His Majesty King Hamad received at Sakhir Palace senior members of the Royal Family, his advisers, ministers, business leaders, citizens from different governorates, and achievers from the Industry and Commerce Ministry.
The collective efforts of Bahraini entrepreneurs and owners of start-ups and small enterprises make the kingdom an ideal investment destination and an integrated regional centre for entrepreneurship, His Majesty said.
His Majesty highlighted the strong foundations of Bahrain’s private enterprise sector, built on modern systems and long-standing commercial traditions established by pioneering Bahraini traders who demonstrated the capability to develop a dynamic and thriving economy, which His Majesty described as a cornerstone of national development and future aspirations.
His Majesty praised Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro and the ministry’s staff, as well as to the chairman and members of the Bahrain Chamber, for their efforts in enhancing the kingdom’s position as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
His Majesty concluded by wishing everyone continued success.
Mr Fakhro expressed gratitude to His Majesty for the continuous support that have significantly contributed to reinforcing the kingdom’s position as a leading and thriving industrial and commercial hub.
Mr Fakhro said that the sector has achieved remarkable growth driven by the vision of His Majesty and the follow-up of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The minister highlighted the implementation of the Industrial Sector Strategy (2022-2026) based on advanced and sustainable manufacturing, noting that the industrial sector now stands as the second-largest contributor to the GDP, encompassing more than 800 industrial establishments and employing an increasing number of national talents.
He outlined efforts to enhance the presence of Bahraini products regionally and internationally through preferential treatment in government procurement within Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE under the “Takamul” programme. He also noted Bahrain’s participation in the Integrated Industrial Partnership with over seven countries, which has resulted in supply agreements exceeding $3 billion.
He said the ministry continues developing economic and industrial zones to attract high-value investments, such as the Aluminium Downstream Industries Zone, the American Trade Zone, and the new Hafeera Industrial Zone covering around 3m sqm. He added that Bahrain is negotiating more than 10 free trade agreements through the GCC framework to facilitate market access for Bahraini products to nearly 4bn consumers worldwide.
Mr Fakhro emphasised that Bahraini entrepreneurs, traders, and family-owned companies have played a central role in supporting the ministry’s efforts to improve the investment environment and the investor experience.
He also noted that, with the support of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the National Innovation Strategy (2025–2035) was launched to advance Bahrain’s position as a regional centre for research, development, creativity, and innovation.
The attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet His Majesty and commended His Majesty’s commitment to direct communication with citizens and ongoing attention to their interests and well-being. They wished the kingdom continued progress and prosperity under the leadership of His Majesty.
The entrepreneurs, innovators, and owners of small and emerging businesses who had the honour of meeting His Majesty the King were:
1. Ali Mohammed Ibrahim Dhaif Ahmed – Parcel Delivery, a Bahraini company specialising in comprehensive digital delivery solutions; winner of StartUp competitions and invested in by Mumtalakat.
2. Nahla Mahmood Yousef Mahmood Al Mahmood – Lalabella, an event planning and management company; winner of the Bahrain Award for Entrepreneurship.
3. Aida Aref Mohammed Al Mudaifa – Early Riser, specialising in organic and healthy food products; winner of StartUp competitions and invested in by Mumtalakat.
4. Abdulla Ahmed Abdulla Al Nuaimi – Trading AGORA Food, offering high-quality food products from Europe and expanding into the Saudi market.
5. Amina Abduljabbar Mohammed Al Abbasi – Amina Gallery, turning artistic designs into fashion and accessories; winner of the Bahrain Award for Entrepreneurship.
6. Alaa Mohammed Abdulrahim Mahmoud – Butterfly Technology, a Bahraini company transforming innovative ideas into viable technology products, providing technical and advisory support for creators and entrepreneurs.
7. Khalifa Abdulla Khalifa Al Mannai – Mannai Tech, offering integrated IT and healthcare solutions; winner of the Bahrain Award for Entrepreneurship.
8. Yasser Abdulaziz Mohammed Rasheed Mohammed – Malaeb Online Services, developer of the “Malaeb” app, the fastest-growing sports community platform in the Middle East and North Africa.
9. Mohammed Hussain Radhi Mahmood Mahdi – Loje Patisserie, a Bahraini pastry brand founded by the youngest entrepreneur in the group; received investment from Hope Ventures through the “Beban” programme.
10. Ahmed Hesham Sharif Abdulatif Al Rawi – Calo Cafe, specialising in calorie-counted healthy meals, expanding into regional markets.
11. Abdulla Khalid Yousef Sulaibikh – Right Calories Healthy, offering nutritionally balanced meals and expanding into the Saudi market.
12. Auzair Mohammed Othman – Procural, a B2B cloud-based platform revolutionising procurement by seamlessly connecting buyers and suppliers; winner of StartUp competitions and invested in by Mumtalakat.
13. Abrar Hassan Ammar Ali Al Shaikh – Inventor of the Physiotherapy Mobilisation and Rehabilitation Chair, an innovative project supporting physical therapy and rehabilitation.
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