PwC’s 29th Global CEO Survey: Bahrain findings

CEOs in Bahrain are strikingly upbeat about the country’s near- and medium-term prospects, according to PwC’s 29th Global CEO Survey published on February 17, 2026. The survey finds 94% of Bahraini CEOs expect the national economy to grow — well above the 55% global average — while 74% expect their companies’ revenues to rise over the next three years. Companies cited average revenue growth of 10% and average profit margins of 12% for the current fiscal year, both ahead of global comparators (8% revenue growth and 10% margins).

“In Bahrain, as economic diversification delivers tangible results, CEOs are acting with confidence and intent. AI is moving from experimentation to real impact, while dealmaking is being used strategically to diversify and build new capabilities. At the same time, leaders are strengthening resilience across cybersecurity, talent, and supply chains, laying the foundations for durable, long-term value creation,” said Mohamed Al Mahroos, Country Senior Partner, Bahrain, PwC Middle East.

Context and drivers of confidence

• Economic Vision 2030 and sectoral expansion: PwC highlights tangible advances in diversification under Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, with the professional and technical sector expanding by 12% in Q2 2025 and retail and wholesale activities growing 6.7% in the same period.
• Non-oil growth and forecasts: World Bank research cited by PwC points to increasing growth driven by non-oil sectors — financial services and fintech, tourism, and logistics — and forecasts Bahrain’s economy to grow by 3.5% in 2026.
• Foreign investment: Saudi direct investment in Bahrain reached SR35 billion (US$9.3 billion) in 2023, accounting for about 20% of total foreign investment, while UAE cumulative direct investment reached AED16.5 billion by 2024, roughly 10% of total FDI inflows.
• Strategic investors: Saudi utility provider ACWA Power has expanded in Bahrain, completing the acquisition of stakes in three Bahraini power and desalination companies in December, underscoring regional corporate interest in the market.

Technology, dealmaking and resilience

• AI adoption: PwC’s survey indicates Bahraini businesses are applying AI in products and services, demand fulfilment and support functions such as finance and human resources at a faster rate than global averages, and that AI is already delivering tangible revenue gains and supporting job creation.
• Dealmaking as strategy: The report notes a strong appetite among CEOs for acquisitions and expansion into new industries as a means to diversify capabilities and capture growth.
• Risk and resilience: CEOs are prioritising improvements in enterprise-wide cybersecurity and strengthening talent and supply chains to protect gains from technological and market shifts.

Outlook remains broadly positive but measured: while 74% of Bahraini CEOs expect revenue growth over three years, only 37% forecast growth in the next 12 months amid geopolitical uncertainty. Still, with substantive foreign inflows, targeted sector growth and accelerated AI deployment, PwC’s findings suggest Bahraini business leaders are positioning their companies for sustained transition away from oil dependence and for participation in deeper regional economic integration.