Bahrain Industry
Bahrain (11/04)
U.S.-Bahraini economic ties have grown steadily since 1932, when Americans participated in the development of Bahrain's oil industry. Bahrain is a regional base for numerous American banks and firms. The U.S. and Bahrain signed a free trade agreement (FTA) in September 2004. ... Bahrain's development as a major financial center has been the most widely heralded aspect of its diversification effort. Bahrain is a regional financial and business center; international financial institutions operate in Bahrain, both offshore and onshore, without impediments, and the financial sector is currently the second largest contributor to GDP. More than 100 offshore banking units and representative offices are located in Bahrain, as well as 65 American firms. Bahrain has also made a concerted effort to become the leading Islamic finance center in the world, standardizing regulations of the Islamic banking industry. It currently has 26 Islamic banks – the largest concentration of Islamic financial institutions. ... [Read More]
Background Notes: Bahrain
Background Notes: BahrainPA/PCSource: Office of Public Communication, Bureau of Public AffairsDate: Nov 28, 199111/28/91Category: Country DataRegion: MidEast/North AfricaCountry: BahrainSubject: Military Affairs, Cultural Exchange, Travel, History, International Organizations, Trade/Economics[TEXT]Official Name: State of BahrainPROFILEGeographyArea: 693 sq. km. (268 sq. mi.); about four times the size ofWashington, DC. Bahrain is an archipelago consisting of 33 islands,only 5 of them inhabited. Cities: Capital--Manama (pop. 122,000--1985 est.). Other city--Al Muharraq. ... [Read More]
Background Notes Archive - Near East and North Africa
U.S. Department of StateBackground Notes: Bahrain, October 1996Bureau of Public AffairsOfficial Name: State of BahrainPROFILEGeographyArea: 693 sq. km. (268 sq. mi.); about four times the size of Washington, DC. Bahrain is an archipelago consisting of 33 islands, only six of them inhabited.Cities: Capital--Manama (pop. 145,000--1993 est.). Other city--Al Muharraq (81,000--1993 est.).Terrain: Low interior plateau and hill on main island.Climate: Hot and humid from May-September, temperate from October-April.PeopleNationality: Noun and adjective--Bahraini(s).Population (1996 est.): 586,000; 66% indigenous.Ethnic groups: Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%.Religions: Shi'a and Sunni Muslim.Languages: Arabic (official), English, Farsi, Urdu.Education: Attendance--73%. Literacy (1990 est.)--77% (male 82%, female 69%).Work force (1987 est.): 197,000 (about 44% indigenous, 56% expatriate). Industry and commerce--74%. Services--19%. Agriculture--4%. Government--3% ... [Read More]
V. Country Narratives -- Countries A through G
Bangladesh is a country of origin and transit for women and children trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation, involuntary domestic servitude, and debt bondage. Bangladeshi women and girls are trafficked to India, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). A small number of women and girls are trafficked from Burma to India through the country. Bangladeshi boys are also trafficked to the U.A.E., Qatar, and Kuwait for forced work as camel jockeys and beggars. Women and children from rural areas in Bangladesh are trafficked to urban centers for commercial sexual exploitation and domestic servitude. Young boys are lured into forced servitude in the fishing industry in Dublar Char and other islands in the Bay of Bengal region. The Government of Bangladesh does not fully comply with the minimum standards for th ... [Read More]
Calendar of Events
FSVC Regional Seminar on Best Practices for Risk Management and Disclosure in the Insurance Industry ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
The role of Bahraini women is changing, and the position of women in society is expanding and developing. There are many more opportunities in both education and business for Bahraini women. Many Bahraini women wear the "abaya," a traditional black cloth covering the whole body, outside their homes. Other Bahraini women dress in the latest European fashions and occupy positions of responsibility, including upper mid-level Government posts. Bahraini women have the right to drive cars unlike neighboring Saudi Arabia. Commerce and IndustryLast Updated: 1/18/2004 5:32 AM ... [Read More]
Bahrain
Bahrain is a monarchy which, in 2002 adopted a constitution that reinstated a legislative body with one elected chamber. The Al-Khalifa extended family has ruled the country since the late 18th century and continues to dominate all facets of society and government. The King, Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, governs the country with the assistance of his uncle, the Prime Minister; his son, the Crown Prince; and an appointed cabinet of ministers. The King chairs the Higher Judicial Council. Members of the Al-Khalifa family hold 9 out of 24 cabinet positions, including all "strategic ministries." The partially elected National Assembly consists of an elected Council of Representatives and an appointed Shura Council. However, the courts have ruled against the Government in the past. The National Action Charter provides that the King is the head of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. The Constitution gives the elected Co ... [Read More]
Qatar (11/04)
For centuries, the main sources of wealth were pearling, fishing, and trade. At one time, Qataris owned nearly one-third of the Persian Gulf fishing fleet. With the Great Depression and the introduction of Japan's cultured-pearl industry, pearling in Qatar declined drastically. ... Qatar's heavy industrial projects, all based in Umm Said, include a refinery with a 50,000 b/d capacity, a fertilizer plant for urea and ammonia, a steel plant, and a petrochemical plant. All these industries use gas for fuel. Most are joint ventures between European and Japanese firms and the state-owned Qatar General Petroleum Corporation (QGPC). The U.S. is the major equipment supplier for Qatar's oil and gas industry, and U.S. companies are playing a major role in North Field gas development and related energy and water infrastructure development. ... [Read More]
Middle East Partnership Initiative Middle East Entrepreneur Training (October 4, 2004)
The second training program is a series of three-week courses focused on younger emerging leaders in growth-oriented companies in specific industries. The three separate industry-specific groups will be information, communication, and technology; business services; and agribusiness. Participants in this program must have 5 to10 years of business experience, have shown involvement in their community, and exhibit potential for expanded leadership roles in their companies and communities. The sector-specific courses will take place in 2005. ... [Read More]
Small Grants
UAE - (Education/Economic/Women) - Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Work Passport Program - This project will enable a group of twelve UAE women participants in the Work Passport Program to gain appropriate training in work conduct ethics, world business knowledge, information on contemporary world issues and marketing and customer services. Participants will also receive English language and computer training. ... [Read More]
|