Bahrain Economic Research Highlights
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: Bahrain 2023
Bahrain consolidated its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic by achieving 2.2% GDP growth in 2021 before accelerating to 4.9% in 2022. To leverage the advantage of elevated oil prices, the country...
Highlights from The Report: Bahrain 2023
Fiscal sustainability measures are bearing fruit, with the kingdom posting its largest current account surplus in decades in 2022, at 15.4% of GDP, resulting from a 52% increase in government revenue.
Bahrain Economic Spotlight
Overview
Bahrain's development plans facilitate economic diversification
OBGplus
Bahrain’s economy rebounded from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and more recently successfully avoided the worst of global inflationary pressure, largely due to the fact that its currency...
Interview
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister
OBGplus
On upskilling the local workforce and attracting investment
Overview
Bahrain makes efforts to increase renewable energy production
OBGplus
Bahrain, known as the birthplace of the Arabian Peninsula’s oil industry, is navigating the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition. While focusing on renewables production, energy efficiency...
Analysis
Bahrain fintech players aiding expansion of Islamic finance
OBGplus
Bahrain is the seventh-largest Islamic finance market globally, with $41.6bn in total assets at the end of 2022. It has the largest concentration of Islamic financial institutions in the Middle East, comprising 38.3%...
Analysis
Bahrain launches new innovation licence
OBGplus
As part of ongoing efforts to stimulate growth in the digital economy, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) launched a new Innovation Licence in October 2022, encouraging companies to experiment...
Interview
Sheikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, CEO, Bahrain Bourse (BHB)
OBGplus
On regional cooperation to promote investment and strengthening local financial awareness
Overview
Bahrain boosts diversification through tourism and financial technology
OBGplus
The strategic location of the island country of Bahrain, combined with its business-friendly ecosystem and diversified economy, have seen it emerge in recent decades as an attractive destination for foreign...
Bahrain's development plans facilitate economic diversification
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister
Bahrain makes efforts to increase renewable energy production
Bahrain fintech players aiding expansion of Islamic finance
Bahrain launches new innovation licence
Sheikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, CEO, Bahrain Bourse (BHB)
Bahrain boosts diversification through tourism and financial technology
ESG in Bahrain and the GCC
Economic ViewAhmed 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
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?
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?
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?
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?
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...
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
OBGplus
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
OBGplus
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
OBGplus
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
OBGplus
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
OBGplus
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
OBGplus
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
Education: Shaping Bahrain's Future
Economic NewsHow 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. 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?
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?
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...
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...
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...
Bahrain: Economic Analysis
Overview
Bahrain's fiscal reforms aim to support diversification
OBGplus
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...
Interview
Pete Bartlett, CEO, Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco): Interview
OBGplus
On remaining competitive in a rapidly changing sector
Analysis
Open-banking platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges revolutionise Islamic finance in Bahrain
OBGplus
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
OBGplus
On cooperating with neighbouring states and private investors to develop an integrated rail network
Overview
Legislative changes boost Bahrain's competitiveness
OBGplus
Bahrain’s new Law for the Encouragement and Protection of Competition (Competition Law) was published in the Official Gazette on July 19, 2018, and its provisions – with the exception of Chapter 2...
Overview
Bahrain's capital markets strengthened by growing debt market and digital innovation
OBGplus
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...
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
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. The country also benefits from some of the lowest...
Economic Reports & Interviews in the Middle East
OBG Talks
Is the Gulf ready for electric and autonomous vehicles?
As the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) work towards economic diversification objectives and net-zero goals, opportunities are opening up for automotive manufacturers to roll out innovations...
Vidcast
Video: Balancing hydrocarbon goals with emission reduction targets
In an interview with BBC World News on Thursday, December 13, Oliver Cornock, OBG’s Global Editor-in-Chief, analysed and shared his insights on the agreement that was reached at the 2023...
Media Video
How will e-learning trends shape the future of education?
With an e-learning revolution under way across the world, policymakers and stakeholders in emerging economies are discussing how best to harness technological solutions to meet long-term...
OBG Talks
ESG transition in the petrochemicals trade
Among the sustainability challenges facing the global petrochemicals industry is the difficulty measuring Scope 3 carbon emissions along the supply chain. This challenge is particularly pressing for...
OBG Talks
ESG in Saudi Arabia's digital economy
As Saudi Arabia pursues a path of national digital transformation, stakeholders must take care to ensure the benefits of the digital economy are shared by the whole of society. In this latest vidcast...
Is the Gulf ready for electric and autonomous vehicles?
Video: Balancing hydrocarbon goals with emission reduction targets
How will e-learning trends shape the future of education?
ESG transition in the petrochemicals trade
ESG in Saudi Arabia's digital economy
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