Manama, Bahrain, 11 June 2018: Bahrain has reduced the timeframe for land applications, in response to growing demand for industrial land across the Kingdom and as part of the government’s ongoing strategic focus on supporting investors in the manufacturing sector. The initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, guarantees that complete applications for industrial land will be assessed within a maximum of 18 working days.

Over the past 30 years, the government of Bahrain has invested heavily in establishing industrial zones throughout the country, developing dedicated areas for manufacturing clusters. By 2020, further investment will be supported in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism’s led plans to develop infrastructure in industrial zones.

The Ministry currently operates eight industrial zones totalling over 10 million sqm. These zones are a dynamic base for hundreds of companies sustaining over 46,000 jobs and are key in developing and strengthening the manufacturing sector of Bahrain.

The improvements made last year in the land application process has led to a 69% increase in allocations. To further improve efficiencies, the Ministry has set an objective to launch an online land application service in 2018. Accessing the land application form on the Ministry’s website looks to improve turnaround times and convenience.

Following approval for land, the Industrial Areas Operations Directorate of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Tourism have streamlined the steps required to sign a land lease agreement designed around service efficiency. This increased focus is also aimed at ensuring the proper utilisation of the land.

Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) is the most recent industrial zone to be developed in the Kingdom, providing ​​three million square metres of land with easy access to both Bahrain International Airport and Khalifa bin Salman Port in Al Hidd. As of the end of 2017, total investment in BIIP had reached US$1.89 billion, with 82% of its land capacity occupied by 118 companies spanning various manufacturing sectors from 29 countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United States, Canada, Germany, South Korea and India.

H.E. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism has stressed the importance of industrial zones such as BIIP in stimulating increased investment in the country, saying: “When Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) reaches full occupancy, we anticipate that investments by Bahraini and foreign industrial companies will have exceeded US$2 billion, creating more than 10000 jobs.”

Bahrain’s large-scale infrastructure development is currently valued at over US$32 billion and covers a wide range of sectors, including housing and transport. This includes US $10 billion of investments undertaken by government-related entities (holding companies, funds), US $7.5 billion under the auspices of the GCC Development Fund, and US $15 billion worth of investment by private sector entities.

The manufacturing sector is a key benefactor of these investment projects. The extensive modernisation programme at Bahrain International Airport will increase air cargo capacity to one million metric tons annually by 2020. Additionally, the new King Hamad Causeway, the second to connect Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

H.E. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), said: “The manufacturing sector is a key pillar of Bahrain’s economy, accounting for almost 15% of GDP. Over the past five years, the sector has grown by 18% and is the second largest non-oil contributor to the economy, after financial services.

“The Kingdom offers numerous competitive advantages for manufacturing. We are continuously improving the business environment to ensure the best possible experience for companies and investors.”

Investors will be able to take advantage of the Kingdom’s low operating costs, the availability of a highly skilled, bilingual workforce, a supportive regulatory environment, and 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. Existing industrial projects across the country range from export-based products such as plastics, precision engineering, electronics, food products, manufacturing aluminium products, fiberglass products, packaging materials and other industrial products.

– ENDS –

Notes to Editor:-

Contact:

May Taher

Global Communications

Telephone: 17589966

may.taher@bahrainedb.com

About the Bahrain Economic Development Board:

The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is an investment promotion agency with overall responsibility for attracting investment into the Kingdom and supporting initiatives that enhance the investment climate.

The EDB works with the government and both current and prospective investors to ensure that Bahrain’s investment climate is attractive, to communicate the key strengths, and to identify where opportunities exist for further economic growth through investment.

The EDB focuses on several economic sectors that capitalise on Bahrain’s competitive advantages. These sectors include financial services, manufacturing, ICT, tourism, logistics and transport.

For more information on the Bahrain EDB visit www.bahrainedb.com; for information about Bahrain visitwww.bahrain.com.

