In a ceremony attended by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Abdullah Fakhro, the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) in Bahrain celebrated the graduation of four new cohorts from its flagship Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion (EDIP) program, also known as the “Bahraini-Arab Model.” The event, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the International Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, marked a key milestone for cohorts 125, 126, 129, and 130.
A Pillar of Bahrain’s Vision 2030
The EDIP program is a cornerstone of the strategic partnership established in 2000 between UNIDO and the Kingdom of Bahrain, through the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Bahrain Development Bank. Rooted in the reform project initiated by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the model has become a vital mechanism for inclusive and sustainable development, with a strong focus on empowering youth and women.
This comprehensive ecosystem enables startups and SMEs to grow by integrating financial and non-financial services, providing business mentorship, incubation, and ensuring investment readiness. This holistic approach has solidified Bahrain’s position as a regional and global leader in entrepreneurial development.
Global Impact of a Bahraini Model
Since its inception, the Bahraini-Arab Model has supported over 7,000 entrepreneurs and SMEs within Bahrain, contributing to the creation of thousands of jobs and advancing economic diversification. The program’s success has transcended national borders, with the model being implemented in over 56 countries worldwide.
This global adoption underscores Bahrain’s role as an international hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to development, prosperity, and peace in alignment with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Upcoming International Forums
During the ceremony, participants were invited to two major international events set to take place in Bahrain. The 6th World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF) 2026 will be held from February 10-11, and the 18th International Women’s Entrepreneurship Challenge (IWEC) Conference will take place from February 9-10. These high-profile gatherings will convene global leaders, investors, and innovators to further promote entrepreneurship, investment, and gender equality on an international stage.
About The Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion (EDIP) Program
The Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion (EDIP) program, also known as the “Bahraini-Arab Model,” is an integrated system designed to foster the growth of startups and SMEs. It connects entrepreneurs with a network of financial and non-financial services, offering crucial support through commercial guidance, mentorship, incubation, and investment readiness training. The program serves as a comprehensive framework for sustainable economic development in Bahrain and globally.
Source: Albilad Press
