Page 39 – Invest in Bahrain

SSH expands Bahrain office to serve Middle East growth

Posted on May 23, 2016August 27, 2020 by edbclient

May 23, 2016

SSH, a leading Middle East professional services company, has today announced that it is to invest further in the development of its Bahrain office. This expansion will increase staff numbers, including senior executives, by 40 personnel. The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) has worked alongside SSH to give feedback and advice, and to help set up the company’s corporate office in Bahrain.

SSH specialises in master planning, infrastructure, building design, construction supervision and project management. To date, the company employs over 1,100 people in over 11 countries. World Architecture ranks SSH as 3rd in the Top Ten Architecture Practices in the Middle East overall and 1st for Culture, 2nd for Heritage, 3rd for Infrastructure and 4th for Construction Management. SSH is also ranked 7th amongst the GCC’s Top 25 MEP Consultants by MEP Middle East.

SSH joins a number of other businesses that have recently expanded operations in Bahrain as a means of accessing the wider GCC market. These include Indian manufacturing firm Electrosteel, which recently launched a new warehouse in Bahrain, and German-based manufacturing conglomerate SMS Meer Group, which has opened its Middle East office for worldwide field services in Bahrain.

Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) said:

“We are delighted that SSH has decided to expand its operations in Bahrain. The growing demand for sophisticated infrastructure and project management services reflect an excellent opportunity for further growth in the sector. We work to support businesses like SSH who can benefit from a strong regulatory environment, excellent transport connections, low costs and competitive taxes, and the most educated workforce in the region.”

Andrew Barwick, Regional Director of SSH said:

“The Gulf region is one of the fastest-growing in the world, and its rising demand for development, infrastructure and project management services means significant investment opportunities for global companies. Bahrain remains a strategic operation for us and we believe the favourable employment environment will help support us in our Middle East operations.

“SSH is already involved with a number of developments in Bahrain including the construction of the new Ras Al Barr Resort, Diyar Al Muharraq, projects with the Ministry of Works, and the Ministry of Housing, amongst others. We hope to increase our involvement in the future and continue to support our clients by delivering world-class projects. As we begin the next chapter of our company’s growth, we look forward to working with organizations such as the Economic Development Board to ensure that it is a success.”

Bahrain is investing over US$30 billion in a pipeline of infrastructure projects over the coming years. Projects under development include the modernisation of the Bahrain International Airport, which will increase capacity to 14 million passengers per year, and the King Hamad causeway which will provide another direct link into the heart of Saudi Arabia.

‘All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce’ Seeks to Strengthen Investment Collaboration with Bahrain

Posted on April 28, 2016August 27, 2020 by edbclient

April 28, 2016

A Chinese Delegation representing the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce met with the Economic Development Board (EDB) today at the EDB headquarters. During the visit, the delegation will also meet with representatives from other public sector bodies and with private sector companies to strengthen ties with Bahrain.

The delegation includes representatives from China’s manufacturing and ICT sectors, aiming to promote investment opportunities and greater economic cooperation between Bahrain and China.

During the meeting the EDB briefed the delegation on the Kingdom’s offering to investors, in terms of its open business environment and the opportunities it presents international investors to access the Gulf market. This included the numerous advantages Chinese and other international businesses are benefiting from by locating in the Kingdom, such as low operating costs, a highly qualified bilingual workforce, and excellent connectivity and access to the other countries that make up the GCC and the region. The delegation was also introduced to the EDB’s efforts to attract investment in key sectors where there is the greatest potential for growth.

Bahrain has been a trading nation for thousands of years and played a key role in the development of the maritime trade routes that connected China to Europe along the old Silk Road. In fact, there is evidence of trade between Bahrain and China as early as the 8th century AD. Today, along the 21st century Silk Road, envisioned under China’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ strategy, Bahrain is a hub for a number of Chinese businesses looking to access the fast growing Gulf and wider Middle East region.

China is one of Bahrain’s most important trading partners and this visit is part of the EDB’s strategy to continue to strengthen bilateral, economic, and investment cooperation between the two countries. In 2015, the EDB hosted more than 15 business delegations from China.

In a statement, Vivian Jamal the Executive Director of Marketing & Communications commented:

“the EDB seeks to attract quality investments in key economic sectors to create high value jobs for Bahrainis. The Kingdom offers investors from China significant advantages in a number of sectors, including manufacturing, ICT and financial services. Through our work to build even stronger ties with China the EDB is attracting new Chinese businesses, helping existing Chinese businesses to expand and create jobs in Bahrain. For example, during the EDB-led investment roadshow to China in September 2015 three Chinese businesses, Baoshang Bank, Jinlou Water and Worldwide Logistics, announced plans to establish operations in Bahrain.”

