In industry, the unrest affected many workers’ ability to get to work. The Arab uprisings elsewhere in the region also have had a knock-on effect on Al-Zayani’s businesses and demand for products have fallen.

But now, the corner may have been turned for the aluminium industry. The new cable plants in Turkey and Australia are exciting developments for the company that will give it a international standing in the cables business.

The aluminium closures business also shows signs of promise as beverage manufacturers increase production across the region. Increased competition between Coca-Cola and Pepsi should also help the business.

Real estate has had mixed fortunes with retail, office and private rentals all being hit by the recent unrest. On the plus side, the fall in housing prices in Bahrain and across the region in general should mean that there are increasing opportunities in this sector.