The Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society announced its ongoingpreparations for the Global Women Economic Forum and Exhibition set to takeplace from January 12-15 2025, under the patronage of Her Royal HighnessPrincess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King andPresident of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW).

The event, to be held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay,will feature extensive participation from Gulf, Arab, and internationalentities.

The forum will host approximately 50 speakers from aroundthe world, including prominent global figures, current and former ministers,and senior officials from international and United Nations institutions.

The event aims to celebrate the achievements ofbusinesswomen in corporate leadership while showcasing Bahrain’s position as abusiness-friendly hub for financial and international trade. It will provideopportunities for businesswomen to enhance trade relations, exchange expertise,and foster specialised initiatives connecting Bahraini businesswomen with theglobal business community.

Organised to mark the 25th anniversary of the society’sestablishment, the first such association in the Gulf, the forum will include afour-day exhibition for participating companies.

The programme will feature five key discussion sessionswhich include "Innovative Diplomacy: Women Shaping Legal Landscapes,""Future-Ready: AI’s Role in Shaping Education and Society,""Investing in Security: The Future of Cyber Ventures,""Inclusive Growth: Financial Strategies for Entrepreneurial Success,"and "Innovation: The Economic Impact of Creativity and the OrangeEconomy."

A keynote address titled " The Bahrain Model andWomen's Progression Globally," delivered by Dr. Hashim Hussain, Head ofthe United Nations Industrial Development Organisation's Investment andTechnology Promotion Office (UNIDO-ITPO) in Bahrain, will explore Bahrain’spioneering role in empowering women locally and globally.

The address will highlight policies and initiativescontributing to Bahrain’s success as a reference to women’s empowerment,sharing inspiring achievements of Bahraini women across various fields anddrawing lessons for broader international application.

The exhibition will feature national pavilions representingSaudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, the UAE, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon,Palestine, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Turkey, the UK, the US, Russia,France, Italy, Switzerland, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia,and China. A total of 38 participants are expected, representing diverseservices, businesses, and companies.

Strategic partners of the forum include the Supreme Councilfor Women (SCW), the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, relevant Bahrainiministries, the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the Union ofArab Chambers, the Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC), the UNIDO Investment andTechnology Promotion Office (ITPO) in Bahrain, the OECD MENA Investment Centre,accredited embassies in Bahrain, and the Middle East and North AfricaBusinesswomen’s Network (MENA BWN).

The Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society praised the efforts ofthe organising committee in promoting the forum, attracting distinguishedinternational figures, and enriching discussions, further strengtheningBahrain’s role as a centre for business and trade.