe, leading to the shuttering of borders, businesses and educational establishments. Universities swiftly pivoted their operations to minimise learning disruption while adhering to social distancing advisories – testing home network capacities as learners of all levels, as well as remote workers, shifted online.

Economic News

Can higher education institutions shape the Gulf’s post-Covid-19 economy?

As Gulf countries look to rebound from the disruption of 2020, higher education institutions are playing a key role in meeting the needs of the region’s post-coronavirus economy.

Focus Report

Report: Will e-learning transform tertiary education in Saudi Arabia?

The onset of the global pandemic occurred during a period of rapid digital transformation across the world. As policymakers imposed varying levels of restrictions on campus and classroom tuition in an effort to reduce transmission, educational institutions turned to remote learning and video conferencing tools to enable learning continuity

Covid-19 Response Report

Report: How has the UAE responded to Covid-19, and what does it mean for higher education?

The UAE’s efforts to develop an advanced higher education sector, coupled with its robust fiscal position, meant it entered the pandemic from a position of relative strength. This report focuses on the response of policymakers to the challenges presented by Covid-19, and looks in detail at how the higher education sector adapted to the new reality.

Bahrain moves forward with economic diversification plans

For much of its history, Bahrain was the name for the eastern coast of Arabia. Bahrain means “two seas” in Arabic, and although it is unclear which two seas the name refers to, it has recently come to identify the 33 natural islands of the Awal archipelago.

Bahrain: Economic Analysis
Overview

Bahrain's fiscal reforms aim to support diversification
OBG
plus

Benefitting from its robust financial services, industrial and manufacturing sectors, Bahrain’s economy is one of the most mature and diverse in the GCC. Although the kingdom has suffered in the wake of sustained low and volatile international oil prices, it has made major strides in implementing reforms that will allow government and citizens to adjust to new economic realities.
Interview

Pete Bartlett, CEO, Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco): Interview
OBG
plus

Future ready: Pete Bartlett, CEO, Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), on remaining competitive in a rapidly changing sector
Economic News

Open-banking platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges revolutionise Islamic finance in Bahrain
OBG
plus

A number of innovations have supported the efforts of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) to transform the country into a leading regional centre for financial technology (fintech).
Interview

Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications: Interview
OBG
plus

Planning the future: Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, on cooperating with neighbouring states and private investors to develop an integrated rail network
Overview

Legislative changes boost Bahrain's competitiveness
OBG
plus

Competition Law was published in the Official Gazette on July 19, 2018, and its provisions – with the exception of Chapter 2 – came into effect on February 1, 2019. Chapter 2 establishes and relates to the Authority for Encouragement and Protection of Competition, and came into force on August 1, 2018.
Overview

Bahrain's capital markets strengthened by growing debt market and digital innovation
OBG
plus

Despite facing challenging macroeconomic headwinds, in addition to illiquidity and limited levels of free-floating shares, Bahrain’s capital markets have been among the best-performing in the GCC in recent years.

Bahrain's fiscal reforms aim to support diversification
Pete Bartlett, CEO, Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco): Interview
Open-banking platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges revolutionise Islamic finance in Bahrain
Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications: Interview
Legislative changes boost Bahrain's competitiveness
Bahrain's capital markets strengthened by growing debt market and digital innovation
 

Report: How can Bahrain stand out as a post-pandemic investment destination?

Bahrain entered the pandemic with the most diversified economy in the GCC, which meant it was not overly susceptible to the sharp drop in the oil market.

2021-22 GCC Economic Reports beyond Bahrain
Covid-19 Response Report

Report: What is the post-Covid-19 outlook for GCC chemicals and petrochemicals?

The GCC chemicals and petrochemicals industry demonstrated considerable resilience in the face of Covid-19 and oil price fluctuations.
Covid-19 Response Report

Report: Can agri-tech offer sustainable solutions to GCC food security challenges?

Food production in the GCC has long faced obstacles ranging from water scarcity to a lack of arable soil – factors that are being exacerbated by climate change. Prior to Covid-19, imports accounted for 85% of the region’s collective food needs.
Covid-19 Response Report

Saudi Arabia’s economy is positioned for growth in the coming years

This Market Profile video highlights how the Kingdom’s diversified approach to economic development is helping to position it as one of the fastest-growing G20 economies in 2022.

Covid-19 Response Report

Report: Is the Gulf shipping and logistics sector future-ready?

In the wake of a period of severe disruption to global trade, Gulf shipping and logistics companies are adapting to government efforts to boost self-sufficiency in the region.
Covid-19 Response Report

Report: How is the Covid-19 pandemic re-shaping the global oilfield services sector?

The global oil industry had yet to recover from the price crash of 2014-15 by the time the pandemic hit in early 2020, which meant that upstream operators and service providers were already grappling with cost-related challenges and falling profit margins.

Covid-19 Response Report

Highlights from The Report: Qatar 2022

Oxford Business Group has now launched The Report: Qatar 2022. This 16th edition of our national macroeconomic analysis shines a spotlight on Qatar’s efforts to leverage its abundant natural gas resources and its status as host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to develop a diversified, knowledge-based economy.

Covid-19 Response Report

Report: Was Oman's banking sector resilient enough to support economic stability during the pandemic?

Oman’s economy was heavily reliant on hydrocarbons when the pandemic began, creating fiscal pressures as demand and prices fell.
Covid-19 Response Report

Report: How is the pandemic shaping the future of Abu Dhabi’s health care sector?

Sustained investment and foresighted policy initiatives meant that the UAE and Abu Dhabi had developed a modern and effective public health system prior to the pandemic, supported by a growing number of private operators offering complementary services.
Covid-19 Response Report

Report: How can Dubai’s economy bounce back from Covid-19?

Dubai’s diversified and digitalised economy was able to absorb the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic relatively well.

Report: What is the post-Covid-19 outlook for GCC chemicals and petrochemicals?
Report: Can agri-tech offer sustainable solutions to GCC food security challenges?
Saudi Arabia’s economy is positioned for growth in the coming years
Report: Is the Gulf shipping and logistics sector future-ready?
Report: How is the Covid-19 pandemic re-shaping the global oilfield services sector?
Highlights from The Report: Qatar 2022
Report: Was Oman's banking sector resilient enough to support economic stability during the pandemic?
Report: How is the pandemic shaping the future of Abu Dhabi’s health care sector?
Report: How can Dubai’s economy bounce back from Covid-19?
 
Featured Sectors in Bahrain
Featured Reports in Bahrain
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