The Middle East Economy

With Dubai’s economy growing by 4.6% in 2013, and the emirate posting a GDP of $88.65bn, opportunities in various sectors, including Islamic finance and infrastructure and hospitality development, are drawing the attention of investors. The emirate is building up its reputation as an international centre for Islamic finance and under a new Islamic finance master plan it intends to focus on...

The guide contains listings of some of the leading hotels and resorts in Bahrain and contacts for important government offices and services. It also contains useful tips and information for first-time or regular and business and leisure visitors alike.

Bahrain boasts the highest insurance penetration rate in the GCC at 2.3% of the population. This is a result of its comparatively long insurance history, the clear regulation in place and the large number of companies involved in the sector. Motor insurance remains the primary source of revenue and claims within the sector, with motor lines representing almost 26% of premiums and contributions...

June 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of trading on the bourse, which began operating as the Bahrain Stock Exchange in 1989. The market looks to have recovered from the global financial crisis, and in 2013 posted an 18.9% year-on-year increase in market capitalisation, with the trend continuing into 2014, with a 21.7% rise to BD8.47bn ($22.45bn) at the end of September 2014. The banking sector...

While Bahrain has witnessed strong growth in recent years, there are concerns that sluggish oil prices and rising debt levels will limit growth into 2015. However the finance and banking sector, which represents the kingdom’s second-largest economic contributor, is expected to continue expanding, with the country having emerged in recent years as a financial services hub, especially in regards...