On 17 March 2025, demonstrators, including the February 14 Youth Coalition, blocked a road with burning tires in Al Akr (Capital) as part of a demonstration against the Saudi presence in Bahrain.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing: Bahrain Anti-Government Protests

1. Summary

On March 17, 2025, protesters from the February 14 Youth Coalition and other groups conducted violent demonstrations in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, burning tires and blocking roads in opposition to Saudi military presence. While currently assessed as low risk, this indicates ongoing political instability within Bahrain.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Bahrain inland logistics delays: Major road blockades in the capital region causing disruptions to land transport and potential delays in cargo movement between ports and inland areas
• Gulf region financial hub function decline: Operational instability at Bahrain Financial Centre raising concerns about impact on regional trade finance and payment systems
• Energy sector indirect impact: Risk of destabilizing Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) energy cooperation framework if Saudi-Bahrain political tensions escalate
• Aviation logistics rerouting: Constraints on Gulf region air cargo hub functions if protests spread to Bahrain International Airport access routes

3. Watch points

• Protest spread: Whether anti-government protests expand beyond the capital region and signs of deteriorating Bahrain-Saudi diplomatic relations
• Government response intensity: Changes in Bahrain government's protest suppression measures and potential requests for Saudi military support