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With billions of dollars being spent to develop its warehousing and transportation infrastructure, Bahrain has emerged as a popular hotspot for the global logistics industry.
Bahrain has experienced a number of economic booms during its vast history. In particular, the shallow waters that surround the island once contained a generous supply of pearls, which resulted in years of lucrative trade with countries around the world.
Unfortunately, the ‘peal or the Gulf’ – as Bahrain was nicknamed – suffered from a global collapse in the market and found solace in another high-value commodity, becoming the first country to discover oil reserves in the western side of the Gulf.
Although the quantity was limited in comparison to neighbouring countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, enough income was generated to fund the development of other industries in Bahrain, such as banking and finance, travel and tourism, education and training, and most recently, warehousing and transportation. The ambitious nature of this diversification programme can be attributed to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who outlined the importance of a varied economy with his National Economic Vision 2030 plan, which launched with much fanfare in October 2008.
“His Majesty’s Economic Vision 2030 outlines the future path for our economic development,” explains Kamal Ahmed, chief operating officer at Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB). “It has been shared with a host of opinion leaders from the private and public sectors, whose input has added to the quality and significance of this document.”
A number of business incentives have been marketed by the EDB during its campaign to establish Bahrain as a warehousing and transportation hub. For example, companies can benefit from 100% foreign ownership, while Ahmed also claims the Kingdom has shorter travel times between its logistics zone, airport and seaport compared to other Middle Eastern countries, allowing the trading community to handle their goods in a faster, more efficient manner.
The importance of such benefits has never been more apparent, with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) being signed between Bahrain and the United States, Singapore, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland in recent years. Negotiations are also taking place with India, China, Japan, Australia and the European Union, which explains the growing need to develop infrastructure for supply chain operations.
“Bahrain has invested billions of dollars to develop the best transport links in the region, incorporating road, sea and air,” states Ahmed, without making a specific reference to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which also have multi-modal transportation projects that amount to billions of dollars.
“Our strategic location can provide companies with road access to the booming economies in the Gulf, supported by the 25km causeway to Saudi Arabia and the forthcoming Friendship Causeway to Qatar, which is scheduled for completion in 2013. In addition, we have new developments such as Bahrain Logistics Zone and Khalifa Bin Salman Port, while the existing capacity at Bahrain International Airport will soon be trebled to 1 million tonnes per annum with our new Cargo Oasis, making it comparable to London’s Heathrow Airport.”
With a string of developments in full swing, the government is also encouraging Bahraini nationals to consider a long-term career in logistics and supply chain management. Over $114 million has been invested by Tamkeen, Bahrain’s labour fund, to provide over 19,000 nationals with relevant training. This will be supported by local education institutes, such as Bahrain Polytechnic, which has launched a higher diploma in transport, freight and logistics.
However, with the global recession having an impact on all corners of the world, will the forthcoming generation of logisticians have suitable opportunities in their home country? At face value, the indicators are undoubtedly positive, with industry leaders such as Aramex, Danzas and CEVA Logistics all biting the bait and expanding their presence in the Kingdom. In addition, DHL has established a central base in Bahrain to cover its entire Middle East operations.
“Logistics operations are very complex in today’s market and effective supply chain management is a way for companies to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. I believe the infrastructure in Bahrain will enable companies to compete more effectively in the regional and global market,” concludes Ahmed.
“The global financial credit crunch hasn’t had a negative impact on our plans, because the Kingdom started investing heavily in infrastructure during the oil boom and our approach has always been one of stable growth in line with demand.”
View Bahrain Power List
Posted by Green Man, Manama, Bahrain on 11 October 2009 at 15:27 UAE time
Congradulations to Talal Al Zain, you truly deserve the recognition Cannot help noticing that a lot of people are missing from the "list"...for instance people like Elham Hassan, Kamal Ahmed, Ali Ahmed Radhi, Huda Noonoo..just to name a few...list seems very incomplete...
Posted by Mazen Al Basri, Manama, Bahrain on 6 October 2009 at 15:56 UAE time
Congraltulations to Mr Talal Al Zain you really deserve it after your long experience, dedication and commitment and congratulations to Mr Esam Janahi who derserves it as well for what he has achieved and who built a big name for GFH. I congratulate the rest of the people in the list also but I think some of them do not represent the top influentail people in the gulf with all respect and more infuential people like Mohammed bin Ali Al Abbar of Dubai for example
Posted by Vishal, Dubai, UAE on 6 October 2009 at 10:47 UAE time
Do all publications in Dubai INSIST on being racist? Are you telling me there isn't at least ONE major businessman from the Subcontinent that has not made (or continues to make) a significant impact on the Bahrain economy?
