Bahraini entrepreneurs are being urged to aim for success and score a winner on the business front in advance of the lucrative Fifa World Cup roadshow returning to a Middle Eastern stage.
They should also look to seize what is being described as a ‘goal-den gateway’ to investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia ahead of the country hosting the finals in 2034.
The call has been made by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman and Bahrain Chamber treasurer Ahmed Al Salloom, who said Bahrain’s business community should begin preparing now to benefit from one of the world’s biggest sporting spectacles.
Mr Al Salloom
“Bahraini entrepreneurs are creative, flexible and geographically well-positioned to become partners,” said Mr Al Salloom, who is also Strategic Thinking Parliamentary Bloc president, urging them to work closely with the Bahrain Chamber and Tamkeen to explore expansion opportunities, partnerships and funding support.
Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 Fifa World Cup across multiple cities in what is expected to trigger massive investments in infrastructure, tourism, logistics, hospitality and technology over the next eight years.
Mr Al Salloom, who is also chairman of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society and the Better Life Society, said the Saudi market was already flourishing and hosting the World Cup would further accelerate growth in many sectors.
“The opportunities in Saudi Arabia are enormous,” he added. “However, hosting the World Cup in 2034 will create an entirely new economic ecosystem linked to tourism, entertainment, smart technologies, transport and hospitality.”
Vast business fields open to Bahrainis in Saudi Arabia
He highlighted several areas expected to witness strong demand during preparations for the tournament, including smart mobility solutions, fan-experience technology, eco-tourism and temporary hospitality services.
“Millions of visitors will require efficient transport systems, smart crowd management and innovative tourism experiences,” he said. “There is huge potential in areas such as AI-powered translation services, sports technology, mobile catering, boutique desert camps, event logistics and even sustainable packaging solutions.
“This is the time for Bahraini businesses to study the market, build partnerships and position themselves at the earliest stage.”
Saudi Arabia has already announced ambitious plans linked to the tournament as part of its Vision 2030 diversification strategy, with giga-projects including Diriyah, AlUla and the Red Sea Project expected to become major attractions for football fans and tourists.
Strategic Thinking Bloc member Dr Mariam Al Dhaen said Bahraini entrepreneurs had repeatedly proven their ability to adapt and innovate in competitive markets.
“Bahrainis have always demonstrated strong entrepreneurial spirit and creativity,” she said. “Our businesses are capable of entering new sectors and creating innovative services that can compete regionally and internationally.
“The World Cup preparations present an opportunity not only for large investors, but also for startups, youth-led projects and SMEs looking to expand beyond Bahrain.”
Dr Al Dhaen
Dr Al Dhaen added that closer Gulf economic integration and Bahrain’s proximity to Saudi Arabia gave local entrepreneurs a strategic advantage.
“Being next door to one of the world’s biggest upcoming sporting events places Bahrain in an ideal position to benefit economically,” she said. “Those who start preparing from now will be in the best position to succeed when the momentum intensifies in the coming years.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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