Bahrain: a challenge toward competitive technological innovation

The translation of the name “Bahrain” is “kingdom of the seas,” a place characterized by a half-Muslim, half-European face.

It was the hub of the leading trade routes between India and Mesopotamia in ancient times. Later, it was conquered by the Portuguese, the Persians, the Sultanate of Oman, the Ottomans, and finally, a British protectorate from 1916 to 1971. Today, Bahrain is a Kingdom focusing on masterful technological innovation to position itself at the forefront of Persian Gulf countries.

With a population of more than 1.5 million, the Kingdom of Bahrain, with its capital Manama, is a tiny island state, the smallest on the Arabian Peninsula, formed by an archipelago of thirty-three islands in the heart of the Persian Gulf.

Now Bahrain is looking to the future. It expresses a geographical area trying to establish itself as an economic and financial hub without neglecting cultural and leisure aspects.

In the 1970s, Bahrain was world famous for pearl cultivation. It is known for its oil resources, covering 20 percent of GDP. However, these resources are limited compared to those of crude oil giants such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, which is precisely why Bahrain today is a nation that has focused on diversifying its economy. It has welcomed technology bigwigs and prestigious startups, thus occupying first place in the MENA, the Middle East, and North Africa region.

Becoming a hub for startups is a source of pride and prestige for the government, which is eager to accompany Bahrain toward a next-generation economy. The Executive is committed to keeping taxes and VAT low to ensure the proper infrastructure for business development.

Since 1971, the year of independence from the British, engineers, computer scientists, economists, and labor from abroad who arrived in Manama have significantly contributed to building and boosting the future of this country, and they have succeeded. In fact, today, the tiny Kingdom is a magnet for major international players drawn to a country that has made its past and cultural diversity its strength.

Bahrain is among the world’s fastest-growing economies

Bahrain’s business ecosystem is designed and put in place to succeed, to win. The small Kingdom is recognized among the best countries in the Area for ease of doing business. A commitment made with determination leads to constant work to revolutionize the industry, introduce and revise regulations, and launch new initiatives that further improve the status quo. The World Bank and the United Nations have recognized Bahrain as having the fourth fastest growing economy in the world and the best digital infrastructure among countries in the Gulf Area. So the government is ready to focus on new sectors and become competitive on an international scale.

Bahrain’s crackdown on online dissent

Despite the technological innovation in the country, the Bahraini government has intensified its actions aimed at silencing criticism and intimidating activists.

Bahrain represses online dissent through cybercrime legislation, including the 2014 Information and Technology Law, which allows for the persecution of free speech online.

Even though the government censors the Internet, VPNs are legal in Bahrain.

So if you want to read unofficial online news, follow the country’s activists on social media, or entertain yourself by playing online games, VPN is the best solution, as it is legal and you do not violate any laws.

For example, if you want to play blackjack, roulette, poker, or any other gambling game, activate the VPN and access the platforms that offer the possibility to find the best online casinos in Bahrain.

You will only find the country’s safest, most convenient, and best-reviewed casinos on these sites.

Restrictions on freedom of expression

It has become evident that no space in Bahrain, even online, is safe for those who peacefully express their opinions, defend human rights, or criticize the government. The latter regularly monitors and censors social media, and those who vaguely violate media regulations and anti-terrorism laws can be sentenced to several years in prison.

These severe restrictions on freedom of expression complement other serious human rights violations perpetrated by the Bahraini government, which reveal that, contrary to its claims, there is no intention to respect international human rights conventions.

By virtually eliminating all peaceful dissent, Bahrain’s authoritarian government ensures that it maintains absolute control over the political process and escapes any accountability for the human rights violations of which it is guilty.