Country Profile
From The Report: Bahrain 2015
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The kingdom of Bahrain hosts a diverse and multicultural population, which in 2011 totalled around 1.2m people, of which 585,000 were Bahraini and 610,000 expatriates. Finance and energy remain key drivers of GDP growth in Bahrain. Energy still accounts for the majority of government revenues, but is shrinking as a proportion of GDP as Bahrain pushes ahead with economic diversification plans in line with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. The island’s location enables it to serve as a key trans- Gulf transportation hub, while expansion plans at Bahrain International Airport will boost the kingdom’s status as a centre for trans-shipment and logistics. Expansion plans will also fan tourism growth, an increasingly important sector with Manama being designated the capital of Arab tourism in 2013 and showpiece events like the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix driving sector growth.

This chapter contains a viewpoint from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa; and an interview with Lim Hng Kiang, Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Bahrain is a key economic and political player in the GCC
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For much of its history, Bahrain was the name for the eastern coast of Arabia. Only recently has it come to identify the islands of the Awal archipelago. The first notable inhabitants were of the Dilmun civilisation 6000 years ago, but it has attracted the attention of numerous empires over the centuries, including the Persians, Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Arabs, Portuguese and British. A commercial centre during the period of ancient Mesopotamia, its key location for facilitating trans-Gulf…

Viewpoint

Female economic empowerment in Bahrain
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February 14, 2014 was the 13th anniversary of the inauguration of our National Action Charter, which enjoyed the support of an overwhelming majority of Bahrainis. The charter led to the modernisation of a constitution that clearly stipulates political rights for women, and two legislative chambers sharing legislative power under one council, as stated in the fifth chapter of the charter. The charter recognised the establishment of the Constitutional Court and strengthened the independence of all…

Analysis

GCC trade with Asia is growing and diversifying
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Following the collapse of the international shipping market, in 2012 the container route from Shanghai to the Gulf through Dubai saw the second-highest freight rate growth in the intra-Asian region. This is part of an emerging trend, with GCC-Asia trade maturing. A relationship that was once just based on energy demand is diversifying, and the GCC is seen as a viable market for Asian goods and investment, a crucial transit point for the fast-growing markets of Africa, and a high-quality producer…