In September 2015, a high-level business delegation from Bahrain took part in a 10-day visit to China, organised by the EDB. The visit resulted in the signing of 15 agreements between Chinese companies and trade bodies to strengthen economic and trade ties. The delegation also participated in the China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT), where Bahrain was the first country in the Middle East to be guest country of honour.

In 2013, the EDB established an international office in China, which plays a key role in the promotion of the Kingdom in China and attracting representatives to visit.

Trade between Bahrain and China has been growing fast. Total goods traded between Bahrain and China (excluding crude oil) exceeded US$1.76 billion in 2015.

A large number of leading Chinese companies have already established operations in Bahrain, such as Huawei and the Bank of China. Bahrain is Huawei’s Middle East headquarters. The Bank of China’s Bahrain office was the first event venture by a Chinese bank in the Middle East. At the end of 2015, the Bahrain Dragon City opened its doors to the public. This Chinese-themed shopping mall hosts more than 500 Chinese businesses and utilises Bahrain’s strategic location to raise the profile of Chinese products in the region.

EDB participates in a roundtable on promoting Bahrain as a destination for tourism investments

Posted on April 27, 2016August 27, 2020 by edbclient

April 27, 2016

Bahrain attracted 11.6 million visitors in 2015, up 11% from 2014-

– Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority aims for 15.2 million tourists by 2018

Manama, Economic Development Board, 27th April, 2016: As part of its drive to boost investment in Bahrain’s tourism sector, one of the Kingdom’s key areas of growth, the Economic Development Board (EDB) participated in a roundtable session titled “Uncovering Bahrain”. The roundtable was held on the sidelines of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), taking place in Dubai between April 26th and 28th at Madinat Jumeirah.

The roundtable aimed to highlight and promote discussion around tourism related investment opportunities in Bahrain, including the array of identified tourism development districts. Leading investors and developers from the hotel industry also discussed the Kingdom’s thriving hospitality sector, Bahrain’s infrastructure investment programme, and its economic value proposition.

Reflecting increased demand from both regional and international travelers, Bahrain’s tourism market, which currently comprises approximately 6% of GDP, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8%, reaching US$1 billion by 2020.

The hotels and restaurants sector was the fastest growing sector in the Kingdom for the past 2 years, expanding by 10% in 2014 and by 7.3% in 2015. Bahrain attracted a total of 11.6 million tourists in 2015, up 11% from the previous year.

Mr. Jerad Bachar, Executive Director of Tourism and Leisure at the EDB commented:

“There is strong investment currently underway in Bahrain’s tourism sector, stemming from both private and public sector sources. There is investment throughout the tourism ecosystem including accommodation, technology, ground transportation, airport infrastructure, and retail centres.

“The recently launched tourism brand identity “Ours. Yours. Bahrain” has been launched to build the overall awareness of Bahrain as a tourism destination. Through collaboration with the greater tourism community, we aim to increase the country’s competitiveness and increase the economic contribution from tourism to the GDP.”

Bahrain is home to 120 hotels including high quality brands such as the Four Seasons, the Ritz Carlton, Sofitel, ART Rotana, Marriott, Le Méridien and the Westin. More than ten five-star and four-star hotels are under development.

The development of the tourism industry in Bahrain is a priority, and is one of the major elements in the Kingdom’s plans to further diversify its economy. Bahrain is investing heavily in large infrastructure projects which will have direct benefits to the sector, including the $1 billion Bahrain International Airport Modernisation Programme. Other development projects driven by recent investment include the Avenues Mall and the One and Only Resort and Spa, both currently under construction.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has developed a comprehensive calendar of local, regional, and international events and exhibitions held throughout the year. These include The Gulf Air Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix, The Spring of Culture Festival, Shop Bahrain Festival, and various consumer exhibitions. This calendar of events was recently promoted during tourism development roadshows held in India, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Russian Businesses briefed on Bahrain’s investment opportunities

Posted on April 25, 2016March 30, 2023 by edbclient

April 25, 2016

As part of its continued efforts to boost growth in Bahrain’s economy, the Economic Development Board (EDB) received a high level Russian Business delegation and briefed them on investment opportunities in Bahrain as well as ways of furthering trade between the two countries. The delegation, consisting of 25 Russian business representatives covering a number of sectors including sports, education, healthcare, tourism, culture, electricity and water, are in the Kingdom Bahrain as part of a visit organised by the Capital Governorate.

