National Aims

Are governments ready to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? National Aims seeks to facilitate this journey by focusing on a multi-dimensional approach. This includes a critical examination of digital service provisions, a deep dive into the dynamics of citizen and resident’s engagement, and a thorough assessment of data openness. Through these focused areas, the initiative aims to empower governments to achieve the SDGs efficiently and transparently. Bahrain Pulse provides an overview of all the national efforts that reinforce the Kingdom’s competitive advantage and achievements that boost its national economy and prosperity.

National Policies

In its pursuit of progress, the Kingdom of Bahrain has been implementing policies and strategies that focus on diversifying its economy, enhancing living standards, and striking a balance across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Before the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, Bahrain has seamlessly integrated these goals within its Government Plans, culminating in a strategy aligned with the 2030 SDGs. The creation of the Ministry of Sustainable Development in June 2022 further underscores Bahrain's commitment to achieving the SDGs.

Economic Vision 2030

Unveiled in October 2008 by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 (PDF, 278KB, 26 pages) presents a well-defined economic blueprint for the country. It charts a path for the Kingdom’s economic evolution, with an underlying collective ambition of fostering a better quality of life for every citizen in Bahrain.

The Government Plan (2023-2026)

The 2023-2026 Government Plan centers on the Kingdom's progress and its populace, aligned with the objectives of the Fiscal Balance Program and The Economic Recovery Plan. The Fiscal Balance Program is designed to balance public spending and income to foster economic growth, financial stability, and sustainable development. The Economic Recovery Plan was announced by His Majesty the King of Bahrain in October 2021 in response to COVID-19 economic consequences to sustain national development.

The Government Action Plan is formulated around key pillars, policies, and initiatives, aiming for four years of sustained security and stability and the delivery of essential services to citizens. It focuses on leveraging current achievements, minimizing future burdens on the populace, and improving living conditions, thereby propelling citizen-led development.

Government Action Plan and Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030

Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 represents a far-reaching strategy for the nation's economic growth. Built on the foundational principles of Sustainability, Fairness, and Competitiveness. The Vision charts a course for Bahrain’s economic future.

• Sustainability: The Vision's goal is to guarantee sustainable economic progress in Bahrain over an extended period. This encompasses adherence to environmental conservation, social responsibility, and maintaining economic health.
• Fairness: The Vision's commitment is towards creating a more balanced and equitable society in Bahrain, ensuring that success is accessible to everyone, irrespective of their background.
• Competitiveness: The Vision strives to enhance Bahrain's economic competitiveness. It focuses on creating a conducive environment for investment, job creation, and sustained economic growth.

The Government Plan aligns with both Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its primary objective is to build upon the government's and its people’s accomplishments. This plan supports development initiatives and aims to improve the living standards of its citizens, enabling them to engage in activities that promote sustainable growth.

This plan starts by defining our ambitions for each facet of the Vision: the economy, government, and society. Questions are posed to determine our desired societal structure, the private sector's role in economic development, civil society’s role in economic development and the government's responsibilities. This section details the aspirations for Bahrain’s future, setting a bold policy agenda for the upcoming years. It also delineates the methods for measuring progress towards these aspirations.

1. Economy: Bahrain aims for robust economic growth that is beneficial to its populace:

• Enhancing productivity and skills to stimulate growth.
• Diversifying and strengthening the economy by focusing on high-potential sectors.
• Transforming the economy for the long term by seizing emerging opportunities.

2. Government: Aiming for an efficient and effective government:

• Development of high-quality government policies.
• Enhancing public sector productivity and accountability for superior products, data, and services through streamlined operations.
• Establishing a predictable, transparent, and fairly enforced regulatory system to encourage economic growth.
• Strengthening government finances by reducing oil revenue dependency and creating alternate revenue streams.
• Building world-class infrastructure to connect Bahrain to the global economy.

3. Society: Creating a just and prosperous society:

• Providing high-standard social assistance to offer an equal start to all Bahrainis.
• Ensuring access to quality healthcare for all nationals and residents.
• Developing a top-tier education system for Bahrainis to achieve their potential.
• Maintaining a safe and secure environment.
• Fostering a sustainable and attractive quality of life for Bahraini nationals and residents.

The Government Plan includes six main pillars:

• Raising the Standard of Living of people
• Sovereignty and Legislative
• Infrastructure and Environment
• Economic Recovery and Fiscal Balance
• Public and Community Services Development
• Government Performance and Digital Transformation