About Bahrain

Set amidst the opal waters of the Arabian Gulf, is an archipelago of 33 islands collectively known as the Kingdom of Bahrain. A land blessed with a glorious past, a rich present and an enviable future, Bahrain forms the perfect link between the Arabian Peninsula and Central Asia. Bahrain is connected to Saudi Arabia by the King Fahd Causeway and will be linked to Qatar with the upcoming Qatar-Bahrain Friendship Bridge.

Bahrain was the first on the Arabian Coastline where oil was discovered situated below the Jebel Dukhan Mountain at an altitude of 134 metres, the highest point on the island. The First Oil Well drilled ironically coincided with the collapse of the world pearl market. Although the well started functioning from 16th October in 1931, it was not until 2nd June 1932, that it started producing crude oil.

Apart from becoming the first country in the Middle East to strike oil and the first country in the Middle East to host a Formula 1 event, Bahrain has developed a modern infrastructure.

While the region’s economies grew on oil and gas reserves, Bahrain sought to identify itself with banking and finance and is today, widely acknowledged as the Financial Hub of the Middle East. A fact characterized by many offshore banking units, the Bahrain Financial Harbour and the World Trade Centre.

Many corporate international companies have invested in manufacturing facilities and the government works hard to make such investments a seamless reality.

As part of its strategy and growth policies, Bahrain has signed a Free Trade Agreement with the USA, giving both countries favourable trade quotas and tariffs. The effects of this agreement have reflected positively on the Kingdom’s economy through increased exports and foreign investments.

Bahrain is now ranked 18th among the world’s free market economies and leading the way among all GCC countries, making it the choice destination for investors who seek a business friendly location. The island has a favourable commercial regulatory structure with excellent communications, seaport, roads and transportation infrastructure. The population is well educated and with a skilled workforce and reaches well out to the global market.