Tobacco Industry in Bahrain

Tobacco-related advertising in Bahrain

The tobacco industry in Bahrain is a fascinating and complex market, with a unique blend of traditional and modern influences. As the demand for tobacco products continues to grow, businesses in this sector face both opportunities and challenges. From navigating the regulatory landscape to understanding the preferences of local consumers, the tobacco industry in Bahrain offers a captivating study of a thriving market in the Middle East. Dive into the world of Bahrain’s tobacco industry and uncover the secrets behind its success, as well as the challenges that lie ahead.

Market Overview
The tobacco market in Bahrain is projected to grow by 10.49% between 2023 and 2027, resulting in a market volume of US$1.14 billion in 2027 . Cigarettes represent more than 90% of the value in the traditional tobacco products market . The main players in the Bahraini tobacco market include British American Tobacco and other international companies .
Tobacco Products in Bahrain
There are various types of tobacco products available in Bahrain, including:

  • Cigarettes : Cigarette smoking is the most common form of tobacco use in Bahrain, with 13.4% of the population consuming cigarettes .
  • Waterpipe (Shisha) : Waterpipe smoking, also known as shisha or hookah, is popular in Bahrain, particularly among women and teenagers .
  • Other Tobacco Products : Other tobacco products available in Bahrain include cigars, pipe tobacco, and smokeless tobacco .

Tobacco Legislation and Regulations
Bahrain has implemented several laws and regulations related to tobacco control, including Law No. 10 on Anti-Smoking, Law No. 26 of 2006 on Approval to Join the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and Law No. 8 on the Matter of Controlling Smoking and All Forms of Tobacco . These laws aim to regulate the growth, consumption, sponsorship, and sales of tobacco products in Bahrain.
Tobacco Control Measures
Bahrain has taken various measures to control tobacco use, including banning tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship . The country has also implemented smoke-free policies in public places and established smoking cessation services at the national level .
Tobacco Cultivation and Manufacturing
Currently, Bahrain does not grow tobacco or manufacture cigarettes, and all cigarettes available in the market are imported, mainly from Europe and North America . However, there have been discussions about allowing tobacco manufacturing and packaging companies to operate in Bahrain, which could potentially lead to the creation of tobacco plantations and manufacturing facilities .
Import and Export of Tobacco Products
Bahrain imports tobacco products mainly from the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, and China . The country also exports tobacco products, with Switzerland being the fastest-growing market for Bahraini tobacco exports .
Challenges and Opportunities
The tobacco industry in Bahrain faces several challenges, including health concerns, a strict regulatory environment, and changing market trends. However, there are also opportunities for growth and expansion, particularly in the area of reduced-risk products such as e-cigarettes and vaping devices .
Impact of E-Cigarettes and Vaping
E-cigarettes and vaping devices have gained popularity in recent years, offering an alternative to traditional tobacco products. In Bahrain, the use of e-cigarettes and shishas was banned in 2015, and the immediate market withdrawal of any products was ordered . However, the impact of e-cigarettes and vaping on the tobacco industry in Bahrain remains to be seen.
Tobacco Advertising and Promotion
Despite bans on all forms of direct and indirect advertising, tobacco advertisements and promotions are still noticeable in Bahrain, particularly at points of sale . This highlights the need for stricter enforcement of advertising regulations to curb tobacco consumption.
Tobacco Taxation and Pricing
Tobacco products in Bahrain are subject to various taxes and duties, with roughly half of all revenues going directly to the state in the form of excise duties and sales taxes . This taxation system aims to discourage tobacco consumption and generate revenue for the government.
Tobacco Control Initiatives and Programs
Bahrain has implemented several tobacco control initiatives and programs, including public awareness campaigns, smoking cessation services, and partnerships with civil society organizations . These efforts aim to reduce tobacco consumption and promote a healthier lifestyle among the population.
Role of Civil Society and NGOs
Civil society organizations and NGOs play a crucial role in advocating for tobacco control in Bahrain, including the Bahrain Medical Society and Bahrain Anti-Smoking Society . These organizations work to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and support the implementation of tobacco control measures.
Future Prospects and Recommendations
The tobacco industry in Bahrain is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for tobacco products and the potential expansion of the market to include reduced-risk products. To ensure the sustainable development of the industry, it is essential to strengthen tobacco control measures, enforce advertising regulations, and promote public awareness about the risks of tobacco use.
Conclusion
The tobacco industry in Bahrain is a complex and evolving market, with both challenges and opportunities for growth. By understanding the market dynamics, legislation, and trends, businesses can navigate the tobacco landscape in Bahrain and capitalize on emerging opportunities. At the same time, it is crucial to prioritize public health and promote responsible tobacco consumption to ensure a sustainable future for the industry.

