Bahrain was known as the pearl of Persian Gulf due to its flourishing pearling industry. Today, it is a thriving business hub in the MENA region and offers a high quality of life to its people.
Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands. Historically, the region thrived on culture and trade of pearls that also invited the Portuguese invaders to conquer it in 16th century. With the discovery of oil off the coast of Bahrain, the economic topology of the country changed. The country also saw a transition in its sociocultural background to become a freethinking state among the Gulf countries, thus promoting education and cosmopolitan culture.
Rich History
Bahrain’s history dates back to more than 5000 years, when Dilmun of the Bronze civilization ruled the area. They lasted for about two millennia. Following this Bahrain has been constantly occupied by different rulers such as, Sumerians, Babylonians, Portuguese, Greeks, Turks and Persians, to name a few.
Bahrain is also famous and historically known as the ‘Land of Two Seas’. The about to this was first made in the legend of Gilgamesh. The basis to this probably lies in the sweet water springs located under the sea that leads to the shaping of two water-bodies with different densities.
During the 3rd or 4th century, Bahrain adopted Christianity, followed by Islam in the 7th century. Although Islam is the official religion of Bahrain, a small percentage of indigenous Christians still exist in the country along with other non-Muslims.
Contemporary Business Environment
Oil, discovered in 1932, had very small reserve in the country. As a result, it decided to diversify its economy, promote international business relationships, and encourage free trade. Today, Bahrain is a flourishing trade center that offers a cost-competitive business environment and educated workforce. Business and professional services, financial services, information and communication technology, manufacturing and logistics are some of the key sectors where Bahrain has already established a track record. The other upcoming sectors are pharmaceuticals, tourism and education and training. Bahrain is known as one of the most technologically advanced and well-informed economies in the MENA region.
As clear from its many flourishing industries, there is a strong presence of visitors on business trips. This has required Bahrain to keep up a good supply of hotels in the budget, luxury and business class. Some of the well-known names are the Kempinski Hotel Bahrain City Centre, InterContinental Bahrain, Al Areen Palace and Spa, Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel And Spa and Golden Tulip Hotel Bahrain, that offer world-class hospitality services to a global crowd.
