The Middle East

The hydrocarbons industry is a key contributor to the economy, accounting for around 22% of GDP in 2012 as well as some 75% of government revenues. Efforts to boost production are expected to see output reach 100,000 barrels per day by 2020. The government has pledged to invest $15bn in the hydrocarbons sector over the next 30 years, with energy diversification and a growing focus on solar and...

While motor insurance remains the chief source of revenue and claims, accounting for 25.8% of the total $565.5m in gross premiums recorded in 2011, mandatory medical insurance – which has been on the table for several years and is expected to become a law in the short to medium term – has the potential to provide a new and lucrative line of business. There is also an increasing focus on risk-...

Global Islamic banking assets were pegged at about $1.3trn in 2011 but are expected to rise to as much as $1.8trn by the end of 2013. As such, Islamic banks are seeking to diversify the sharia-compliant financial instruments they offer. Leaders throughout the region are starting to look toward sukuk, or Islamic bonds, for infrastructure finance as an aid to development, and while it is currently...

With its experienced workforce and historical connections to Saudi Arabia, the Bahrain banking sector has continued to be a key segment of the economy. Although retail banking in the kingdom was largely sheltered from the global economic crisis, the changing international landscape is driving financial institutions to explore new strategies, while the banking regulator is continuing efforts to...

Despite a number of notable uncertainties in the global economy, Bahrain’s economic outlook remains mostly positive. Largely insulated from international economic turmoil, the kingdom saw more than 6% GDP growth in 2008 and 3% in 2009. In 2012 the economy expanded at a rate of 3.4%, largely due to the robust private sector, which a number of government initiatives are aimed at supporting, such as...

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...