The EDB officials introduced the visiting delegation to the numerous investment opportunities Bahrain’s open business environment offers as well as some of the key advantages that investors experience, such as some of the lowest living and operating costs in the region, as well as a highly skilled local workforce. The meeting also showcased EDB’s efforts in attracting investments and businesses to establish their regional headquarters in Bahrain.

Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the EDB commented:

“We are looking forward to strengthening our relationship with Russia, a leading economic territory. Visits like this will allow for further economic cooperation and will introduce Russian businesses to the opportunities available for investment in all key sectors in the Kingdom”.

There have been significant developments in Bahraini-Russian relations in recent years following the establishment of the Bahraini-Russian Joint Business Council in 2008 after the historic visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Russia.

An important milestone between the two countries was reached following a high-level Bahraini business delegation’s visit to the Russian Federation in April 2014, which was part of an official visit headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and chairman of the EDB. The visit resulted in the signing of a number of agreements including an MoU signed between Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company and Russian Direct Investment Fund. Also announced was a revision to the visa policies for Russian citizens entering the Kingdom in order to encourage trade and tourism. In line with this, Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, also launched 4 direct flights weekly to Moscow.

Bahrain also hosted the first ever forum titled “Russia-GCC Trade and Industrial Dialogue” in Manama in December 2014. A number of key officials and representatives of the private sector from Russia and the GCC States participate in the forum, which was organised by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade and supported by the EDB, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Federation of GCC Chambers of Commerce. Discussions focused on the areas of cooperation and investment in infrastructure, development projects, manufacturing, agriculture, energy and Islamic finance.

Ion Exchange expands Bahrain business to meet growing demand in gulf market

Posted on April 21, 2016August 27, 2020 by edbclient

April 21, 2016

– one of Asia’s largest environment solutions providers – chemical blending facility to serve as export hub for GCC region –

Manama, 21 April 2016: Ion Exchange, a leading Indian company and one of Asia’s largest environment solutions providers, today announced the launch of a new chemical blending facility in Bahrain. The company, has sought to expand its facility in Bahrain in order to improve the products and services it offers the wider GCC region.

The new facility, based in the Bahrain Investment Wharf, will serve as the chemical export hub for the region and North Arab states, creating around 30 jobs over the course of the next three years. The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), which provides advice and practical help to companies establishing operations in Bahrain, assisted Ion Exchange with company set up and other business requirements in order to ensure the company’s successful inception.

Rapid demographic growth and economic expansion in the GCC in recent years have created a strong demand for water treatment technologies and services. Ion Exchange is a specialist for over 50 years and provides a complete portfolio of advanced environmental solutions to industrial, institutional, residential, home, rural and urban developments. The company has a strong global presence with plants in various parts of the world, with offices in the Middle East, South East Asia, Africa, Canada and USA.

Husain Rajab, Director of Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics at the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) said: “We are delighted to have been able to support the establishment and expansion of Ion Exchange’s business here in Bahrain. The GCC needs to invest significantly in water and wastewater treatment related infrastructure over the coming years, and Bahrain offers a strong access point to the region for global sector-leaders like Ion Exchange.

“Bahrain has a strong relationship with India, being home to a large expatriate community and with a number of successful Indian firms such as JBF Industries, Chemco and the State Bank of India, and ICICI Bank. We expect to continue to attract many more Indian firms to Bahrain in the future.”

Rajesh Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director of Ion Exchange, also commented on the announcement: “Ion Exchange has successfully executed globally tendered projects and exported plants to the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia, to the stringent requirements of customers, consultants and EPC contractors. It has made it presence felt in Europe and the USA with export of resins and water treatment chemicals. The launch of the new Bahrain facility is part of our wider strategy to ensure proximity to our GCC and North Arab market. Bahrain is located at the heart of the Gulf market with excellent transport and logistics connections throughout the region. We are expanding to meet the GCC’s rising demand for water treatment products and services and are excited to work closely with organisations like the EDB to ensure our success.”

Ion Exchange joins a number of other Indian companies that have recently expanded operations in Bahrain as a means of serving growth in the Middle East region. These include manufacturing firm Electrosteel, whose new US$6.6 million warehouse will act as the sales and distributions hub for the region, and Synergies Castings Limited, who are establishing an aluminium casting and specialty alloy wheel manufacturing facility in Bahrain. India and Bahrain enjoy close economic relations with trade between the two nations reaching $674 million in 2015. More than 350,000 Indian nationals are currently living in Bahrain.

The Bahrain EDB has offices based at the Bahrain Embassy in Delhi and the Bahrain Consulate in Mumbai that provide information and support to interested investors in the South Asia region. Investors looking for more information about Bahrain can visit www.bahrain.com or contact Ms Dharmi Magdani, the EDB’s Regional Director in India, on dharmi.magdani@bahrainedb.com.

