Bahrain Among Top 4 in MENA for Economic Freedom

Bahrain, 12 March, 2025 : Bahrain has been ranked 55th freest economy in the world in the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom by The Heritage Foundation, scoring 65.6 a 2.2-point increase from last year.

Among 184 economies, Bahrain ranks fourth in the MENA region, surpassing both global and regional averages, earning a “moderately free” classification. Key strengths include 99.9 in Tax Burden, 90 in Investment Freedom, and 88.7 in Monetary Freedom, reflecting its competitive tax rates and open investment environment.

The report praised Bahrain’s streamlined investment framework and competitive regulatory environment, emphasizing the need for continued improvements in the rule of law and fiscal policy. Key economic indicators include zero percent individual and corporate income tax, a 2.8% tax burden of GDP, and public debt at 123.3% of GDP.

In the MENA region, the UAE leads at 23rd, followed by Qatar (27th) and Oman (58th). Singapore remains the world’s freest economy. The global average economic freedom score rose to 59.7, with the world economy still classified as “mostly unfree.”