After the poor feedback from your last few 'Power Lists', haven't you perhaps thought of giving it a break?
Posted by Mr Khalid, manama, bahrain on 5 October 2009 at 23:07 UAE time
congratulation to this great man which deserves more.Thanks to all the work you have done to your country and people.We are all proud of you and this recognition is not strange to you.
Posted by proud muharaqi on 1 October 2009 at 17:42 UAE time
IT IS TO BE NOTED THAT MOST OF YOUR RESEARCHERS ARE NON BAHRAINI OR THE REGION WHICH IS EVIDENT IN SOME OF THE NAMES CHOSEN. SOME OF THESE NAMES HAVE COTRIBUTED TO THE SUFFERING OF INNOCENT PEOPLE.LET US TALK AND I HAVE THE EVIDENCE AND COURAGE TO EXPLAIN FURTHER.
Posted by Jameel Alawi, Manama, Bahrain on 1 October 2009 at 11:28 UAE time
We are very proud working under the guidance of you. Your enthusiasm, passionate, and the challenge have built a new generation follow your working style. inspite of the rating you are our symbol wherever we go. Congratulations.
Posted by Proud Bahraini, Manama, Bahrain on 1 October 2009 at 11:08 UAE time
Never read such a load of rubbish in my life. The #1 position is hilarious! Was any actual research done for this? A few phone calls would have made this list look very different.......
Posted by Abdulnabi H Ali, Manama, Bahrain on 1 October 2009 at 10:51 UAE time
Reply to Upside Down List
My Dear its not about Building its the current power list, and Mr
Al Zain is on the top simply he run the show, and by the way What Mr Atif built nothing genius or creative about its copy and paste !!, and FYI Mr. Alzain is very qualified highly organized and dedicated mature and professional attitude and the Job he is doing is very challenging and important job and he does it with reliability and honesty and commitment. God Bless him .
Posted by Jameel Alawi, Manama, Bahrain on 1 October 2009 at 10:51 UAE time
Congratulations. Well deserved it bu Fahad. wishing more achievement in the future.
Posted by Walid Husseini, Manama, Bahrain on 30 September 2009 at 15:31 UAE time
Cogratulations for the great success, well deserved award wishing you more and more in the coming future. Good luck Talal, keep going and God bless you.
Posted by Walid Husseini, Manama, Bahrain on 30 September 2009 at 15:27 UAE time
Dear Khal,
Congratulations for being on the top of the list of Bahrain most influential People. In fact you have a very successful businessman in all your business ventures, a man with a major contribution to the Bahraini Economy. Am not surprised of this award granted to a man with honor, perseverence, excellent reputation and unmatched track record. We are all proud of this great achievement, God bless you and all the best inshallah.
Show all comments
Posted by Johnny A. Fattaleh, Dubai, UAE on 30 September 2009 at 13:06 UAE time
Dear Jamil,
You have been always successful behind any business or project you have undertaken in your business life and it is no wonder that you are on the list of the most successful and influencial business people in Bahrain. We are proud of you and your achievements. God bless you
Posted by Bahraini, manama, Bahrain on 30 September 2009 at 12:27 UAE time
to proof my point , look at who is at the top and who is at the bottom of the list ? No. 47 Mr. Atif A AbdulMalik C.E.O. and founder, of ARCAPITA, a multi billion dollar investment bank, a Bahraini that bilt with his team this wealth, was place at the bottom of the list, while Mr. Talal Al Zain a former " placement sale man " of INVESTCORP, who had nothing to do with the building of the government assets of MUMTALIKAT is at the top of the list ! ?
Posted by The Consultant, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 30 September 2009 at 11:37 UAE time
Request to AB: when issuing these power lists, can you restrict the comments that are published to ones that actually have something worthwhile to say about the individuals or the list itself?
If sycophantic employees and family members want to suck up to the rich and powerful, they should just walk across the room and congratulate them directly, instead of publishing their comments on AB.
Posted by Charuchith, Manama, Bahrain on 30 September 2009 at 09:44 UAE time
Extensive coverage of professionals across the various walks of life.
However noted omissions of Mohammed Kanoo, Abdulla Nass etc.
One also cant discount the influence of the Royal Family in Bahrain.
Charuchith
Posted by Nath, Manama, Bahrain on 30 September 2009 at 08:58 UAE time
Congratulations Mr.Jawad Habib. This is an achievement and a well earned one too. All the very best for your future and many more recognitions and achievements to come...
