Eight local startups were awarded the Bahrain Award for Entrepreneurship 2019 for their contributions towards the development of the national economy and opportunities generated, in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.

The annual awards, held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, celebrates the achievements of Bahrain’s entrepreneurs and their socio-economic role in spurring a private sector driven economy.

Over 180 entrepreneurs applied for the fourth edition of the Bahrain Award for Entrepreneurship. The organizing committee selected 35 for the semi-finals and 21 for the final phase. This year, two new categories were introduced – The Lifetime Achievement Award, aimed at honoring pioneering personalities in the development of the national economy and The Global Enterprise of the Year, aimed at recognizing the role of international Bahraini enterprises that showcase Bahraini culture in their business activities.

The winning eight entrepreneurs were recognized at a ceremony held under the patronage of the Crown Prince, and Chairman of the Economic Development Board, and organized by Bahrain’s Labor Fund (Tamkeen).

The Crown Prince highlighted Bahrain’s outstanding success in advancing entrepreneurship across all sectors and stressed that that the continual development of the domestic start-up economy reflects the Kingdom’s efforts to nurture a business environment that fosters creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to sustainable economic growth, said the state media BNA.

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“We are deeply grateful to HRH the Crown Prince for his trust in our capabilities and aptitudes,” Mohamed Abdulaal, owner of All Food for Food Stuff, who won the for Sustainability in Business Award for the second time.

“One crucial component of the success of entrepreneurship in Bahrain is the fact that the leadership fully embraces innovative entrepreneurial projects and recognizes success,” he said.

Outstanding successes do not come easy and people, particularly young entrepreneurs, should not be daunted by any hurdle or slowed down by the fear of stumbling, he added.

Other winners also expressed gratitude for the opportunities to go ahead with their ambitions and achieve local, regional and international successes.

In his speech at the ceremony, Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Chairman of Tamkeen, said, “Tamkeen is ready to further contribute to the development of the start-up sector through numerous initiatives aimed at assisting entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey, which stems from Tamkeen’s vision to enhance the role of the private sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain.”

Winners of the Bahrain Entrepreneurship Award each receive a cash reward and are offered multiple training and development opportunities, overseen by international organisations such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).