APGI Bahrain International Business Company

Bahrain Offshore Company Incorporation
NO LONGER OFFERED

Bahrain International Business Company (IBC) Overview

The State of Bahrain (which means "two seas" in Arabic) is named after the largest island of the archipelago, which is thought to have derived its name from the fact that sweet water springs from the middle of the salty sea.

The State of Bahrain consists of an archipelago of 33 small islands situated halfway down the Arabian Gulf, 24 kilometers by causeway from the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia, and 28 km from the coast of Qatar, having a total area of 676 sq km.

The largest is Bahrain island (578 sq km) from which the state takes its name. It is connected by causeways to Muharraq, the second largest, and to Sitra.

Other islands of significant size include Nabih Saleh to the east and Jiddah and Um Al-Nassan to the west.

To the south-east lies a group of 16 small islands; the largest of these is similar in shape to Bahrain, which is probably why it was given the name Hawar, meaning young camel in Arabic.

The majority of the surrounding islands are uninhabited, save by the extensive variety of migrating birds which pay regular visits each year.

Most of Bahrain is low-lying desert-with a surface of limestone rock covered with saline sand, it supports only the hardiest vegetation. However, a strip of land three miles (five kilometers) wide on the northern coast of the island is irrigated by fresh water springs and artesian wells to provide an area for the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. It is also in the northern area of Bahrain that the population of over half a million is largely concentrated.

Area:

676 square kilometers.

Population:

645,361 - note: includes 228,424 non-nationals (July 2001 est.)

Capital:

Manama (1991) Population Census: 144,343

Climate:

Hot and humid in summer and mild in winter. The climate is pleasant from about December to March with temperatures ranging from 10 degrees C to 20 degrees C. Humidity is high in July, August and September with temperatures averaging 36 degrees C.

Language:

Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken and used in business.

Religion:

Islam is the state religion and more than 85 percent of the population are Muslims. There are also Christians, Jews, Bahai, Hindu and Parsee minorities.

Ethnic groups:

Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%

Weights & Measures:

The Metric System

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):

purchasing power parity - $10.1 billion (2000 est.)

Gross National Product (GNP):

BD 1,381 million (1992)

Per Capital Income: purchasing power parity - $15,900 (2000 est.)

Currency:

The unit of currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BD) which is divided into 1000 fils: Notes: 500 fils, 1, 5,10, 20 dinars. Coins: 1, 5,10, 25, 50,100 fils. There are no restrictions on import or export of currency.

Entry and Visas:

Visitors to Bahrain require entry visas, except those holding passports from the United Kingdom and the GCC states.

Business Hours:

Friday is the weekly day of rest, when nearly all business is closed, and most shops. Many businesses close early on Thursday.

Banking Hours:

07:30 -12:00 Saturday to Wednesday. 15:30 -17:30 Saturday to Wednesday. 07:30- 11:00 Thursday

Communications:

Bahrain's telecommunications services are among the most advanced in the world, with direct dialing to most countries. Postal services are speedy and reliable. Bahrain International Airport and the port of Mina Sulman are to international standards and well serviced.

People and Customs:

A long tradition of association with other races, stable Government, and a strong sense of national identity have resulted in Bahrain being a pleasant place to live. Bahrain is one of the few countries in the region where nationals are in the majority. Demographically Bahrain's population is young, with almost half under twenty. Illiteracy, which used to be a problem, has virtually disappeared among young people and a very high proportion of Bahrainis speak English which is taught as a compulsory second language in schools.

A Strategic Location:

The opening of the King Fahad causeway between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in November 1986 ended the island's 6000 years of isolation and opened up a multitude of benefits for both countries. Indeed traffic crossing the 15.5 mile (25 kilometer) bridge comes from as far a field as Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE and even Jordan. Due to its centralized location within the Gulf region and its excellent port and airport services, Bahrain has become both an attractive local tourist resort and also an important business centre. In addition, Bahrain's increasing popularity as a stopover point for major international flights has resulted in the reinforcement of its strong international outlook, making it a hub of communications not only within the Gulf states but worldwide.

One of the most important events in the history of Bahrain took place the discovery of oil in 1932. Oil Well Number 1 is still standing today as a reminder of this achievement, and a museum was recently opened as part of the 60th Anniversary celebrations in 1992.

Although oil production today is not as prolific as it was in the early days, it has been responsible for the creation of a competitive market economy in modern Bahrain.

In addition, the 16th October 1932 saw the arrival of the first imperial Airways international flight to Bahrain, the beginning of Bahrain's modern day role as a major link between Europe and the Far East.

Today's rule of His Highness Sheikh Amir HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa (since 6 March 1999) has reflected the harmony begun by his great grand-grandfather over a hundred years ago.

This includes Bahrain's Declaration of Independence on 14th August 1971 and the signing of a new Treaty of Friendship with Britain the following day.

The modern image of Bahrain reflects a subtle blend of history, tradition and culture with the achievements of the Twentieth Century, ensuring that it will remain firmly on the "world map" for many years to come.

Schedule Of Fees

Basic Fees: Bahrain IBC	€ EURO	$ US DOLLAR
Annual License Fee:	---	---
Annual Registered Office fee:	---	---
Annual Registered Agent fee:	---	---
Incorporation Fees:	---	---
TOTAL FIRST YEAR FEES:	ON REQUEST	ON REQUEST
Additional Services:	€ EURO	$ US DOLLAR
Corporate Seal	---	---
Open Bank Account in Belize	---	---
Power of Attorney	---	---
Certificate of Good Standing	---	---
Notarization per document or set	---	---
Apostille per document or set	---	---
Nominee Director	---	---
Nominee Shareholder	---	---
Annual Fees:	€ EURO	$ US DOLLAR
Maintenance Fee (due in January)	---	---
Nominee Director	---	---
Nominee Shareholder	---	---