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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

How district cooling can contribute to energy and cost efficiency in the GCC and beyond

Suliman Al Khliwi, Managing Director, Saudi Tabreed

In this Global Platform video, Suliman Al Khliwi, Managing Director, Saudi Tabreed, discusses how district cooling can offer numerous advantages over conventional cooling in the GCC...

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...

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...

Economic Analysis & Insights 2022-23: Bahrain
Viewpoint
Overview

What factors are setting the stage for economic growth in Bahrain
OBG
plus

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...
Interview

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

On meeting customer needs in a rapidly evolving landscape
Overview

How Bahrain remained resilient among global economic crises
OBG
plus

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...
Interview

Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Industry and Commerce: Interview
OBG
plus

On increasing exports and creating jobs
Analysis

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

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...
Viewpoint

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

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 Update

Gulf countries explore e-sports as part of diversification plans

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 Update

The GCC’s latest efforts to bolster cybersecurity

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...
Economic View

Safa Sharif Khaleq, CEO, Export Bahrain

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

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 Update

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. The project was given a significant boost in December last year...
Economic View

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

On leveraging capital markets to facilitate economic recovery
Economic Update

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...
Economic View

Alex Craine, CEO, Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company

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

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)...

Gulf countries explore e-sports as part of diversification plans
The GCC’s latest efforts to bolster cybersecurity
Safa Sharif Khaleq, CEO, Export Bahrain
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
 

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...

ESG in Bahrain and the GCC

Economic Update

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 Update

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 Update

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 Update

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...

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. This transition requires a period of intense innovation to develop new technologies that make electric vehicles (EVs) appealing, safe, reliable and affordable...

ESG Intelligence Report

Report: How can Saudi Arabia finance sustainable industrial development?

Guided by the Vision 2030 strategy for diversification, rapid advancements are being made in Saudi industry, mining, logistics and renewable energy. 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 Update

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. 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 Update

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 Update

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...

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...

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...
Interview

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

On remaining competitive in a rapidly changing sector
Analysis

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
OBG
plus

On cooperating with neighbouring states and private investors to develop an integrated rail network
Overview

Legislative changes boost Bahrain's competitiveness
OBG
plus

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
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...

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...

2021-22 GCC Economic Reports beyond Bahrain
Covid-19 Recovery Roadmap

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. With economic diversification a leading concern for GCC...
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...
Market Profile Video

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...
Future Readiness 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...
Post-Pandemic Prospects 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...
Market Profile Video

Highlights from 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...
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. However, the country was able to rely on...
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...
Covid-19 Recovery Roadmap

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. The emirate enjoys some of the fastest internet speeds and most advanced...

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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