Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF) 2026, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain opened today at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. The opening was attended by Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy.

Also present at the opening were Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the Arab League; Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and senior officials. The forum brings together policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs to advance entrepreneurship and innovation as drivers of sustainable economic growth.

The Minister of Finance and National Economy said the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, continues to strengthen an integrated national ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and innovation, helping transform high-quality ideas into sustainable investment opportunities.

He noted that government initiatives and programmes, led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, have enhanced the competitiveness of the national economy and contributed to creating an environment supportive of entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

He also highlighted the role of the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain, stressing the importance of investing in human capital through skills development, continuous learning and practical training.

He said these efforts contribute to preparing a national workforce capable of keeping pace with global economic shifts and strengthening the resilience of Bahrain’s labour market.

As part of the forum programme, the Minister toured the accompanying exhibition, which includes three sections: the School Olympiad, a productive families section showcasing home-based enterprises, and an innovation and technology section for persons with disabilities.

He reviewed initiatives and programmes on display that reflect creativity and innovation, noting their contribution to supporting national talent and promoting inclusion and community empowerment.

In his speech, Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit commended Bahrain’s efforts in organising and hosting the forum and noted the level of cooperation among participating entities.

He thanked the Kingdom of Bahrain, its leadership, government and people for the hospitality, and expressed appreciation to HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for his patronage of the event. He underscored the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in achieving sustainable development, stressing the importance of strengthening Arab economic integration and investment to contribute to comprehensive development requirements.

UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller said the world has the capabilities, knowledge and resources needed to confront development and economic challenges, but that the current stage requires strong will, renewed international cooperation and broader investment momentum.

He noted that entrepreneurship and innovation are central to industrial development, adding that supporting entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, represents a direct investment in building more resilient and inclusive societies.

In his remarks, Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, outlined the National Innovation Strategy (2025–2035), which focuses on supporting research and development, enabling innovation-driven start-ups, developing national talent and skills, and advancing digital transformation.

He said the objective was to contribute to building a knowledge-based econom able to generate sustainable growth opportunities.

He referred to the efforts of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Board to strengthen the financing ecosystem through initiatives such as a credit rating system and the secured transactions law, aimed at facilitating access to regional and international markets and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for entrepreneurship and investment.

Furthermore, Dr Hashem Hussain, Head of UNIDO’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain, said the forum reflects years of work to support entrepreneurs worldwide.

He noted that access to skills, funding and opportunities is critical for economic development, adding that governments, development partners and the private sector share responsibility for removing barriers, empowering women, youth and persons with disabilities, and supporting creative home-based entrepreneurs.

The sixth edition of the World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum is an international platform that brings together decision-makers, investors and entrepreneurs from around the world.

It is organised by UNIDO’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain, in partnership with the Arab League, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Union of Arab Chambers, and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with a focus on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through entrepreneurship and innovation.