The tools and techniques of strategic planning are being increasingly used in many parts of the world. Suggests that, although the planners in Bahrain appear to have limited awareness, there is a clear need for them to become more familiar with various tools and techniques to enhance their planning ability. Reports on recent research into the use of ten of the most common planning techniques: SWOT analysis, the product life cycle, the experience curve, the growth‐share matrix (BCG), the directional policy matrix, the PIMS study, gap analysis, perceptual mapping, financial analysis and SPACE analysis.