Guidance

UK Science & Innovation Network Country Snapshot: Bahrain

Updated 3 January 2023

1. Science and Innovation Landscape in the Gulf

(Global R&D and innovation rankings from GII 2021)

Position of Bahrain in Global Innovation Index: 78

UK position in Global Innovation Index: 4

The Kingdom of Bahrain is a nation comprising more than 30 islands on the Persian Gulf between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The natural resources of the country are mainly oil and natural gas, as well as offshore fishing. There is limited R&D investment, and always government led. The Bahrain Petroleum Company, Bapco, is required to invest in CSR R&D programmes as part of its operating contracts.

The main universities include the University of Bahrain, a public university and the main source of research; Ahlia University, a private university; and the Arabian Gulf University, a semi-private university funded by all six Gulf countries.

At present, the research landscape in Bahrain is steadily improving. In 2014 Bahrain published its first national research strategy and there are some niche R&D partnership opportunities arising. The University of Bahrain has committed £1.6 million per year to R&D from 2017. It is very active in research on water, energy, cyber security and genetics. Bahrain was one of the first countries in the region to tackle the problem of genetic diseases.

Bahrain’s National Development Strategy 2030 sets out a number of key priorities:

• Maintain a safe and plesant environment
• Achieve sustainable quality growth
• Ensure excellencee in infrastructure
• Enhance Government performance and efficiency
• Enhance the quality and accessabilty of social services
• Ensure sustainable development of strategic resources

In 2014 Bahrain launched it’s 10 year National Research Strategy to create a “Smart Bahrain”. The strategy supports the Economic Vision 2030 for Bahrain, noting that research is essential to help shft the country from one built on fossil fuels, to a productive, globally competitive economy. The strategy identifies three key priorty areas:

1. Financial Srvices, Islamic Banking & Finance, Insurance
2. Health Services & Public Health, Gulf Region Health & Translational Medicine
3. Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Other key sectors that Bahrian has identified where is can be distinctive within the region are:

• Education & Education Services
• Petrochemical, Industrial
• Social Sciences, Economics, Public Policy & Admin
• Environment, Marine Sicences, Waste Water Management
• Urban Planning
• Tourism & Hospitality
• Arts & Design
• Archeology
• ICT, Media, Telecoms

2. UK Science and Innovation in Bahrain

The UK is well placed in Bahrain in terms of science and innovation, and the University of Bahrain is keen to forge links with UK research institutions. Bahrain’s exposure in the UK has increased in certain fields, particularly water and energy, following the organisation of bilateral and regional events in Bahrain and other Gulf countries.

3. Symposia

From 2016 - 2018, the UK ran a series of symposia across the Gulf, and which provided an excellent opportunity for UK and GCC scientists to initiate collaborations. The symposia held in Bahrain were particularly successful with several proposals for research developed and funded in collaboration with UK participants. These events also led to the University of Bahrain signing research contracts for collaboration with the University of Oxford and Aston University.

4. SIN Gulf Contacts

Head of UK Science and Innovation Network (Gulf)

Nick Boucher: Nicholas.Boucher@fco.gov.uk

Tel: +974 4496 2057

Mobile: +974 3375 9387

Twitter: @UKSINet; @UKinBahrain

The information in this document is believed correct at the time of distribution. However, HM Government accepts no liability for any loss or damage incurred as a result of any inaccuracies, howsoever caused.