Increase Reported in Bahraini Oil Sector’s Annual Business Activity

Bahrain recorded a 2 % growth in real gross domestic product in the second quarter compared to the same period last year, according to its Ministry of Finance and National Economy. The oil sector also reported an annual increase of 2.2 % in business activity, spurred by a 2.9 % rise in the combined production of Abu Sa’afa and the onshore Bahrain oil fields. 

In its latest report, the department disclosed that the growth in real GDP was fueled by a rise in the non-oil sector, also of 2 %. The transportation and communication activities topped the rankings, reporting an annual growth of 13.3 % in the second quarter, followed by hotels and restaurants, which grew by 9.6 %. Real estate and business activities rose 4.9 %, while financial corporations advanced by 4.7 % annually over the second quarter of last year.

Like many oil-dependent nations, Bahrain has recognized the need to diversify its economy. Various initiatives have been taken to support this, including in the financial services, tourism and hospitality, and real estate sectors. The report further stated that the non-oil industry contributed 82.9 % of Bahrain’s real GDP between April and June,

The financial sector made up the largest segment of the total, with its size reflecting the government’s focus on financial technology and digital banking. The oil sector was the second-largest contributor to real GDP at 17.1 %, while government services came in third, accounting for 14.1 %. The manufacturing sector dropped by 0.9 % in the second quarter compared to last year’s corresponding period yet controlled 13.6 % of the country’s real GDP.

Bahrain has also been promoting the manufacturing and industrial sectors to reduce dependency on oil, including nurturing Aluminum Bahrain – one of the largest producers of the metal in the world – and growing the petrochemical industry. These diversification efforts align with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, a comprehensive development plan to transform the country’s economy. The quarterly report further projects real GDP growth of 2.9 % in 2023 and 3.2 % in 2024, with the non-oil sector growing by 3.5 % and 3.8 %, respectively, during those years.