News/Press Releases

On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court, led Bahrain’s high-level delegation participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland.

During the Forum, and in the presence of HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, participated in the senior panel session titled “New Dawn for Entrepreneurship?”, alongside a group of international leaders and decision-makers from government, finance, and technology.

During the session, the Minister of Finance and National Economy highlighted that, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and in line with the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to advance policies and legislative frameworks that support entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital transformation, including the adoption of artificial intelligence, as part of its broader economic development efforts.

The Minister noted that entrepreneurship is playing an increasingly important role in attracting investment and strengthening economic competitiveness. He pointed to the experience of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, highlighting their advanced digital infrastructure and policy frameworks that have supported the adoption of technological initiatives and economic diversification.

He also highlighted Bahrain’s focus on investing in people and skills, underscoring the importance of continuous learning as technology evolves. The Minister outlined the role of the Labour Fund Tamkeen in supporting the Bahraini workforce through reskilling and digital training programmes, noting that developing talent and capabilities remains central to sustaining growth in a technology-driven economy.

During the discussion, the Minister reviewed Bahrain’s approach to supporting youth entrepreneurship, including initiatives and competitions aimed at university students, designed to encourage innovation, help ideas move into the labour market, and contribute to job creation and economic development.

Addressing emerging entrepreneurial models, the Minister explained that artificial intelligence is enhancing capabilities and building skills across a range of sectors, including finance, retail, technology, and government services. He noted that entrepreneurship plays an important role in turning technology into productivity, innovation, and scalable growth.

The session also examined how artificial intelligence is reshaping labour markets and economic models, the expanding role of entrepreneurship amid rapid digital innovation, and whether these changes present challenges for employment or create new opportunities.