Bahrain Targets 5% Increase in Non-Oil Sector

General view of Bahrain World Trade Center in Manama, Bahrain, February 21, 2019. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
General view of Bahrain World Trade Center in Manama, Bahrain, February 21, 2019. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
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Bahrain Targets 5% Increase in Non-Oil Sector

General view of Bahrain World Trade Center in Manama, Bahrain, February 21, 2019. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
General view of Bahrain World Trade Center in Manama, Bahrain, February 21, 2019. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Bahrain targets a 5% increase in the non-oil economic sector in 2022, said a report published by the Bahrain News Agency BNA.

It pointed out that the contributions of non-oil activities to the Kingdom’s GDP increased from 58% in 2002 to 81% in 2020, up $33 billion.

In order to achieve this target, Manama set a plan to implement advanced strategies aimed at developing the tourism sector to attract 14.1 million tourists by 2026, and the logistic services by raising the capacity of Khalifa bin Salman Port to one million containers, air freight to one million metric tons, and adding more than 70 air destinations.

Among its objectives are supporting the transformation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such as manufacturing automation and artificial intelligence, developing the financial services sector, with 365 financial and banking institutions, and supporting the digital economy.

This comes in line with ranking the Kingdom first in the Arab region on the ICT Development Index (IDI) by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) report 2021.

The report underlined statistics by the World Bank and Digital 2021: Global Overview Report showing that Bahrain was also ranked first globally in the rate of individuals using the internet, with nearly 100% of the population.

It excels in 5G network coverage and seeks to cover 95% of households with high-speed fiber optic technology by 2023, the report added.

The Kingdom also seeks to raise the number of electronic services provided to the population from 578 to 1,600, develop the oil sector by completing the “Bapco Refinery” expansion projects, activate the LNG import platform, and develop oil and gas resources.

Bahrain has been witnessing positive economic developments in line with its advanced programs and policy to diversify sources of income, encourage investment and innovation, and provide more job opportunities for citizens.

This comes as part of its development vision that relies on transforming challenges into sustainable success opportunities.



SAMA: Saudi Arabia Unites Regional Efforts to Combat Money Laundering

A group photo during the MENAFATF conference in Riyadh (X)
A group photo during the MENAFATF conference in Riyadh (X)
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SAMA: Saudi Arabia Unites Regional Efforts to Combat Money Laundering

A group photo during the MENAFATF conference in Riyadh (X)
A group photo during the MENAFATF conference in Riyadh (X)

Governor of the Saudi Central Bank Ayman Al-Sayari reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to unifying regional efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons, as well as addressing challenges faced by all nations in these areas.

Al-Sayari was speaking on Tuesday during the opening of the conference “Latest Developments in Combating Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Weapons Proliferation,” held on the sidelines of the 39th General Meeting of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF).

He highlighted the 20th anniversary of MENAFATF’s establishment, praising its role in raising awareness and deepening understanding of international requirements across the region, which he said has helped relevant agencies in member states strengthen their compliance with global standards.

Al-Sayari commended the efforts of Saudi authorities, particularly through specialized permanent committees, to enhance the effectiveness of anti-money laundering measures and improve the Kingdom’s adherence to international obligations.

He emphasized that as money laundering, terrorist financing, and weapons proliferation crimes continue to evolve rapidly, with increasingly complex methods, countries are striving to update their legislative and regulatory frameworks to keep pace with these changes.

Al-Sayari also underscored Saudi Arabia’s support for the goals of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) under Mexico’s presidency, aimed at combating financial flows that fuel money laundering and terrorism. These efforts, he stressed, contribute to the integrity, stability, and sustainable growth of the global economy.

Saudi Arabia actively participates in FATF discussions to ensure that cross-border transactions are more efficient, transparent, and inclusive, while maintaining compliance with due diligence requirements and other necessary safeguards.

Separately, Al-Sayari held discussions with FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo on key updates and mutual areas of interest in combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and weapons proliferation.