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Bahrain Economic Research Highlights

The Report: Bahrain 2024
OBG
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Bahrain's economy is accelerating, fuelled by a dynamic private sector and increasing foreign interest. Relatively low inflation has added to the kingdom’s appeal as a place to do business, while interest rates were...

Bahrain Economic Spotlight
Overview

Bahrain's shift from hydrocarbons boosts non-oil sector growth
OBG
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Buoyed by a vibrant private sector and increasing interest from foreign investors, Bahrain’s economy is on an upward trajectory. Relatively low inflation has added to the kingdom’s appeal as a place to do...
Interview

Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister
OBG
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On embracing sustainable development for long-term growth
Overview

Bahrain incorporating sustainability to achieve environmental goals
OBG
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Under Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 the kingdom has sought to create a new paradigm for economic growth, reflecting the country’s diversification away from hydrocarbons and its growing commitment to...
Interview

Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development; Chief Executive, Bahrain Economic Development Board
OBG
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On accelerating sustainable growth and diversification
Analysis

Bahrain’s Economic Recovery Plan boosts economic resilience
OBG
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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...
Interview

Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment
OBG
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On utilising sustainable practices
Overview

Bahrain's expanding tourism sector supports economic diversification
OBG
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Bahrain’s strategic location, business-friendly climate and increasingly diversified economy have helped the island country emerge as an appealing destination for international investors in recent decades...

Bahrain's shift from hydrocarbons boosts non-oil sector growth
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister
Bahrain incorporating sustainability to achieve environmental goals
Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development; Chief Executive, Bahrain Economic Development Board
Bahrain’s Economic Recovery Plan boosts economic resilience
Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment
Bahrain's expanding tourism sector supports economic diversification
 

Bahrain, a centre for sustainable finance and innovation in the GCC

Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al Helaissi, Group CEO and Member of the Board, Gulf International Bank (GIB)

In this Global Platform video, Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al Helaissi, Group CEO and Member of the Board, Gulf International Bank (GIB), talks about Bahrain's banking sector, a significant contributor to...

The Report & Key Interviews in the Middle East
Country Report

The Report: Qatar 2025
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Qatar is channeling its hydrocarbons wealth into long-term economic transformation, with diversification accelerating after the FIFA 2022 World Cup. In 2024 non-oil sectors accounted for over 60% of GDP...
Country Report

The Report: Oman 2025
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Oman is diversifying its economy, reducing reliance on hydrocarbons by expanding sectors like agriculture, fisheries, banking and manufacturing. Strategic reforms, infrastructure investment...
Country Report

The Report: Ajman 2025
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Ajman is accelerating economic diversification through industrial growth, tourism and innovation-driven development. The emirate’s forward-looking policies, including Ajman Vision 2030, focus on...
Global Platform

Oman Vision 2040 shaping the future of tourism and sustainability

In this Global platform video, Salim M. AlMahruqi, Oman's Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Azzan AlBusaidi, Oman's Undersecretary of Tourism, talk about Oman Vision 2040 as a strategic plan aimed...
Country Report

The Report: Saudi Arabia 2024
OBG
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Saudi Arabia’s economy is diversifying under Vision 2030, with strong growth in the digital economy and government-led giga-projects. While oil activity slowed in 2023, tourism income surged 38%...
Global Platform

Driving innovation and sustainability in Qatar's banking sector

In this Global Platform video, Shahnawaz Rashid talks about the strategies for driving innovation and sustainability in Qatar's banking sector. Qatar has developed strong infrastructure, including roads...
Global Platform

Ensuring business continuity and supporting private sector development in Qatar

In this Global Platform video, Oxford Business Group speaks with Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, Founder and Chairman, Al Faisal Holding, and key leaders of the privately held diversified group...
Global Platform

Sharjah focusing on culture and sustainability to drive tourism

In this Global Platform video, Oxford Business Group speaks with Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) about Sharjah’s strategies for fostering...

The Report: Qatar 2025
The Report: Oman 2025
The Report: Ajman 2025
The Report: Ajman 2025
Oman Vision 2040 shaping the future of tourism and sustainability
The Report: Saudi Arabia 2024 - tabletop
The Report: Saudi Arabia 2024
Driving innovation and sustainability in Qatar's banking sector
Key leaders of Al Faisal Holding
Ensuring business continuity and supporting private sector development in Qatar
Global Platform: Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), discussing Sharjah's focus on culture and sustainability to drive tourism in 2024
Sharjah focusing on culture and sustainability to drive tourism
 

ESG in Bahrain and the GCC

Economic View

Ahmed Al Shamsi, Managing Director and CEO, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Water Solutions Company (SWS)

On innovative approaches in water conservation and reuse

ESG Intelligence Report

Report: Social and governance considerations in the automotive industry

The rise of connected, autonomous, shared and electric vehicle megatrends in the automotive industry are bringing social and governance considerations to the fore of ESG strategic thinking, as innovation leaders revolutionise the way that community transport networks are structured and face up to their responsibilities for how user data is stored and protected. The advent of automated technology holds the potential to improve road safety and decrease traffic fatalities by negating the threat of human error...

