All Middle East markets
Bahrain
The Gulf's most established financial center relative to its size, with open ownership rules and strengths in fintech and aluminium.
Population
≈1.6 million (2024)
GDP (nominal)
≈US$47 billion (2024)
Real growth
≈3% (2024)
Capital
Manama
Currency
Bahraini dinar (BHD)
Economy & outlook
Visit the investment authority
Bahrain
The most diversified GCC economy relative to size: financial services rival oil in output, alongside aluminium (Alba), logistics and a growing digital sector.
100% foreign ownership in most activities, low operating costs and direct GCC market access; the Bahrain EDB provides fast-track licensing and investor support.
Focus sectors
Financial services & fintech · aluminium · ICT · tourism
Global rankings
- #22 of 69 — IMD World Competitiveness Ranking (2025)
- #62 — Global Innovation Index, WIPO (2025)
- B+ — S&P sovereign credit rating (2025)
Rankings as published by each institution; positions change annually — verify before formal use.
Sources: World Bank · IMF · Bahrain EDB