The 11th Spring of Culture Festival Concludes with 54 Cultural Events

Posted on April 10, 2016August 27, 2020 by edbclient

April 10, 2016

The 11th Spring of Culture festival has completed its programme, under the organisation of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), Economic Development Board (EDB), and the Shaikh Ebrahim Centre for Culture and Research and the participating art galleries (Al Bareh Art Gallery, Al Riwaq Art Space and La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art). The festival includes 54 events and performances, making it the biggest in the festival’s history.

The festival, which follows the theme “Destination Bahrain” as part of BACA initiative to promote the Kingdom’s attractions, is being held from February until April. It features a variety of cultural and arts events including art exhibitions, music and song, performances and theatre as well as lectures and cinema, where 85% of events were free to the public.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of BACA , said, “Through the festival is a celebration that promotes the unique historical cultural assets which abound in Bahrain with the aim of building a sustainable cultural tourism industry. As such, we invite everyone through these activities to undertake an exciting journey of discovery of these numerous cultural assets that testify to a rich history which dates back many millennia.”

“The Spring of Culture once more affirms the role of culture as an effective tool to spread joy and facilitate constructive local and cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration, which ultimately benefits and enriches all of humankind,” Shaikha Mai added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the EDB, commented:

“Over the years, The Spring of Culture has proven to be a benchmark for Bahrain’s rich culture and heritage, further strengthening the Kingdom’s tourism sector which is a key sector for development at the EDB.

“The festival has now become a flagship event in the culture and tourism calendar in the region, bringing together international and local talents and emphasises the results successful partnership between the public and private sectors can achieve.”

The festival programme features an array of events and activities that represent a wide spectrum of cultural pursuits and interests, from thought seminars, song and music concerts, theatrical productions, fine arts exhibitions, and more.

The Spring of Culture also features a number of community outreach initiatives revolving around culture and the arts. The Economic Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the University of Bahrain, provides teachers and university students with an opportunity to attend week long workshops and lectures covering various topics. A number of seats have also been dedicated for the Royal Charity Organisation children during events.

To develop Bahrain’s local talents, Spring of Culture is also organising a number of workshops in cooperation with La Fontaine Art Centre. Some of the participating troops will also hold educational sessions for the public, which can be booked through the dedicated line found in the Spring of Culture events brochure, or the website.

Spring of Culture Gold sponsors for this year are National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), Huawei and Bahrain Airport Company. Silver sponsors are ALBA, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, Bahrain Duty Free and Bahrain Airport Services (BAS). The event is also supported by BMMI.

Bahrain ranks 1st regionally and 18th globally as one of the most economic free countries

Posted on April 10, 2016August 27, 2020 by edbclient

April 10, 2016

Bahrain remained the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s most economically free country. The Kingdom has also ranked 18th out of 178 economies worldwide, according to the 2016 Index of Economic Freedom issued by the Heritage Foundation and Wall Street Journal.

The report is based on 10 quantitative and qualitative factors including rule of law, limited government rule, regulatory efficiency and open markets.

Freest Economies in the World
Hong Kong	1
Singapore	2
New Zealand	3
Switzerland	4
Australia	5
MENA region
Bahrain	18
UAE	25
Qatar	34
Jordan	46
Oman	52
Kuwait	74

Total Theatre Award winners, Pirates of the Carabina showcase Flown

Posted on April 4, 2016August 27, 2020 by edbclient

April 04, 2016

Manama: Pirates of the Carabina is set to perform their globally recognised show Flown as part of the Spring of Culture Festival 2016 on Thursday April 7th, Friday April 8th, and Saturday April 9th at Arad Fort.

The group is an internationally acclaimed contemporary circus company from the UK, which specializes in choreographed aerial theatre performances combined with live music.

Flown has won the international “Total Theatre Award” in 2013 and are one of the best known leaders in the field of contemporary theatre performances for over four decades. This award marked the culmination of the creative group Pirates of the Carabina, especially in the presentation of Flown, which won critics amusement with its bold and breathtaking tale of a diverse crew of acrobats, aerialists, stuntmen, and musicians all trying to get a show on the road. The show is filled with laughter, excitement, as well as impressive physical skills that are in harmony with live music.

Flown has gained a lot of media recognition over the years, namely from the UK newspaper The Guardian which stated that Flown has “Exquisite moments of beauty…brilliantly athletic “. Also, Time Out Magazine has written that the show is “Skin-tinglingly good”. The website Edinburgh Spotlight says “Its infectious energy soars all the way to the top”. While the Scottish newspaper Scotsman highlighted that the show embodies creativity and beauty.