Economic News

How emerging markets are navigating the rising cost of solar power
OBG
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With high energy prices and supply chain disruptions creating shortages of key 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 in China. A key component in PV panels, polysilicon spot market prices rose from less than $7 per kg in July 2020 to $39 in August...

Economic News

What does the future hold for Islamic finance?
OBG
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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. Despite the twin challenges of Covid-19 and the fall in global oil prices, the segment’s assets grew by 10.6% last year, according to global ratings agency S&P. Although this was down on the 17.3% growth rate recorded in 2019, it was nevertheless...

Economic News

Carbon emissions: How will the Gulf get to net-zero?
OBG
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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. On October 7 the UAE became the first country in the Gulf to commit to achieving net-zero. At Expo 2020 in Dubai, the government announced that it would aim to reach the target by 2050, in line with major industrialised markets like the EU and the UK...

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. By establishing sustainable finance frameworks, banking institutions are able to structure their sustainable lending practices and strengthen systemic safeguards against social and environmental risks, while also diversifying their funding sources....

Economic News

Sustainable construction in the Gulf: building a greener future?
OBG
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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. Perhaps more so than most sectors, construction could significantly benefit from a shift towards more sustainable practices. A UN report released in December estimated that, including operational emissions, the construction industry accounted for 38% of the world’s energy-related...

Economic News

Is hydrogen the key to the Gulf’s energy transition?
OBG
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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. Along with renewable sources like solar and wind, hydrogen is seen as a potential low-carbon or zero-carbon fuel that is key to the transition away from fossil fuels. However, it is important to note that there are different types of hydrogen with different impacts on the environment...

Special Reports on Bahrain & the Middle East
Special Report

Report: How Oman’s strategic investment fosters economic diversification and innovation

With Oman Vision 2040 guiding long-term economic transformation, strategic investment is playing a key role in reducing reliance on oil revenue and fostering sustainable growth. Robust governance...
Special Report

Report: Strategic investment driving green energy, digital innovation and sustainable growth in Oman

Oman is embarking on a transformative journey under Vision 2040, combining innovation and sustainability to redefine its economic landscape. This report showcases the sultanate’s wide-ranging efforts...
Special Report

Report: How is Saudi Arabia leveraging sustainable practices to transform its cultural sector?

Under the stewardship of the Ministry of Culture, Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a strategic commitment to preserving and promoting the Kingdom’s rich history, national...
Special Report

Report: How is Saudi Arabia boosting economic diversification through MSME empowerment?

The empowerment of micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Saudi Arabia is key to driving economic diversification and resilience. The Kingdom has laid out strategic foundations to support MSME...
Special Report

Report: Oman’s digital economy and its transformative potential

Oman’s digital transformation is revolutionising its economy and society. With the National Programme for Digital Economy driving progress, the country is bolstering its telecommunications infrastructure...
Special Report

Report: How can the private sector capitalise on opportunities in the Saudi leisure industry?

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a period of sweeping social transformation and economic diversification underpinned by Vision 2030. This is creating a fertile environment for private businesses to expand...
ESG Report

Report: How can Kuwait’s upstream oil sector reach net zero?

Despite predictions of declining hydrocarbon consumption, significant demand remains due to economic transformations and disruptive events like the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine...
Special Report

Driving Saudi Arabia's economic transformation: Unleashing growth and innovation across strategic sectors

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 blueprint for socio-economic transformation is capturing international attention. Beyond high-profile projects and events, strategic cohesion and societal support are...
Socio-Economic Footprint Study

Unlocking opportunities: How higher education drives socio-economic development in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Vision 2030 and the evolution of education in Saudi Arabia are key drivers of the country’s socio-economic transformation. With a focus on...

