The economic outlook for Bahrain’s economy remains clouded by persistent weakness in government finances, evident by significant fiscal deficits and rising public debt levels, large external financing needs, a general slowdown in non-oil activity and limited prospects for oil sector growth.

According to ICAEW’s latest Economic Insight report, economic growth in Bahrain more than halved last year, from 3.7% in 2017 to 1.8% in 2018, with further deceleration seen in 2019 to 1.6% amid a major drive to overhaul government finances, which include spending cuts, new taxes and other fiscal consolidation measures.