Statistics:

  • The tobacco market in Bahrain is projected to grow by 10.49% between 2023 and 2027, resulting in a market volume of US$1.14 billion in 2027 .
  • Cigarette smoking is the most common form of tobacco use in Bahrain, with 13.4% of the population consuming cigarettes .
  • Waterpipe smoking, also known as shisha or hookah, is popular in Bahrain, particularly among women and teenagers .
  • Bahrain imports tobacco products mainly from the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, and China .
  • The country also exports tobacco products, with Switzerland being the fastest-growing market for Bahraini tobacco exports .

FAQs:

  • What is the current state of the tobacco industry in Bahrain? The tobacco industry in Bahrain is a growing market, with a projected growth rate of 10.49% between 2023 and 2027 .
  • Who are the key players in the Bahraini tobacco market? The main players in the Bahraini tobacco market include British American Tobacco and other international companies .
  • What types of tobacco products are popular in Bahrain? Cigarettes, waterpipe (shisha), and other tobacco products like cigars and pipe tobacco are popular in Bahrain .
  • What are the regulations governing the tobacco industry in Bahrain? Bahrain has implemented several laws and regulations related to tobacco control, including Law No. 10 on Anti-Smoking, Law No. 26 of 2006 on Approval to Join the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and Law No. 8 on the Matter of Controlling Smoking and All Forms of Tobacco .
  • How does Bahrain control tobacco use? Bahrain has taken various measures to control tobacco use, including banning tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, implementing smoke-free policies in public places, and establishing smoking cessation services at the national level .
  • Does Bahrain grow tobacco or manufacture cigarettes? Currently, Bahrain does not grow tobacco or manufacture cigarettes, and all cigarettes available in the market are imported, mainly from Europe and North America .
  • What are the challenges and opportunities for the tobacco industry in Bahrain? The tobacco industry in Bahrain faces several challenges, including health concerns, a strict regulatory environment, and changing market trends. However, there are also opportunities for growth and expansion, particularly in the area of reduced-risk products such as e-cigarettes and vaping devices .
  • What is the impact of e-cigarettes and vaping on the tobacco industry in Bahrain? In Bahrain, the use of e-cigarettes and shishas was banned in 2015, and the immediate market withdrawal of any products was ordered . However, the impact of e-cigarettes and vaping on the tobacco industry in Bahrain remains to be seen.
  • How is tobacco advertising and promotion regulated in Bahrain? Despite bans on all forms of direct and indirect advertising, tobacco advertisements and promotions are still noticeable in Bahrain, particularly at points of sale . This highlights the need for stricter enforcement of advertising regulations to curb tobacco consumption.
  • What is the taxation system for tobacco products in Bahrain? Tobacco products in Bahrain are subject to various taxes and duties, with roughly half of all revenues going directly to the state in the form of excise duties and sales taxes .
  • What tobacco control initiatives and programs are in place in Bahrain? Bahrain has implemented several tobacco control initiatives and programs, including public awareness campaigns, smoking cessation services, and partnerships with civil society organizations .
  • What role do civil society and NGOs play in tobacco control in Bahrain? Civil society organizations and NGOs play a crucial role in advocating for tobacco control in Bahrain, including the Bahrain Medical Society and Bahrain Anti-Smoking Society .
  • What are the future prospects for the tobacco industry in Bahrain? The tobacco industry in Bahrain is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for tobacco products and the potential expansion of the market to include reduced-risk products.
  • How can the tobacco industry in Bahrain ensure sustainable development? To ensure the sustainable development of the industry, it is essential to strengthen tobacco control measures, enforce advertising regulations, and promote public awareness about the risks of tobacco use.
  • What is the prevalence of tobacco use among different professional groups in Bahrain? Smoking prevalence is still high among some professional groups in Bahrain, specifically non-Bahrainis, and this needs an increase in awareness of the risks involved .

Sources of information:

Some sources of information on the tobacco industry in Bahrain include the World Health Organization (WHO) , Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal , Bahrain Medical Bulletin , and Statista .

Citations:

  • World Health Organization. Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. (2017). Bahrain Tobacco industry profile.
  • Hamadeh RR. Tobacco control in Bahrain: an overview. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal. 2007;13(3):719-726.
  • Statista. Tobacco Products – Bahrain | Statista Market Forecast.
  • Maziak W, Nakkash R, Bahelah R, et al. Tobacco in the Arab world: old and new epidemics amidst policy paralysis. Health Policy Plan. 2014;29(6):784-794.
  • Milov S. The Cigarette. Harvard University Press; 2019.