Bahrain ‘Best Destination for Getting Started Abroad’

Bahrain has cemented its business-friendly reputation, ranking first globally as the ‘Best Destination for Getting Started Abroad’ in 2023, according to the Expat Essentials Index published by InterNations.

The milestone ranking of first in the overall index, which places the kingdom firmly ahead of leading countries including the UAE, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Canada, is based on a comprehensive survey that analyses the performance of countries across several key indices, resulting in a comparative scale on both regional and international levels.

Citing Bahrain as the ‘ideal place for easy beginnings’, the index surveyed foreigners across 52 countries in the world, rating each destination based on vital aspects typically associated with settling into a country.

Alongside its global ranking of first overall, the kingdom additionally ranked first in the Mena region and 11th globally for ‘Digital Life’, a testament to Bahrain’s advanced financial and digital infrastructure and progressive regulatory framework.

The survey scored countries across four key pillars, analysing aspects including digital readiness, online government services, ease of digital payments, ease of opening a bank account and obtaining a visa, in addition to ease and affordability of housing.

Furthermore, the metrics assessed potential language barriers, in terms of ease of living without speaking the local language, for which Bahrain ranked fourth globally, which reaffirms Bahrain’s business-friendly environment and talented workforce that combines highly skilled, multi-lingual, hospitable Bahraini nationals alongside a diverse expat talent pool offering a global perspective.

Bahrain also ranked first in Mena and third globally in ease of opening a bank account.

As many as 67 per cent of surveyed expats reported high levels of ease in dealing with local authorities, versus the global average of 40pc.

Ranking second globally in ease of finding housing, 82pc of expats found it easy to find housing in Bahrain, compared to the global average of 54pc.

Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Home/Details/1217590