– Led by its non-oil sector, Bahrain has achieved strong economic momentum with forecasts suggesting this will continue into 2018 with a brighter outlook across the GCC –

Manama, 2 May 2018: Data published in the latest Bahrain Economic Quarterly (BEQ) reveals that Bahrain’s real GDP grew by 3.9% in 2017, with the non-oil economy expanding by 5%, making it the fastest growing country in the GCC.

According to the quarterly report produced by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), the pace of growth in the Kingdom ‘accelerated markedly’ in 2017 compared to 3.2% in 2016. This strong performance in the face of sluggish regional growth was driven by broad-based success across the highly-diversified non-oil private sector, led by tourism, a strong pipeline of infrastructure projects, and a record year for foreign direct investment (FDI).

Earlier this month, the IMF’s World Economic Outlook forecast that Bahrain’s economy would continue to be the fastest growing economy in the GCC in 2018, suggesting momentum is expecting to be maintained into the current year.

Regionally, the BEQ predicts a significantly brighter outlook for the GCC in 2018, with a pronounced pick-up expected as economic diversification and fiscal consolidation efforts transition to their next phase and create a broad revenue base across the non-oil economy. The region’s future outlook will be at the heart of the upcoming investor forum, Gateway Gulf, which will bring together investors and business leaders from around the world in Bahrain on 8-10 May to unlock growth opportunities across the GCC.

Speaking on the publication of the BEQ, Dr Jarmo Kotilaine, Chief Economist, Bahrain EDB, commented: “Bahrain’s economic resilience aligns with broader regional and global trends in which we see more diversified economies tending to achieve faster growth. Region-wide, business confidence and growth momentum are set to benefit from a more benign outlook in the oil sector and we expect 2018 to mark an important milestone as the GCC’s makes the economic paradigm shift towards diversified private-sector led growth economies”.

Growth in Bahrain is being driven by a variety of strongly performing industries, led by tourism with the hotels and restaurants sector expanding by 9.5% in 2017, total visitor expenditure rising by 8.9% and the average length of stay increasing 2.5% to 2.82 days, in line with the government’s strategy to boost the sector and encourage longer stays from existing visitors. Other high performing sectors in 2017 included social and personal services (9.4%), led by private education and healthcare, trade (8.5%), real estate and professional services (5.5%) and financial services (5%). Additionally, the EDB attracted BHD 276 million of foreign direct investment into Bahrain in 2017, a record year for the organization. This represents an increase of 161% from 2016, and is expected to generate 2,800 jobs over the next three years.

The success of private sector industries across the Bahraini ecosystem supports the widespread recognition the Kingdom enjoys as a regional pioneer of economic diversification thanks to sustained efforts to improve the business and regulatory environment. This process continued apace in 2017, with data suggesting the oil and gas sector now accounts for only 18.4% of Bahrain’s real GDP, compared to 43.6% in 2000.

Despite the demonstrable success of economic diversification, oil and gas remains a strong component of Bahrain’s economy, with the Kingdom’s oil sector set to transition to an era of renewed growth. Therefore, the recent announcement that Bahrain has discovered its largest oil and natural gas repository since it began producing in 1932, is a significant boost to its future economic outlook. The 2,000 sq km Khalij al Bahrain field, which is expected to start production within the coming five years, is mainly composed of shale oil and natural gas in quantities that far exceed Bahrain’s current reserves, with a recent resource evaluation suggesting levels capable of supporting the long-term extraction of oil and gas.

Building on Bahrain’s strong economic platform highlighted by the latest BEQ figures, the EDB will bring together regional and global government, business and investment leaders next week at the first Gateway Gulf investor forum, hosted in Manama, Bahrain on 8-10 May. The exclusive invitation-only forum will deep-dive into growth opportunities across the GCC and showcase new investment-ready project across diverse industries including tourism, manufacturing, real estate, transport, energy, water and power.

– ENDS –

 Notes to editor

Further information:

Telephone: 17589966

Email: Isa.mubarak@bahrainedb.com

 

About the Bahrain Economic Development Board

The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is an investment promotion agency with overall responsibility for attracting investment into the Kingdom and supporting initiatives that enhance the investment climate.

