Country Profile
From The Report: Bahrain 2013
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Building on a centuries-old geostrategic advantage, Bahrain continues to increase its prominence within the region. Energy has given way to a well-regulated finance sector as a leading driver of GDP and wider economic growth. The government is investing heavily in several sectors, especially education and transport, as part of efforts to achieve the goals of its Economic Vision 2030. The GCC has been seen increasingly as a catalyst for coalition and mutually beneficial development amongst its member states, and trade and movement of goods between the states continues to rise.

This chapter contains an interview with Hala Mohammed Al Ansari, Secretary-General, Supreme Council for Women; and a viewpoint from David Cameron, UK Prime Minister.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Island of empires: The kingdom has been a global trade centre for centuries
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The name Bahrain means “two seas” in Arabic, referring to the seas that surround the Gulf island nation. It is unclear which seas the term specifically refers to, and for much of its history, Bahrain was the name for the province. Only recently has it come to identify the islands of the Awal archipelago. HISTORY: The island’s first notable inhabitants were of the Dilmun civilisation, approximately 6000 years ago, but its geostrategic location has attracted the attention of numerous…

Interview

OBG talks to Hala Mohammed Al Ansari, Secretary-General, Supreme Council for Women (SCW)
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Interview:Hala Mohammed Al Ansari What progress has Bahrain made when it comes to executive-level opportunities for women? What more needs to be done in the broader economy? HALA MOHAMMED AL ANSARI: With the high level of competence and efficiency that Bahraini women have shown over the years they have managed to attain leadership positions in various fields. Bahrain today is proud to have appointed women as ministers, judges, 11 women parliamentarians (27%) in the Shura Council, as well…

Viewpoint

David Cameron, UK Prime Minister, on trade links with the GCC
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In 2012 Britain welcomed the world. We had the extraordinary success of the Olympics and the pageant and tradition of the Diamond Jubilee. From heads of state and business leaders to athletes and spectators, Britain showed everyone what we can do best. As prime minister, I am determined to make sure this spirit becomes something that really lasts. I want Britain to strengthen its links with old friends around the world, and build them with new ones as well. That’s why the government I lead is…

Viewpoint

David Cameron, UK Prime Minister, on trade links with the GCC
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In 2012 Britain welcomed the world. We had the extraordinary success of the Olympics and the pageant and tradition of the Diamond Jubilee. From heads of state and business leaders to athletes and spectators, Britain showed everyone what we can do best. As prime minister, I am determined to make sure this spirit becomes something that really lasts. I want Britain to strengthen its links with old friends around the world, and build them with new ones as well. That’s why the government I lead is…

Analysis

Trading up: Both internal and external GCC trade have increased considerably
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Boosting economic integration among the Gulf states has been a key component of the GCC since the organisation was established in late May 1981. Indeed, while the six countries that make up the GCC – namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE – have implemented joint projects in a wide variety of sectors already, economic cooperation remains a core concern moving forward. Still, as of early 2013 the council had made a substantial amount of progress in this area. INTRA-GCC…