Quality
Reports that stand up to scrutiny
After the first mandatory cycles, investors and the CBB look for complete, consistent data and a clear narrative, not just a list of indicators.
Bahrain
Meeting Bahrain's ESG reporting requirements
Listed companies, banks, insurers and other financial firms in Bahrain must publish an ESG report every year under the Central Bank of Bahrain's rules. We help Bahraini companies meet the requirements with reports that are clear, consistent and built on solid data.
Mandatoryannual ESG report for listed companies and CBB licensees since 2024
6 monthsto publish the report after the financial year-end
2060Bahrain's net-zero target
The rules today
Where Bahrain's ESG regulation stands
Bahrain was one of the first GCC countries to make ESG reporting mandatory. The Central Bank of Bahrain's ESG Module applies to listed companies and most financial firms from the 2024 financial year, with a defined set of environmental, social and governance indicators, including Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
| Rule or guidance | What it means |
|---|---|
| CBB Rulebook ESG Module (November 2023) | Mandatory annual ESG report from the 2024 financial year for listed companies, banks, insurers, larger investment firms and financing companies, with the board accountable for it |
| Bahrain Bourse Listing Rules (2024) | The ESG report can be standalone or part of the annual report, and must be submitted no later than six months after the financial year-end |
| ESG indicators | Environmental, social and governance indicators set by the CBB, including Scope 1, 2 and, where applicable, Scope 3 emissions measured under the GHG Protocol; companies may use GRI, ISSB or other frameworks |
| Independent assurance | Not required, but companies must disclose whether their ESG report has been independently assured |
| Green and sustainability-linked bonds and sukuk | The CBB consulted in 2025 on rules requiring independent review and annual verification; final rules are pending |
Last checked October 2026. Rules are changing quickly; we confirm the current position with every client.
What Bahraini companies need now
Emissions
Scope 1, 2 and 3
The CBB indicators include emissions measured under the GHG Protocol. Scope 3 data from suppliers and customers is the hardest part and takes time to build.
Assurance
Ready for assurance
Assurance is optional today, but you must say whether you have it. Data and controls that are assurance-ready make that an easy step when you choose to take it.
Net zero
Bahrain's 2060 target
Bahrain has committed to net zero by 2060 and a 30% cut in emissions by 2035, shaping what government, lenders and customers expect.
How we help Bahraini companies
Start here
ESG Readiness Evaluation
A short, fixed-fee review of your last ESG report or current position against the CBB ESG Module, GRI and ISSB, with a costed plan.
About the evaluation →Reporting
Sustainability and ESG reporting
Your annual ESG report covering the CBB indicators, aligned with GRI and with an ISSB index, and prepared for assurance if you choose.
About reporting →Carbon
Carbon accounting and decarbonisation
A greenhouse gas inventory to the GHG Protocol, covering Scope 1, 2 and the Scope 3 categories that apply to you, and a practical reduction plan.
About carbon accounting →Strategy
Sustainability strategy
Materiality, targets and a costed roadmap aligned with Bahrain's 2060 target and built into governance.
About strategy →Certifications
Certifications and ratings
Support to achieve ISO 14001 and EPDs, and to improve your MSCI, Sustainalytics and CDP ratings.
About certifications →People
Staff engagement workshops
Three-hour workshops on climate, circular economy or biodiversity, run on site for your teams in Bahrain.
About workshops →Working with us
Senior-led, with finance at the core
Many of the companies in scope in Bahrain are banks and financial firms. Our team combines sustainability expertise with senior banking and CFO experience, and a senior consultant leads every engagement.
We work with Bahraini companies from our base in the UAE, with on-site sessions in Manama whenever they help, and have supported more than 150 companies across the GCC since 2019.
Common questions
Is ESG reporting mandatory in Bahrain?
Yes. Under the Central Bank of Bahrain's ESG Module, listed companies, banks, insurers, larger investment firms and financing companies must publish an ESG report every year, starting with the 2024 financial year.
When is the ESG report due in Bahrain?
No later than six months after the financial year-end, so by 30 June for companies with a December year-end. It can be a standalone report or part of the annual report.
Does the ESG report have to be independently verified?
No. Assurance is optional, but companies must disclose whether their report has been independently assured. Assurance on key indicators such as emissions adds credibility with investors and lenders.
Which framework should a Bahraini company use?
The CBB sets the indicators to report, and companies can choose a framework such as GRI or ISSB. We usually recommend a GRI-aligned report that covers every CBB indicator, with an ISSB index for where regulation is heading.
Where should we start?
With our ESG Readiness Evaluation: a short, fixed-fee review of where you stand and what to do first, with a costed plan you can take to your board.
Talk to us
Tell us where you are on sustainability and we will suggest the right first step.
info@livingbusiness.com
Send an enquiry