Bahrain
Bahrain news and analysis, tenders, contracts awarded, commentary and economic data.
Special Report
Bahrain Special Report: Job creation key to resolving unrest
The government needs to address the underlying malaise in the Shia community
News
Foulath plans stainless steel mill conversion
Bahrain plant to close and be refitted as a 600,000 tonnes-a-year rebar mill
GCC summit fails to reach agreement on closer ties
No action on expected steps towards Saudi-Bahrain union
Bahrain plans sovereign bond
Government targeting $1.25bn issue to fund budget deficit
Bahrain arrests prominent human rights activist
Arrest occurs on same day that a homemade bomb injures four policemen
Bahrain power plant stake sold to Malakoff
Monopoly concerns forced sale of stake by current owner
Batelco will not bid in India
First quarter results show declines
Arab Banking Corporation profits up 13 per cent
Profits rise as provisions fall
Bahrain arrests 60 protesters ahead of Grand Prix
Authorities step up crackdown on protests as racing teams arrive in Manama
US urges talks in Bahrain
Tension rising ahead of Grand Prix
Analysis
Oil prices hide fiscal vulnerabilities
Relying on high oil prices could cause problems in the future for producing countries
Gulf uses sport to build brands
Investments are aimed at creating international reputations and driving tourism
Oil rig market enjoys a resurgence
The number of active rigs in the Middle East rose in 2011 on the back of strong crude oil prices
Interview: Sir Nigel Rodley, Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry
The inquiry commissioner was disturbed by the human rights violations in Bahrain last year, but applauds the decision to initiate an investigation into what happened
GCC countries spending $44bn on airport developments
Project plans in the region will push passenger footfall to over 260 million a year
Bahrain's economy
A look at Bahrain’s economic data
Faint hope for reconciliation in Bahrain
A candid report on human rights abuses in Bahrain offers a chance for peace after civil unrest in early 2011, but unless concrete steps are taken the sectarian rift will be hard to reconcile
Engaging the labour force
Engaging and training young nationals for the workplace is a key priority for regional governments
Comment
The high price of publicity for Bahrain and Formula One
Middle East investment in sport is all about publicity and money. A higher global profile can bring unwelcome attention to all parties
Tenders
Economic Data
Click on the country name to see more economic and demographic data.
| Country | 2010 | 2011f | 2012f |
| 3.3 | 3.6 | 3.2 | |
| 4.1 | 3.1 | 5.1 | |
| Egypt | 5.1 | 1 | 4 |
| Gaza/ West Bank | 9.3 | 9 | 10 |
| Iran | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Iraq | 0.8 | 9.6 | 12.6 |
| Jordan | 3.1 | 3.3 | 3.9 |
| Kuwait | 2 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Lebanon | 7.5 | 2.5 | 5 |
| Libya | 4.2 | na | na |
| Morocco | 3.2 | 3.9 | 4.6 |
| Oman | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.1 |
| Qatar | 16.3 | 20 | 7.1 |
| Saudi Arabia | 3.7 | 7.5 | 3 |
| Sudan | 5.1 | 4.7 | 5.6 |
| Syria | 3.2 | 3 | 5.1 |
| Tunisia | 3.7 | 1.3 | 5.6 |
| UAE | 3.2 | 3.3 | 3.8 |
| Yemen | 8 | 3.4 | 4 |
|
f=forecast;
na=Not Available. Source: IMF |
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Bahrain Contacts
Ashutosh Sharma
Ashutosh Sharma is principal consultant, Kema Middle East
Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed al-Khalifa
Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed al-Khalifa is Culture Minister, Bahrain
Eid Abdulla Yousuf al-Yaqoub
Eid Abdulla Yousuf al-Yaqoub is Deputy chairman
Hassan Ali al-Majed
Hassan Ali al-Majed is director general, General Organisation of Sea Ports
Contract Awards
Middle East contracts awarded: April 2012
Over $3bn worth of contracts have been awarded across the Middle East in April 2012, according to this checklist from MEED
