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 kingdom’s future economy. It was able to weather the 2020-22 period that was characterised by low energy prices on international markets, which resulted in slowed GDP growth both in...
As oil prices reach recent highs, a number of countries in the Middle East have unveiled fiscal measures designed to balance their budgets after two years of Covid-19 pandemic-related spending. Bahrain is following this trend: in October 2021 it released a plan designed to balance the budget by 2024 (see analysis). In addition to doubling the value-added tax (VAT) to 10%, the...
From remote work to widespread job losses, the Covid-19 pandemic dramatically changed the way people work. These interruptions are likely to have a significant impact on the labour market well into the future. In a briefing from June 2021, the UN said that many emerging markets in particular were experiencing a “full-blown unemployment crisis” that was exacerbating existing...
In October 2021 the government launched a reform and investment programme in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, the country’s long-term development and diversification framework. The package had five pillars: the revised Fiscal Balance Programme (FBP), labour market reforms, regulatory reforms, a strategic projects plan aiming to attract $30bn in investment and a priority...
Bahrain has long taken a liberal approach to international trade and investment policy, which it conducts largely in line with its partners in the GCC, especially neighbouring Saudi Arabia. Historically, its closest foreign relations outside the region have been with the US and the UK. Initially built around the defence industry, these ties have expanded over the years to areas such as...
Bahrain has long taken a liberal approach to international trade and investment policy, which it conducts largely in line with its partners in the GCC, especially neighbouring Saudi Arabia. Historically, its closest foreign relations beyond the region have been with the US and the UK. Initially built around the defence industry, over the years these relations have expanded to...
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