His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, attended the ceremony organised by the Capital Governorate on the occasion of announcing Manama as the Capital of Young Arab Entrepreneurs for 2026, which was approved by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

The ceremony was attended by Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, and a number of officials and representatives of regional and international institutions concerned with entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.

On the occasion, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad said that the selection of Manama as the Capital of Young Arab Entrepreneurs reflects the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, which made the youth a key focus of comprehensive development and a strategic investment in Bahraini and Arab youth. His Highness 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, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, whose directives contributed to establishing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a regional centre supporting innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad added that this selection represents a renewed responsibility to enhance the entrepreneurship system and open broader horizons for Arab youth to innovate, compete and create future opportunities, underlining the important role that Arab youth play in leading the new economy and building a more prosperous and sustainable future for the region.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad 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. His Highness 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.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad toured the exhibition accompanying the ceremony, which was held with the participation of a number of local and Gulf companies, and UNIDO. His Highness 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 Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, Governor of the Capital Governorate, 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, and is the result of integrated national efforts to build an advanced entrepreneurship system. He noted that this achievement reflects the leadership’s vision to invest in youth and build an economy based on knowledge and creativity.

He commended HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad’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, Sam Magge, Director of Creativity and Entrepreneurship at Harvard University, 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. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad received the certificate accrediting Manama as the Capital of Young Arab Entrepreneurs for 2026 from Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

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.