Industry
From The Report: Bahrain 2024
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Industry, including large aluminium plants and numerous smaller enterprises, represented 14% of the economy in 2023 with aims to increase its contribution to 14.5% by 2026. The kingdom has long prioritised manufacturing and industrial activities, supported by a sophisticated financial and governmental network. Bahrain is embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, expanding smart factory infrastructure and advancing robotics and artificial intelligence-driven enterprises. The kingdom’s entrepreneurial culture, tax incentives, and positive relations with neighbouring countries create strong opportunities for export growth. The government aims to enhance local value-added production and the Made in Bahrain trademark, viewing industry as a key sector for future employment opportunities and economic diversification.

This chapter includes an interview with Ali Al Baqali, CEO, Aluminium Bahrain.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Actualised potential: Initiatives boosting market liberalisation, exports and smart industry are supporting local firms and foreign investment
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While oil and gas may be the first industry that many people associate with the Gulf, the non-oil sector is by far the most dominant component of Bahrain’s economy. In 2023 the non-oil sector was responsible for a record 83.9% of the kingdom’s GDP, and industry accounted for around 14% of the overall economy that year. This category stretches from the giant aluminium plants of Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) to the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) present in the kingdom’s many industrial…

Interview

Forward thinking: Ali Al Baqali, CEO, Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), on embracing technology and workforce development to build resilience
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Interview: Ali Al Baqali, CEO, Aluminium Bahrain How do you expect global volatility, interest rate projections and a strong US dollar to impact global aluminium demand over the medium term? ALI AL BAQALI: The global aluminium market is navigating sluggish demand. Initial optimism from restocking activities has waned as expectations for imminent interest-rate cuts diminish, compounded by inflation and high borrowing costs. Geopolitical tension and freightrate fluctuations, especially disruptions…

Analysis

Digital transformation: Industry 4.0 and machine-learning technologies are reshaping the manufacturing landscape in emerging economies
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Amid the backdrop of dynamic shifts in global trade patterns and technological advancement, Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence (AI) are substantially reshaping manufacturing landscapes in emerging markets. Although challenges exist for full implementation, including infrastructure and skill gaps, rapid urbanisation and a burgeoning young workforce in these countries drive demand for automation and smart technologies, in tandem with highly connected global supply chains. As such, many emerging…