The EDB works with the government and both current and prospective investors to ensure that Bahrain’s investment climate is attractive, to communicate the key strengths, and to identify where opportunities exist for further economic growth through investment.

The EDB focuses on several economic sectors that capitalise on Bahrain’s competitive advantages. These sectors include financial services, manufacturing, ICT, tourism, logistics and transport.

For more information on the Bahrain EDB visit www.bahrainedb.com; for information about Bahrain visit www.bahrain.com.

About Gateway Gulf

Gateway Gulf is a major new investment event that will convene global industry leaders in order to unlock the opportunities being created by the economic transformation in the GCC.

The invitation-only event, held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Chairman of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, will bring together 500 global investors and CEOs at the Four Seasons hotel, Manama from 8-10 May 2018.

Gateway Gulf will include both high-level plenary sessions and showcase investment-ready projects from across the region in sectors including oil and gas, real estate, tourism, housing, power, water, transport, public works and manufacturing.

– Edamah project pipeline in Bahrain worth around BHD 14 million –

Edamah, the real estate arm of Bahrain government, has celebrated the opening of its BHD 7.6 million state-of-the-art carpark complex “The Terminal”. The opening ceremony was attended by key stakeholders including Edamah’s board of directors, investors, contractors and prospective tenants.

Strategically located in the vibrant fine dining “Block 338” – Adliya, the Terminal is carefully designed to provide a full-service solution for visitors to the busiest part of Adliya, bringing together dining, commercial outlets, and convenient smart parking all under one roof. The Terminal’s first two tenants will include a trademark of The Living Concepts Company, Maya Gold a new elevated concept of Maya la Chocolaterie. Maya has evolved into an artisan chocolate brand operating out of its home base in Bahrain and Dose an artisanal coffee shop and is an organic coffee shop in Bahrain established in Kuwait City. Dose owns and operates a chain of owned quick-service café in Kuwait and very soon all over GCC.  In addition, The Terminal provides visitors access to over 330 carparks and 10 outlets on a land area of 4,801 square meters.

In the next five years, Edamah aims to develop more than 1,000 carpark spaces all to be managed through the centralised smart software intended to reduce operational costs, increase efficiency and improve customer satisfaction. Through the auto pay machines, visitors to the terminal will be able to pay the carpark fees using cash, debit card, credit card, and mobile app. Edamah’s three-year project pipeline is worth around BHD 14 million and features developments, such as Sa’ada waterfront development  and a multi-storey carpark Salmaniya carpark amongst others.

HE Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chairman of Edamah said: “Edamah has an ambitious five-year strategy which will contribute to Bahrain’s plans for robust investment in domestic infrastructure, supporting the national economy by enabling technological integration in architecture. Our future project portfolio will be enhancing existing projects in addition to new projects to be developed which will include industrial, retail, leisure and recreational projects utilising some of the most spectacular waterfront settings available in the Kingdom.

“During Q4 2017, the real estate sector grew by 7.6% due to high demand for residential, tourism and retail developments in the Kingdom. Edamah is seizing the opportunity by responding to this high demand, developing a diversified portfolio of commercially viable projects.”

In 2017, a new real estate law were put in-effect following consultation with the private sector in the Kingdom to specifically support growth in the sector. The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) was established to enable a robust, secure and sustainable environment that encourages regional and global investment.

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:

Tel: 17561222

Email: pmadmin@edamah.com

About Edamah

Bahrain Real Estate Investment (Edamah) B.S.C. (c), is a commercial state-owned company established to develop, manage and promote a diverse portfolio scattered throughout the Kingdom of Bahrain. Edamah is currently investing in new real estate projects and upgrading existing properties will assist in supporting the commercial and tourism sectors in Bahrain.

Edamah adheres to the highest standards of transparency and sound corporate governance and is committed to efficient and sustainable development. More information about Edamah can be found on http://www.edamah.com.