Posted by Irfan, Manama, Bahrain on 29 September 2009 at 23:11 UAE time
My heartly congratulation for your most successful bussiness men in middle east.
Posted by Fatima Isa, Bahrain on 29 September 2009 at 17:22 UAE time
Congratulations Mr. Jawad Habib..
I think he should be part of the Top 10 .. not 14, he deserve to be .. he's really one of the best and most successful bussiness men ;)
but .. Congratulations any way
Posted by Ali Al-Banna, Manama, Bahrain on 29 September 2009 at 17:14 UAE time
Congratulations Mr. Jawad
This is a great achievement.
We are proud to work with you under your authority at BDO JawadHabib.
Posted by feelinempowered, Manama on 29 September 2009 at 16:07 UAE time
Arabian Business has given up credibility a long time ago... But nice to see my boss' boss' boss is in there !! fat lot of good it'll do me...! What about AA al-A'ali? what about the real power holders? AB dare not mention them here, for fear of giving the positive exposure. A joke, that's what this is. meaningless list.
Posted by Carla Keyrouz Karam, Doha, Qatar on 29 September 2009 at 15:48 UAE time
You really deserve it, wishing you Success & Best of Luck.
Posted by Abbas (A.A.Kothambawala Co.), Manama, Bahrain on 29 September 2009 at 11:21 UAE time
excellent work as research for the list and Mohammed Dadabhai is one of the most if not THE powerful business man on this island and hats off to him and his work, what he has achived in his lifetime.
Posted by Abu Abdullah, Manama, Bahrain on 28 September 2009 at 18:36 UAE time
Congratulations Faisal Jawad on this recognition, excellent work arabian Business no comment on the ranking,hope to see more of this in future maybe by business category/group.
Posted by Hssain Jasim, Manama 305, Bahrain on 28 September 2009 at 18:14 UAE time
Yes Sir, look at the how the west and how they rate the most powerful people and take note and learn! I am sorry to say this list is a joke! Wake up Arabian Business and have some credibilty!
Posted by To My BOSS, Bahrain on 28 September 2009 at 11:36 UAE time
Congratulation to my Boss Mr. Alzain.
He deserves it.
Posted by Mohamed, manama, bahrain on 28 September 2009 at 11:21 UAE time
excellent work on the list and Faisal Jawad is one of the most if not THE powerful business man on this island and hats off to him and his work.
Posted by Mawaheb Zaidan, Manama, Bahrain on 28 September 2009 at 10:23 UAE time
Congratulations on this recognition which you really deserve, wishing you success and best of luck.
Posted by viswakumar, Manama, Bahrain on 28 September 2009 at 10:13 UAE time
Congratulations Khamis on this well deserved recognition.
Posted by Delmonian, Manama, Bahrain on 28 September 2009 at 09:17 UAE time
90% of the names are powerless and not known in Bahrain. There should have been a pole from inside Bahrain not from outside.. There is no credibility to recommendation.
Posted by Bahraini, Manama, Bahrain on 27 September 2009 at 21:15 UAE time
Sorry but seriously most of them are power less and not influence on the island, most are employees who are working for the bower full and influence people. I think you should review you list because it became a laugh.
Posted by Abu Hamza, Manama on 27 September 2009 at 20:18 UAE time
The list is a little strange. the no.1 is an employee who takes his instructions from a board. Are the members of the board less powerful? he cant do anything without board approval - he is an employee. You say :"And where Al Zain wants to go, Bahrain has the money to take him. but Bahrain has no money that is why they have so much sovereign debts. And how is the performance of mumtalakat? losses and more losses.
You have a football coach and an ex diplomat. You cant be serious with this list. Why have a list if it has no credibility.
Posted by Angelo Embuldeniya, Seef, Bahrain on 27 September 2009 at 17:36 UAE time
Congrats Mona on this amazing award!
Posted by Mohamed Juman, Manama, Bahrain on 27 September 2009 at 14:27 UAE time
Excellent effort. well done to all.
Posted by Sameer Alshaikh, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia on 27 September 2009 at 13:28 UAE time
The Credit should also go to the Men and Women that works so hard in the Shadow to bring forward the men and women top 50 Power List to the Sun :-)
Posted by Gavin Dodd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 27 September 2009 at 10:05 UAE time
Congratulations Mona on this fantastic well deserved recognition. We are all very proud of you and honoured to know you.
The Dodd Family
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