Bahrain has been ranked first in the Arab world and across the Gulf Cooperation Council for women’s leadership opportunities, according to the Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) 2025 published by INSEAD.
The ranking assesses how effectively countries support women in the workplace and how equitably leadership positions are made available. Bahrain emerged as the top-performing Arab state, reflecting progress in workplace practices and leadership access for women across a range of sectors.
The GTCI evaluates countries on their ability to grow, attract and retain talent, with a specific focus on inclusion and fairness within professional environments. In the category measuring women’s leadership opportunities, Bahrain achieved the highest regional score, placing it ahead of its Arab and GCC peers.
According to the report, Bahrain’s position is linked to sustained efforts to improve workplace equality and create clearer pathways for women to move into decision-making roles. These measures span both public and private sectors, contributing to a broader culture of professional advancement and representation.
Beyond gender-focused indicators, the GTCI 2025 also highlighted Bahrain’s performance in translating talent investment into measurable results. The index noted the country’s effectiveness in developing skills and retaining talent, placing it alongside several leading global economies in this area.
The findings add to Bahrain’s growing reputation as a regional reference point for women’s empowerment and leadership development. Analysts behind the index pointed to consistent policy direction and long-term initiatives aimed at preparing the workforce for future economic demands.
The ranking comes as countries across the region continue to focus on economic diversification and workforce participation, with talent competitiveness seen as a key factor in long-term growth. Bahrain’s results suggest that its approach to inclusion and leadership development is delivering tangible outcomes.
The Global Talent Competitiveness Index is produced annually by INSEAD and tracks talent performance across dozens of economies worldwide, using a combination of statistical indicators and survey data.
