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GLOBAL VILLAGE

A cosy melting
pot, but political
stability is needed

A welcoming island nation that woos investors and tourists
with gusto, Bahrain is a regional gem in the Persian Gulf – but it
is not entirely free of challenges. By Fiona Zerbst.

A COSMOPOLITAN COUNTRY
considered extremely
hospitable even by Middle
Eastern standards, the Kingdom of
Bahrain is something of a favourite
among expatriates and tourists. It
prides itself on multiculturalism and the
small country – consisting of 33 islands
that accommodate only 1,4-million
people – is strategically positioned
at the heart of the Persian Gulf.
Neighbours Saudi Arabia and Qatar
are less than an hour away by air.

“Bahrain has been a trading
destination for centuries, which has had
a huge impact on the local population’s
wider world view – especially when
compared to that of many of the other
Gulf Cooperation Council countries
(Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab
Emirates, Qatar and Oman),” says
Mark Warman, Managing Director
local of digital marketing agency
East Innovations.

This welcoming ambience extends
to business, too. “Bahrain stands out
for being one of the more cooperative
and liberal of the GCC countries. It is
a hub in the region, which helps with
trade, and many financial institutions
have opened their headquarters here

52 strategicmarketing October 2016 – January 2017