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Company Incorporation
Bahrain
We are pleased to provide a summary of the salient features of
companies incorporated in Bahrain.
The State of Bahrain (which means "two seas" in Arabic) is named after the
largest island of the archipelago, which is thought to have derived its name from the fact
that sweet water springs from the middle of the salty sea.
The State of Bahrain consists of an archipelago of 33 small islands situated halfway down
the Arabian Gulf, 24 kilometres by causeway from the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia, and 28
km from the coast of Qatar, having a total area of 676 sq km.
The largest is Bahrain island (578 sq km) from which the state
takes its name. It is connected by causeways to Muharraq, the second largest, and to
Sitra.
Other islands of significant size include Nabih Saleh to the east and Jiddah and Um
Al-Nassan to the west.
To the south-east lies a group of 16 small islands; the largest of these is similar in
shape to Bahrain, which is probably why it was given the name Hawar, meaning young camel
in Arabic.
The majority of the surrounding islands are uninhabited, save by the extensive variety
of migrating birds which pay regular visits each year.
Most of Bahrain is low-lying desert-with a surface of limestone rock covered with
saline sand, it supports only the hardiest vegetation. However, a strip of land three
miles (five kilometres) wide on the northern coast of the island is irrigated by fresh
water springs and artesian wells to provide an area for the cultivation of fruits and
vegetables. It is also in the northern area of Bahrain that the population of over half a
million is largely concentrated.
Area: 676 square kilometres
Population: 516,444 (medium projection of population- 1991)
Capital: Manama (1991) Population Census: 144,343
Climate: Hot and humid in summer and mild in winter. The climate is pleasant from about
December to March with temperatures ranging from 10 degrees C to 20 degrees C. Humidity is
high in July, August and September with temperatures averaging 36 degrees C.
Language: Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken and used in business.
Religion: Islam is the state religion and more than 85 percent of the population are
Muslims. There are also Christians, Jews, Bahai, Hindu and Parsee minorities.
Weights & Measures: The Metric System
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): BD 1,637 million (1992)
Gross National Product (GNP): BD 1,381 million (1992)
Per Capital Income: BD 2,659 (1992)
Currency: The unit of currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BD) which is divided into 1000 fils:
Notes: 500 fils, 1, 5,10, 20 dinars. Coins: 1, 5,10, 25, 50,100 fils.There are no
restrictions on import or export of currency.
Entry and Visas: Visitors to Bahrain require entry visas, except those holding passports
from the United Kingdom and the GCC states.
Business Hours: Friday is the weekly day of rest, when nearly all business is closed, and
most shops. Many businesses close early on Thursday.
Banking Hours: 07:30 -12:00 Saturday to Wednesday
15:30 -17:30 Saturday to Wednesday
07:30- 11:00 Thursday
Communications: Bahrain's telecommunications services are among the most advanced in the
world, with direct dialling to most countries. Postal services are speedy and reliable.
Bahrain International Airport and the port of Mina Sulman are to international standards
and well serviced.
People and Customs: A long tradition of association with other races, stable Government,
and a strong sense of national identity have resulted in Bahrain being a pleasant place to
live. Bahrain is one of the few countries in the region where nationals are in the
majority. Demographically Bahrain's population is young, with almost half under twenty.
Illiteracy, which used to be a problem, has virtually disappeared among young people and a
very high proportion of Bahrainis speak English which is taught as a compulsory second
language in schools.
A Strategic Location: The opening of the King Fahad causeway between Saudi Arabia and
Bahrain in November 1986 ended the island's 6000 years of isolation and opened up a
multitude of benefits for both countries. Indeed traffic crossing the 15.5 mile (25
kilometre) bridge comes from as far a field as Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE and even Jordan.
Due to its centralised location within the Gulf region and its excellent port and airport
services, Bahrain has become both an attractive local tourist resort and also an important
business centre. In addition, Bahrain's increasing popularity as a stopover point for
major international flights has resulted in the reinforcement of its strong international
outlook, making it a hub of communications not only within the Gulf states but worldwide.
One of the most important events in the history of Bahrain took place the discovery of oil
in 1932. Oil Well Number 1 is still standing today as a reminder of this achievement, and
a museum was recently opened as part of the 60th Anniversary celebrations in 1992.
Although oil production today is not as prolific as it was in the early days, it has
been responsible for the creation of a competitive market economy in modern Bahrain.
In addition,the 16th October 1932 saw the arrival of the first lmperial Airways
international flight to Bahrain, the beginning of Bahrain's modern day role as a major
link between Europe and the Far East.
Today's rule of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, whose Accession Ceremony
took place in 1961, has reflected the harmony begun by his great grandfather over a
hundred years ago.
This includes Bahrain's Declaration of Independence on 14th August 1971 and the signing
of a new Treaty of Friendship with Britain the following day.
The modern image of Bahrain reflects a subtle blend of history,tradition and culture
with the achievements of the Twentieth Century, ensuring that it will remain firmly on the
"world map" for many years to come.
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Whilst
every effort has been made to ensure that the details contained herein are correct and
up-to-date, it does not constitute legal or other professional advice. We do not accept
any responsibility, legal or otherwise, for any errors or omissions.
Please go to our Uses of offshore Companies Page where you will
find interesting information on the benefits of using offshore companies and trusts for
business and personal use, links to information on other locations and details of our
products and services.
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