Bahrain, e-commerce and logistics
Bahrain’s technology driven culture provides high growth potential and diverse business opportunities in the untapped e-commerce industry.
International online shopping is already common place, so how can you grab your market share? Read on to find out more.
Why Bahrain?
Bahrain is a small but vibrant country that has seen a tremendous increase in e-commerce activity in recent years. Its rich oil deposits make it one of the most prosperous countries within the Arab region. However, as an archipelago made up of 33 islands, Bahrain does rely on importing many raw materials and international trade.
Added to this, a tech-savvy young population and highly educated multilingual workforce, makes Bahrain an e-commerce destination that is ripe with opportunity.
- 8.30%
- annual e-commerce market growth rate
- $1,560.9 M
- Projected market volume by 2027
- Food and personal care
- Largest e-commerce market
Stats taken from: https://ecommercedb.com/markets/bh/all
The e-commerce landscape
Bahrain is currently seeing unprecedented growth in e-commerce trade. This is due to a number of factors, including shifting consumer preferences, technical improvements and an encouraging regulatory framework. 1
As with many Middle Eastern regions, Bahrain has also seen rapid growth since the COVID-19 pandemic. The e-retail industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region was predicted to have a penetration rate of 12.2 percent of the offline retail in 2025 before the pandemic. The forecasted penetration rate grew to about 16.3 percent after the pandemic. 2
Based on the 2020 UNCTAD B2C e-commerce Index, Bahrain is within the top 10 countries globally enabling B2C e-commerce financial accounts or mobile money service providers, and 27% of Internet users are online shoppers. 3
Opportunities
The allure of doorstep deliveries and tailored product recommendations has attracted more consumers in Bahrain to e-commerce platforms. With personalised shopping experiences and timely offers, online retailers are creating deeper, more personalised, connections with their customers.
Logistics
Logistics and courier delivery solutions have dramatically improved in Bahrain, country-wide. Bahrain has two main ports: Mina Salman Port and Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP), as well as a number of small fishing harbours. Khalifa Bin Salman Port is well connected with the rest of the country via air and land routes, making it an ideal hub for imported products to be distributed throughout the country. 4
When it comes to the price of shipping your goods, you’ll need to take into consideration the weight, size and content of the package. Additional fees may apply, so it is important to plan accordingly.
Regardless of the product or country of origin, companies who wish to trade and import goods into Bahrain must complete a customs bill of entry.
The essentials
| Transit Times | 5-6 working days |
| Maximum Dimensions | 120cm x 60cm x 60cm |
| Maximum Weight | 30kg |
| Maximum Content Value | N/A |
| Low-Value Limit | 300 BHD |
| Duty | Variable based on product; Applicable on orders over 300 USD |
Good to know
Being a country proud of its Islamic faith there are some cultural import restrictions as well as those you would expect when sending overseas such as no alcohol, liquids, batteries or nail varnish. You can access a full list of restricted items here: https://www.bahraincustoms.gov.bh/en/prohibited-and-declared
What our experts say:
“Bahrain offers fertile ground for overseas e-commerce trade and great potential for your business growth. Skip ahead of the competition by delivering a seamless platform experience and shipping strategy.”
Simon Perkins, Commercial Director, SAMOS.