The 14th edition of Youth City 2030 will open tomorrow, Sunday, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. The initiative is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, in strategic partnership with the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), under the theme Beyond Dreams.
The initiative is one of the key national projects launched by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs. It aims to develop national competencies and support the local labour market by empowering skilled and productive youth.
Marwan Fouad Kamal, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, conducted an inspection visit to Youth City 2030 to review preparations and the readiness of the organising committees to receive participants.
This edition builds on a renewed vision between the Ministry and Tamkeen to broaden youth engagement and enhance their readiness for the labour market. It features specialised training programmes aligned with international standards, designed to equip young people to contribute confidently to their future.
The event will run until August 31, offering 5,500 training opportunities through more than 195 specialised programmes across five centres: science and technology, arts and culture, leadership and entrepreneurship, media and entertainment, and sports and health. It targets participants aged 9 to 35, with both morning and evening sessions.
This year’s edition has expanded its programme offerings based on a comprehensive assessment of previous editions and in response to youth input and aspirations. It also includes a dedicated space for showcasing 84 youth-led entrepreneurial projects, providing a platform to present ideas, foster innovation, and express ambitions.
To align with global technological advancements, artificial intelligence has been integrated into more than 70% of the training content. A joint team from the Ministry and the Skills Bahrain initiative was formed to design innovative training tracks. A new “Talent Committee” was also established to assess participants based on systematic criteria to identify promising talents.
The edition also introduces mental health programmes, reflecting a holistic approach that supports both professional and psychological development. In parallel, the entertainment and side events committee will host over 150 recreational activities throughout the event to promote social engagement, teamwork, and a positive environment for youth development.
A total of 248 volunteers will support this year’s edition. The Ministry ensured their preparation through integrated training programmes delivered in cooperation with leading institutes to enhance implementation and the quality of outcomes.
The event is expected to attract wide interest from visitors and stakeholders. It reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment to investing in youth capabilities and enabling their effective contribution to national development.