–  New global forum, Gateway Gulf, will bring together a select group

of 500 global investors and CEOs, to be held in Manama, 8-10 May 2018 –

Manama, Bahrain, 18 April 2018: The region’s economic transformation and investment opportunities will be the highlight of Gateway Gulf, the first economic investment forum of its kind in the region. The global forum, which was announced by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), is taking place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain Bay from 8 – 10 May. It brings together over 500 global investors and CEOs from a number of sectors to address some of the key business issues facing the region today, while opening up investment opportunities to the private sector.

The event, held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Chairman of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, will include high-level plenary sessions and showcase investment-ready projects from across the region.

“The transformation of the Gulf economy is unlocking opportunities for business as never before. This event will provide access to key decision makers and open up new channels for communication and discussion to address investor questions, facilitating important connections to realise projects across multiple industries,” said His Excellency Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive, Bahrain Economic Development Board.

Catalysed by the period of low oil prices, the Gulf region is undergoing an economic shift – characterised by the changing role of government from operator to regulator. This has been followed by a wave of unprecedented reform designed to drive investment and private sector-led development.

Responding to this dramatic economic shift, the plenary sessions will cover the issues that sit at the heart of the opportunities and challenges in the region. They will range from in-depth discussions on  regional economic visions, to development of human capital, the impact of technology and the opportunities created by China’s One Belt, One Road policy.

The invite-only conference, will include presentations and speeches from more than fifty high-level individuals. Among the first speakers announced are:

• Khaled Nasser Abdullah Al-Roudan, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Kuwait
• Dongsheng Song, President & Chairman, President of PowerChina International, Sinohydro Corporation Limited, China
• Kwek Ping Yong, Managing Partner, Inventis Investment Holdings, China
• Fadi Ali Ghandour, Chairman & CEO, Wamda Capital, UAE
• Jassim Alseddiqi, CEO, ADFG – Abu Dhabi Financial Group, UAE
• Klaus Kleinfeld, CEO, NEOM, Saudi Arabia
• Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman, Alshaya Group, Kuwait
• Chin Hwee Tan, CEO Asia Pacific, Trafigura Group, Singapore
• Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO Global, AccorHotels, France
• Matthieu Pigasse, CEO, Lazard Ltd, France
• Teresa Carlson, Vice President, Worldwide Public Sector, Amazon Web Services
• Bernard Dunn, President Middle East North Africa and Turkey, The Boeing Company, USA
• Stuart Jones, President Europe and Middle East, Bechtel Group, Inc.
• Dr Kevin Lu, Partner & Chairman of Asia, Partners Group, Singapore
• Winston Ma Wenyan, Managing Director , China Investment Capital (CIC)

Further details on key speakers and projects will be announced in the coming weeks. Additional information can be found at: www.gatewaygulf.com

-ENDS-

 For media inquiries, please contact:

Email: media@gatewaygulf.com

 

About The Bahrain Economic Development Board

The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is an investment promotion agency with overall responsibility for attracting investment into the Kingdom and supporting initiatives that enhance the investment climate.

The EDB works with the government and both current and prospective investors, in order to ensure that Bahrain’s investment climate is attractive, to communicate the key strengths, and to identify where opportunities exist for further economic growth through investment.

The EDB focuses on several economic sectors that capitalise on Bahrain’s competitive advantages and provide significant investment opportunities. These sectors include financial services, manufacturing, ICT, tourism, logistics and transport. The financial services sector is particularly strong in Bahrain and the EDB works to support the continued growth of the banking industry and key sub-sectors, including Islamic finance.

For more information on the Bahrain EDB visit www.bahrainedb.com; for information about Bahrain visit www.bahrain.com.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bahrainedb

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bahrainedb/

– Bahrain’s retail sector grew by an average of 13% in gross leasable area last year –

The Economic Development Board (EDB) and Moda Mall co-hosted the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres (MECSC) networking monthly event on the 3^rd of April at the mall. The networking event brought together retail industry professionals to facilitate retail business development, experience and knowledge sharing and networking.

