Manama: His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, attended a significant ceremony organized by the Capital Governorate to announce Manama as the Capital of Young Arab Entrepreneurs for 2026, a designation approved by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). The event was attended by Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, alongside various officials and representatives from regional and international institutions focused on entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
According to Bahrain News Agency, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad emphasized that Manama's selection reflects His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's vision, prioritizing youth as a central component of comprehensive development and strategic investment in Bahraini and Arab youth. His Highness highlighted that the achievements in entrepreneurship result from the continuous support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, whose guidance has established Bahrain as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives.
HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad further remarked that this recognition brings renewed responsibility to enhance the entrepreneurship system, aiming to provide broader opportunities for Arab youth to innovate and contribute to a prosperous and sustainable future for the region. He expressed pride in the creativity and ambitions of Arab youth and entrepreneurs, viewing them as vital to building a sustainable economy and innovative society.
During the event, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad toured an exhibition featuring local and Gulf companies and UNIDO, showcasing prominent initiatives and pioneering projects. Attendees, including HH Shaikh Nasser, were briefed on the experiences and innovative models of participating companies.
The ceremony commenced with a keynote speech by Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, Governor of the Capital Governorate, who stated that the announcement marks an important milestone in Bahrain's journey to reinforce its leadership in supporting innovation and empowering youth. He acknowledged HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad's significant role in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, providing a supportive environment for ambitious ideas, and engaging youth as active partners in national development.
The programme also featured a speech by Sam Magge, Director of Creativity and Entrepreneurship at Harvard University, who praised Bahrain's model for promoting innovation and assisting young people in discovering their creative and entrepreneurial potentials. Additionally, a short film highlighted Bahrain's advanced position in entrepreneurship and innovation.
The ceremony concluded with HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad receiving the certificate accrediting Manama as the Capital of Young Arab Entrepreneurs for 2026 from Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain. Dr. Hussein expressed pride in Manama's selection, asserting that it reflects the leadership's vision to place Bahraini talent, particularly youth, at the core of the comprehensive development process, underscoring Bahrain's prominent regional and international status in supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and youth empowerment.