Bahrain doubles investments, boosts job growth

Bahrain attracted $281 million in investments from 40 companies in 2016, doubling its amount from 2015 and producing what should be more than 1,600 jobs over the next three years, the Bahrain Economic Development Board announced recently.

"Our success in doubling the investments during last year comes as a result of unifying our efforts with various government bodies to ensure Bahrain is truly business-friendly," Chief Executive Khalid Al Rumaihi said. "Today, investors in Bahrain enjoy an attractive business environment that offers cost-effective operations, advanced physical and soft infrastructure, as well as the abundance of an experienced bilingual workforce."

Regional and international companies that provided the investments included those specializing in manufacturing and logistics, financial and professional services, leisure and tourism, and information and communication technology.

Tourism was responsible for the bulk of business, at 75 percent, while manufacturing and logistics brought in 15 percent and financial services accounted for 9 percent. 

Companies currently investing in Bahrain include Amazon Web Services, Armacell, CIMC, Euroscot, IKEA, Mastercard, Mukta A2 Cinemas, Palestine Investment Bank Bahrain and Ziraat Bank.