Bahrain ranks 1st globally as best destination for getting started abroad in 2023

Manama, The Gulf Observer: The Kingdom of Bahrain has cemented its business-friendly reputation, ranking 1st 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 Bahrain firmly ahead of leading countries including the United Arab Emirates (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 1st overall, the Kingdom additionally ranked 1st in MENA 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, analyzing 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 4th 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 1st in MENA and 3rd globally in ease of opening a bank account. 67% of surveyed expats reported high levels of ease in dealing with local authorities, versus the global average of 40%. Ranking 2nd globally in ease of finding housing, 82% of expats found it easy to find housing in Bahrain, compared to the 54% global average.