Manama: Shaikh Khalid bin Humood bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Capital Governor, attended the ceremony organised by the Capital Governorate on the occasion of announcing Manama as the Capital of Young Arab Entrepreneurs for 2026. The event featured dialogue sessions on innovation and entrepreneurship and convened with various officials, institutional representatives, and a group of entrepreneurs and other interested parties.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Governor extended his gratitude to His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, for inaugurating the ceremony. He underscored that HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad's steadfast support for Bahraini and Arab youth is pivotal in fostering an entrepreneurial culture.
Shaikh Khalid bin Humood affirmed the Capital Governorate's commitment to implementing high-quality initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, empower youth, and bolster the innovation ecosystem. He noted that Manama has evolved into a nexus for creative ideas and promising projects, attributable to its supportive regulatory environment and effective partnerships with various sectors.
The first day comprised two dialogue sessions. The first session featured a keynote address by Dr. Thabet Al Nabulsi, followed by a panel discussion featuring entrepreneurs. In the second session, titled "Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship," the CEOs of ila Bank, Waves, and Unipal, along with other entrepreneurs, participated, and it was moderated by Dr. Khalid Al Hanafi, Secretary General of the Union of Arab Chambers.
The Governor honoured the event's main sponsors, Kuwait Finance House and GFH Financial Group, alongside the panelists and supporting entities, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to this pioneering initiative. The event continues for a full week through a series of seminars and workshops held in collaboration with academic institutions, incubators, and professional associations. It is designed to cultivate the skills of young entrepreneurs, enhance their innovative capacity, and enrich their expertise within a supportive environment.
Manama as the Capital of Young Arab Entrepreneurs 2026 was approved by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), representing an important milestone in Bahrain's path towards consolidating its leading position in supporting innovation and empowering youth.