As Bahrain begins to return to some kind of normality, the same issues regarding its future are coming to the fore once again.

Despite being the smallest GCC country, Bahrain has been a pioneer in many different sectors, including banking and finance, education, oil and gas, and industrial diversification.

Bahrain needs jobs and security just like any other country and this is why it is trying to secure its long-term gas future by building a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal.

Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) is one of the firms looking to sign a long-term gas contract that will enable it to execute its expansion plans. Alba has the right idea with regards to its gas. A guaranteed supply of gas on a long-term basis might be a daunting prospect for some firms in Bahrain, but Alba seems confident it can secure it.

The LNG terminal has been identified as an essential part of Bahrain’s future and rightly so. A solid and constant supply of gas from LNG would go a long way towards attracting companies to the kingdom.

Bahrain has developed itself as a business-friendly destination and that is due to the hard work put in over the past two decades. As the kingdom tries to build its future and unite its population, issues such as gas or industrial diversification may seem lightweight compared with the deeper malaise Bahrainis now face.

This is not so. A successful future for the people of Bahrain can be built through education and jobs, and gas is crucial to achieving this.