Report: How Oman’s strategic investment fosters economic diversification and innovation
Report: Strategic investment driving green energy, digital innovation and sustainable growth in Oman
Report: How is Saudi Arabia leveraging sustainable practices to transform its cultural sector?
Report: How is Saudi Arabia boosting economic diversification through MSME empowerment?
Report: Oman’s digital economy and its transformative potential
Report: How can the private sector capitalise on opportunities in the Saudi leisure industry?
Report: How can Kuwait’s upstream oil sector reach net zero?
Driving Saudi Arabia's economic transformation: Unleashing growth and innovation across strategic sectors
Unlocking opportunities: How higher education drives socio-economic development in Saudi Arabia
 

Education: Shaping Bahrain's Future

Economic News

How has the pandemic changed university course offerings in the Gulf?
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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. As OBG detailed earlier this year, the economic fallout of Covid-19 has encouraged higher education institutions in the Gulf to adapt their course offerings to help drive their respective countries’ economic recoveries. The coronavirus pandemic both highlighted and heightened the importance...

Economic News

Covid-19 and Gulf higher education: are e-learning solutions here to stay?
OBG
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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. Following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, many universities, schools and technical colleges – who were midway through the academic year – quickly adapted to the new situation by adopting digital learning platforms and making learning materials available online. One of those leading the transition was the UAE’s Higher Colleges of...

Covid-19 Response Report

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

The UAE’s robust current account balance cushioned the economy against the twin global challenges of Covid-19 and the oil price drop in 2020. Lockdowns were implemented to protect public health, and Emiratis migrated online. UAE residents were ranked as the best ICT users globally in an October 2020 study from the Portulans Institute, due in part to a number-one ranking for school internet access, underlining the agility of UAE education stakeholders. Continued innovation within the UAE’s education segment will be...

Economic News

Can higher education institutions shape the Gulf’s post-Covid-19 economy?
OBG
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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. Universities, schools and technical colleges were among the first institutions to innovate following the outbreak of the virus. While many were initially obliged to close, educational institutions quickly adapted to the new situation by making learning materials available online, thus enabling students to continue their studies remotely...

Economic Impact Assessment

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

Saudi Arabia’s tertiary education system is underpinned by a strong network of 28 public universities accounting for 81% of student enrolment. However, the ongoing process of economic diversification is contributing to a rise in admission to vocational training institutes and private universities – helping to raise standards across the board and ensure programmes are attuned to market needs. As new economic growth engines emerge, skills development will increasingly be viewed as a lifelong pursuit that is not limited...

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 Economic Research & Views
Economic View

Eman Mojali, CEO, Bahrain National Insurance

On building a regulatory framework and consumer awareness to support growth

Economic News

Gulf countries look to space to harness scientific and commercial opportunities
OBG
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In the push to embrace emerging technologies and harness their potential commercial opportunities, Gulf countries are launching new initiatives to bolster their domestic space industries...
Economic View

Mohamed Khalid Ateeq, General Manager, Rain

On the importance of creating a conducive regulatory framework to foster an investment-friendly environment
Economic News

Gulf countries developing regulatory frameworks for decentralised finance
OBG
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As GCC countries look to harness new forms of financial technology (fintech) such as blockchain, deepen their financial services and expand financial inclusion, governments are embracing...
Economic News

Demographic and tech shifts alter the distribution of global talent
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As the global economy continues to adapt to ongoing macroeconomic shocks, many countries are looking to boost human capital through training programmes, technology adoption and immigration.
Economic News

How generative AI could transform education in the GCC
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As public and private entities across the world weigh how to utilise generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, GCC countries are embracing the new tool as a way to transform their education sectors....
Economic News

Gulf countries explore e-sports as part of diversification plans
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As Gulf countries implement plans to diversify their economies and create jobs, they are increasingly investing in the growing industry around competitive video games known as electronic sports (e-sports)...
Economic News

The GCC’s latest efforts to bolster cybersecurity
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With global geopolitical instability elevating the threat of cyberattacks against businesses and government agencies, the six countries of the GCC are rapidly building more robust and comprehensive...
CEO Survey Analysis

Global CEO Survey: What is on the horizon for emerging markets?

While the recovery period following the Covid-19 pandemic saw the unlocking of major capital in emerging markets, inflationary pressures, fluctuating commodity prices and geopolitical concerns...
Economic View

Safa Sharif Khaleq, CEO, Export Bahrain

On boosting local added value and building a global brand through enhanced export capacities

Eman Mojali, CEO, Bahrain National Insurance
Gulf countries look to space to harness scientific and commercial opportunities
Mohamed Khalid Ateeq, General Manager, Rain
Gulf countries developing regulatory frameworks for decentralised finance
Demographic and tech shifts alter the distribution of global talent
How generative AI could transform education in the GCC
Gulf countries explore e-sports as part of diversification plans
The GCC’s latest efforts to bolster cybersecurity
Global CEO Survey: What is on the horizon for emerging markets?
Safa Sharif Khaleq, CEO, Export Bahrain
 

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. The country also benefits from some of the lowest...

Featured Sectors in Bahrain
Featured Reports in Bahrain