The selection of Manama as the Capital of Young Arab Entrepreneurs for 2026 by the UN represents a renewed responsibility to enhance the entrepreneurship system and open broader horizons for Arab youth to innovate, compete and create future opportunities, His Majesty King Hamad’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has said.
It also underlines the important role that Arab youth play in leading the new economy and building a more prosperous and sustainable future for the region, he said at a ceremony organised by the Capital Governorate on the occasion of the announcement, which has been approved by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido).
The ceremony was attended by Youth Affairs Minister Rawan Tawfiqi, officials and representatives of regional and international institutions concerned with entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
Shaikh Nasser said that the selection reflects the vision of His Majesty, which made the youth a key focus of comprehensive development and a strategic investment in Bahraini and Arab youth.
He also noted that the achievements in the field of entrepreneurship are the result of the continuous support and follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, whose directives contributed to establishing Bahrain’s position as a regional centre supporting innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Shaikh Nasser expressed pride in Arab youth and entrepreneurs, emphasising that their creativity and ambitions form the pulse of the future and the foundation for building a sustainable economy and an innovative society.
He noted that youth are the true pillar of innovation and entrepreneurship, and that supporting and empowering them is an investment in the future of Arab countries.
Shaikh Nasser toured the exhibition accompanying the ceremony, which was held with the participation of a number of local and Gulf companies, and Unido.
He viewed the most prominent initiatives and pioneering projects on display and was briefed on the experiences of the participating companies and their innovative models.
The ceremony began with a keynote speech by Capital Governor Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, in which he said that announcing Manama as the Capital of Young Arab Entrepreneurs represents an important milestone in Bahrain’s path towards consolidating its leading position in supporting innovation and empowering youth.
It is the result of integrated national efforts to build an advanced entrepreneurship system, he said.
Shaikh Khalid noted that this achievement reflects the leadership’s vision to invest in youth and build an economy based on knowledge and creativity.
He commended Shaikh Nasser’s prominent role in supporting and empowering Bahraini youth, underscoring that his initiatives contributed to strengthening a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, providing a supportive environment for ambitious ideas, and making youth active partners in the national development process.
He added that the announcement marks the beginning of a comprehensive series of events and activities that will be held throughout the year, in collaboration with local and international partners, with the aim of empowering young entrepreneurs and enhancing their competitiveness.
The programme also included a speech by the keynote speaker, Harvard University’s director of creativity and entrepreneurship Sam Magge, who commended the Bahraini model and its importance in promoting innovation and helping young people discover their creative and entrepreneurial abilities.
Attendees also watched a short film highlighting Bahrain’s advanced position in entrepreneurship and innovation, and the efforts that qualified it to be the Capital of Young Arab Entrepreneurs for 2026.
Shaikh Nasser received the certificate accrediting Manama as the Capital of Young Arab Entrepreneurs for 2026 from Unido Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain head Dr Hashim Hussein.
Dr Hussein expressed pride in Manama’s selection as the Capital of Young Arab Entrepreneurs for 2026, emphasising that this choice reflects the leadership’s vision that placed Bahraini talent, especially youth, at the heart of the comprehensive development process, and that it embodies Bahrain’s advanced regional and international status in supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and youth empowerment.
&uuid=(email))