The EDB’s participation comes in line with its strategic plan of promoting the retail sector to further attract investment and create jobs in the Kingdom. Mr Jerad Bachar, Executive Director – Investment Development of Tourism, Real Estate, Education and Healthcare at the EDB, said: ‘‘The retail sector is a vital part of Bahrain’s tourism offering. The diverse mix of traditional, modern, and online retail experiences in the Kingdom continue to evolve.  In coordination with other stakeholders, we aim to continue to increase demand across retail, dining, and entertainment through the diversification of products and services. Last year, Bahrain’s retail gross leasable area grew by 13% and has tripled over the past 10 years. Bahrain also witnessed a growth in tourism arrivals in 2017 reaching 11.4 million visitors, and partial credit to this increase is given to our retail experiences.

‘‘Participating in this networking events is important for the development of our dynamic retail industry. We at the EDB are committed to work with the industry stakeholders on ongoing development in both hard and soft infrastructure to unleash further growth and diversification across the sector.’’

Bahrain World Trade Center and MODA Mall’s managing agent, Cushman & Wakefield Bahrain, Kelvin Crutchlow, Director & General Manager said, “We are delighted to partner with the Bahrain EDB to host this landmark industry event that coincides with Bahrain’s increased shopping tourism growth. Events as these are an important platform that attracts participation from all major stakeholders coming together to pave the way for new opportunities and future growth in the retail sector.”

The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres networking event was held in collaboration with Bahrain’s luxury shopping destination Moda Mall as the main sponsor, EDB as a platinum sponsor and Mall of Dilmunia as a gold sponsor.  The event was attended by government officials and representatives from the retail industry across the GCC.

Tourism, including retail, is a fast-growing sector and a key strategic focus for the EDB and the government. Through a host of current tourism infrastructure projects that are worth more than US $13 billion, as well as new public and private sector initiatives, the retail industry will continue to expand and attract further investment.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

 Further information:

 Telephone: 17589966

Isa.mubarak@bahrainedb.com

 

About The Bahrain Economic Development Board (“EDB”)

The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is an investment promotion agency with overall responsibility for attracting investment into the Kingdom and supporting initiatives that enhance the investment climate.

The EDB works with the government and both current and prospective investors to ensure that Bahrain’s investment climate is attractive, to communicate the key strengths, and to identify where opportunities exist for further economic growth through investment.

The EDB focuses on several economic sectors that capitalise on Bahrain’s competitive advantages. These sectors include financial services, manufacturing, ICT, tourism, logistics and transport.

For more information on the Bahrain EDB visit www.bahrainedb.com.

– As Part of Spring of Culture Festival –

Manama, Bahrain Economic Development Board 28 March 2018: As part of the thirteenth edition of the annual Spring of Culture festival, the internationally acclaimed Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama will be performing live at Bahrain Bay on 30^th March 2018 at 8:30 pm. Fans can expect to hear some of Alama’s biggest hits and classic songs.

Ragheb Alama is a Lebanese singer, composer, television personality, and philanthropist. Born in June 7^th 1962, Alama began his career in the 1980s when he appeared as a contestant on the talent show broadcast Studio El Fan, on which he received the Platinum Award. Alama’s fame came after Studio El Fan followed by yearly albums and number-one hit singles such as “Ya rait” , “‘Aan Jad” and “Alby Asheq’ha” which was dubbed the first Arabic song in history to be made into a music video.

Ragheb achieved the platinum award from Virgin Megastore in Dubai for the highest sales of albums among others in April 2009 and for the first time in the Arab world. Alama has also worked with the pop star Shakira, who featured on a song on his 2010 album, Starz Vol. 1. Ragheb Alama is also a digital influencer with more than 4.6 million fans on his official Facebook Page, 2.6 million follower on Instagram and 6 million follower on twitter.