The Spring of Culture 2016, recognised as one of the most significant cultural events in Bahrain, and an annual event by UNESCO, is organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) in cooperation with the Economic Development Board (EDB), Shaikh Ebrahim Centre for Culture and Research, Al Bareh Art Gallery, Al Riwaq Art Space and La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art.

This festival, held from February to April, has gained popularity over the years for bringing together unique and talented artists from around the world as well as from Bahrain. The festival also contributes to Bahrain’s tourism sector, which is recognised as one of the main sectors the EDB looks to support as part of its development plans for the Kingdom.Spring of Culture 2016 Gold sponsors are National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), Huawei and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC). Silver sponsors are ALBA, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), Bahrain Duty Free and Bahrain Airport Services (BAS). The event is also supported by BMMI.For the latest news and updates on events, follow the official Spring of Culture account @springofculture on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

The full details on the event and its activities are available on the website www.springofculture.org.

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The Economic Development Board Participates in the 1st GCC Logistics Conference

Posted on March 27, 2016August 27, 2020 by edbclient

March 27, 2016

Manama: The Economic Development Board will be participating in the 1st GCC Logistics Conference, held in Manama between 30th and 31st March 2016 at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa. The EDB is one of the conference’s key sponsors.

The 1st GCC Logistics Conference aims to highlight the importance of the logistics sector in the GCC and the wider MENA region. A number of expert speakers will be hosted at the event, allowing audiences to learn more about potential growth opportunities and challenges in the sector.

Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the Bahrain EDB, will make a keynote speech at the event, highlighting Bahrain’s activities in the transport and logistics sector, and will also participate in a panel session focused on global trends and regional opportunities.

Mr. Al Rumaihi commented: “Bahrain offers a unique value proposition in the transport and logistics sector, positioned as a gateway to the region offering modern infrastructure, competitive costs, strong human capital and an evolving regulatory environment. We have enjoyed considerable growth in the transport and logistics sector over recent years, with the transport and communications sector growing by 5.9% in 2015.

“The GCC has also rapidly emerged as a global logistics hub over recent years. Major investments are being undertaken in air, sea and road infrastructure, with much of it driven by the need to accelerate diversifying the region’s economies away from the energy sector, and given the current economic context this event comes at an important time. ”

The EDB has identified a number of key economic sectors which demonstrate potential for growth and offer competitive advantages for investment. The sectors include manufacturing and logistics, ICT, Tourism, and Financial Services.

A number of key officials will be speaking at the conference, including; H.E. Zayed R. Alzayani – Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism, H.E. Mr. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed – Minister of Transportation and Telecommunication, H.E. Mr. Alfred Simms-Protz, German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Mahmood Hashim Al Kooheji – Chief Executive Officer at Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company B.S.C., and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Wimmer – Chairman of the Executive Board at “BVL International” – The Global Supply Chain Network.

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For More Information, Please Call:
Bahrain Economic Development Board
Tel: +973 17589966
E-mail: NC@BahrainEDB.com
2016

Mexican Duet Rodrigo Y Gabriela bring their guitar tunes to Arad Fort

Posted on March 27, 2016August 27, 2020 by edbclient

March 27, 2016

Manama: Internationally recognised Mexican duet known for combining rock music with Mexican tunes Rodrigo Y Gabriela will show their love for guitars and rock music, adding a twist from their own Mexican culture in Arad Fort on the 31st of March 2016.

The two exceptionally talented artists will exhibit a highly energetic performance, by combining their own hits with covers of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” Metallica’s “Orion,” or Radiohead’s “Creep”, and much more from various famous artists. Q magazine, one of Britain’s biggest music industry magazines has commented with great admiration for the performance by the duo: “Twenty fingers, 12 strings, two players, one ton of fun”.

Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Koaintero’s excellent talent started in Mexico City, at the heart of Mexico. Their music has gained a growing number of admirers from around the world, raisingtheir rankings and making them internationally known artists. They moved through many genres in music from Flamenco to Heavy Metal, where they worked with the band Tierra Acida. The two concentrated on learning more guitar styles and released a couple of albums including “Re-Foc” in 2003 and “Rodrigo y Gabriela” in 2006. They embarked on a global tour and performed in countries like Japan, the United States of America, and Europe. In January 2011, they cooperated with Hans Zimmer, a film composer, on a song for the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”.

For the latest news and updates on events, follow the official Spring of Culture account @springofculture on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

The full details on the event and its activities are available on the website www.springofculture.org.

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