His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, attended the ceremony organized 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 Organization “UNIDO”, in the presence of Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, the Minister of Youth Affairs, a number of officials and representatives of regional and international institutions concerned with entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.

On the occasion, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad affirmed that the selection of Manama as the Capital of Young Arab Entrepreneurs, reflects the wise 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 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, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, whose guidance consolidated the Kingdom of Bahrain's status as a regional centre supporting innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives.

His Highness added that this selection is a renewed responsibility to strengthen the entrepreneurship system and open broader horizons for Arab youth to innovate, compete and create future opportunities. His Highness highlighted the important role the Arab youth play in leading the new economy and creating a more prosperous and sustainable future for the region.

His Highness expressed pride in Arab youth and entrepreneurs, affirming that their creativity and ambitions are the foundation for building a sustainable economy and an innovative society.

His Highness noted that the youth are the pillars of innovation and entrepreneurship, and that supporting and empowering them is an investment in the future of Arab countries.

His Highness 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, Capital Governor, in which he affirmed that announcing Manama the Capital of Young Arab Entrepreneurs is an important milestone in the Kingdom of Bahrain's path towards consolidating its leading position in supporting innovation and empowering young people, and 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 young people and build an economy based on knowledge and creativity. He praised Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad’s role in supporting and empowering Bahraini youth, affirming that His Highness's initiatives promoted a culture of leadership and innovation, and provided a supportive environment for ambitious ideas, which made the youth active partners in the national development process.

He affirmed that the announcement marked 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 ceremony also included a speech by the keynote speaker, Sam Magge, Director of Creativity and Entrepreneurship at Harvard University, who praised 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 the Kingdom of Bahrain's advanced position in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation, and the efforts that have qualified it to be the Capital of Young Arab Entrepreneurs for 2026. His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad received the certificate accrediting Manama as the Capital of Arab Youth Entrepreneurs for 2026 from Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Dr. Hashim Hussein expressed pride in Manama's selection as the Capital of Arab Youth Entrepreneurship for 2026, emphasising that it reflects the leadership’s vision that placed Bahraini talent, especially young people, at the heart of the comprehensive development process. He added that it also embodies the Kingdom’ of Bahrain's advanced regional and international status in supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and youth empowerment.