At the end of 2011, Alama was selected as the head of jury for the MBC show Arab Idol. Joining Ragheb on the panel were Ahlam, Nancy Ajram and the music producer Hassan Shaf’ee. In 2015, Ragheb was selected as a jury of The X Factor beside Elissa and Donia Samir Ghanem. In 2013, The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) appointed the superstar Ragheb Alama as the Goodwill Ambassador in West Asia.

Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is organising the upcoming concert. Tickets for the event can be purchased exclusively online on www.springofculture.org.

Thirteen years after its inauguration, the Spring of Culture festival has transformed into a landmark in Bahrain’s calendar of events. The festival contributes significantly to Bahrain’s tourism sector each year which is a key priority sector for the EDB as part of its diversification strategy. The number of inbound tourists to Bahrain has been increasing year on year, with the total number of visitors reaching 12.7 million last year as compared to 12.2 million in 2016.

Apart from being a festival that builds cultural communication bridges between Bahrain and the rest of the world, Spring of Culture also supports SME’s in the Kingdom whose products and services are enjoyed by and promoted to a new and wider audience during the pre-shows.

Tamkeen is committed to helping drive growth in local businesses and contributes to the promotion of Bahraini SMEs. As a result, it has become a Partner of Spring of Culture for SME Development. SMEs focused on food and beverage can showcase their products during the festival, adding to the visitors’ overall experience of all that Bahrain has to offer and contributing to the promotion of Bahraini SMEs.

The Gold Sponsors of this year’s festival are: Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco), GFH Financial Group, National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) and Tamkeen, while Silver Sponsors include: Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA), Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), Bahrain Duty Free, Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), Gulf Air and Huawei. Other partners and supporters include: the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF); Investate; the National Oil and Gas Authority; Bahrain Maritime & Mercantile International (BMMI); and the embassies of Italy, Japan, USA and Mexico.

For the latest news and updates on events, follow the official Spring of Culture official channel @springofculture on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. The full festival program details are available on www.springofculture.org and on the Spring of Culture App.

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:

Economic Development Board

Telephone: +973 17589966

E-mail: NC@BahrainEDB.com

Notes to editors:

About Spring of Culture

The Spring of Culture is an annual festival recognised as one of the most significant cultural events in Bahrain. The festival is organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) and Shaikh Ebrahim Centre for Culture and Research, in cooperation with Al Bareh Art Gallery and La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art.

The Spring of Culture has offered up a multitude of exciting and distinctive experiences over the past twelve seasons. The annual festival has brought an array of talented artists from Bahrain, the Arab world and beyond, covering theatre, art, music, poetry and literature. The festival also includes a host of other cultural activities held throughout the Kingdom that highlight Bahrain’s rich heritage and unique cultural and historical landmarks, entertaining and educating local citizens and overseas visitors.

21 March 2018, Manama, Bahrain: The Bahrain Economic Development Board is participating in Bahrain Training Institute’s (BTI) annual Career Week taking place from the 20^th to 22^nd March 2018. Guests will be able to visit a booth hosting private and public sector organisations to learn more about opportunities in the job market. The initiative is in line with the EDB’s mandate of attracting investment to create high quality jobs in the local market.

The “2018 Career Week” booth will host EDB representatives in addition to a number of companies the EDB succeeded in attracting, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), DHL and Ariston Thermo. These companies will be presenting job openings to students, graduates and other fair visitors.

In 2017, The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) attracted 71 new companies to Bahrain with investments amounting to BHD 276 Million (US $733 million). The record-breaking achievement helped increase the number of jobs by up to 72%, creating more than 2,800 jobs in the local market over the course of the next three years.

– Ends –

Notes to editor

Contact

Telephone: 17589966

Isa.mubarak@bahrainedb.com ; Khalid.jamal@bahrainedb.com

 

About the Bahrain Economic Development Board  

The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is an investment promotion agency with overall responsibility for attracting investment into the Kingdom and supporting initiatives that enhance the investment climate.

The EDB works with the government and both current and prospective investors to ensure that Bahrain’s investment climate is attractive, to communicate the key strengths, and to identify where opportunities exist for further economic growth through investment.

The EDB focuses on several economic sectors that capitalise on Bahrain’s competitive advantages. These sectors include financial services, manufacturing, ICT, tourism, logistics and transport.

For more information on the Bahrain EDB visit www.bahrainedb.com; for information about Bahrain visit www.bahrain.com.

Manama, Bahrain Economic Development Board 20 March 2018: UK X Factor winner James Arthur will take the stage this weekend as part of the thirteenth edition of the annual festival the Spring of Culture. The concert will take place at Bahrain Bay on the 23^rd of March at 8:30 pm.

James Arthur embarked on his music journey from a young age, writing and recording songs both as a solo artist and in bands in his teens. Apart from his extraordinary showmanship qualities and extremely distinct voice, James also has a natural talent for songwriting.

James became a star overnight after winning the ninth series of The X Factor in 2012, after which his debut single “Impossible” became a worldwide hit. With more than three million records sold, No.1 positions in 50 countries and multiple gold and platinum awards, the single “Impossible” became the most successful UK “X Factor” winner’s single of all time. His follow up single, ‘You’re Nobody ’til Somebody Loves You’, reached number two on the UK charts. James’ self-titled debut album hit number 2 on the album chart after release in November 2013.

In September 2016, James released the single “Say you Won’t Let Go” and it rocketed to the top of the UK music charts – as well as number 27 in the American Billboard Hot 100 chart. His subsequent album, “Back from the Edge”, was released in October 2016 and topped the charts, confirming his position in the spotlight.

Thirteen years after its inauguration, the Spring of Culture festival has transformed into a landmark in Bahrain’s calendar of events. The festival contributes significantly to Bahrain’s tourism sector each year which is a key priority sector for the EDB as part of its diversification strategy. The number of inbound tourists to Bahrain has been increasing year on year, with the total number of visitors reaching 12.7 million last year as compared to 12.2 million in 2016.

Apart from being a festival that builds cultural communication bridges between Bahrain and the rest of the world, Spring of Culture also supports SME’s in the Kingdom whose products and services are enjoyed by and promoted to a new and wider audience during the pre-shows.

Tamkeen is committed to helping drive growth in local businesses and contributes to the promotion of Bahraini SMEs. As a result, it has become a Partner of Spring of Culture for SME Development. SMEs focused on food and beverage can showcase their products during the festival, adding to the visitors’ overall experience of all that Bahrain has to offer and contributing to the promotion of Bahraini SMEs.

The Gold Sponsors of this year’s festival are: Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco), GFH Financial Group, National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) and Tamkeen, while Silver Sponsors include: Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA), Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), Bahrain Duty Free, Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), Gulf Air and Huawei. Other partners and supporters include: the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF); Investate; the National Oil and Gas Authority; Bahrain Maritime & Mercantile International (BMMI); and the embassies of Italy, Japan, USA and Mexico.

For the latest news and updates on events, follow the official Spring of Culture official channel @springofculture on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. The full festival program details are available on www.springofculture.org and on the Spring of Culture App.

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:

Economic Development Board

Telephone: +973 17589966

E-mail: NC@BahrainEDB.com

Notes to editors:

About Spring of Culture

The Spring of Culture is an annual festival recognised as one of the most significant cultural events in Bahrain. The festival is organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) and Shaikh Ebrahim Centre for Culture and Research, in cooperation with Al Bareh Art Gallery and La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art.

The Spring of Culture has offered up a multitude of exciting and distinctive experiences over the past twelve seasons. The annual festival has brought an array of talented artists from Bahrain, the Arab world and beyond, covering theatre, art, music, poetry and literature. The festival also includes a host of other cultural activities held throughout the Kingdom that highlight Bahrain’s rich heritage and unique cultural and historical landmarks, entertaining and educating local citizens and overseas visitors.