Bahrain has been chosen as the destination for the renowned 18^th Arab Businessmen and Investors Conference (ABIC) and the 3^rd edition of the World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum 2019 (WEIF 2019).

The event will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, The King of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Embracing the slogan: “4th Industrial Revolution: Shaping the future – Digital disruptions for a better tomorrow”, the events will be held concurrently in the Kingdom of Bahrain from November 11 – 13, 2019.

The announcement was made at a press conference hosted by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) with the attendance of a delegation from Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The event will be organised by BCCI, with the support of the Union of Arab Chambers, Arab League, The Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO ITPO) Bahrain.

This edition of the Arab Businessmen and Investors Conference will represent an Arab economic and investment gathering to lead the investment in the 4^th Industrial Revolution and digital innovation in Arab countries in this field.

The main objectives of the 18th Arab Businessmen and Investors Conference will be to represent a gathering that drives investment in entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital revolution in the Arab world. It will also highlight opportunities and challenges of the 4th Industrial Revolution to key stakeholders from the private and public sectors. Emphasis will also be laid in understanding the need to move ahead and align with global developments and disruptive innovations which are driving major breakthroughs across many industries and sectors.

Speaking on the occasion Mohamed Abduljabbar Mahmood Alkooheji- Second Vice-Chairman, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry said, “Bahrain is a leading example of a business-friendly nation with no free zone restrictions, 100% foreign ownership for a majority of activities and low operating costs. As the first GCC nation to move away from its dependence on oil, Bahrain is today the region’s most diversified and sustainable economy and leading financial hub.” He added, “The 4^th Industrial Revolution has made paradigm changes in the way society and businesses have been functioning and is about more than just technology-driven incremental change. It is an opportunity to help varied stakeholders, including leaders, policy-makers and the general population from all income groups and nations, to harness converging technologies in order to create an inclusive, human-centric future. The real opportunity is to look beyond technology and find ways to enable the greatest number of people to positively impact their families, organisations and communities.”

Commenting on the event, Rashid Amer Al Musalhi, Deputy Chairman of OCCI for Administrative and Financial Affairs said, “The 18th Arab Businessmen and Investors Conference has played a significant role over the past few years as an integral Arab platform for Arab businessmen to meet, creating several networking opportunities. This year’s conference will focus on the impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution on the business world. I am confident that this will open doors for further business and foster closer partnerships between Arab nations, as we work towards building an economy based on knowledge and sustainability.”

“Aptly, therefore, the focus of the 18^th Arab Businessmen and Investors Conference is on the impact of the 4^th Industrial Revolution on the Arab world and the BCCI is delighted to invite representatives from all over the region and the world to explore the possibilities, challenges and most efficient ways of adapting this revolution to obtain a dramatically improved future,” Mohamed Alkooheji concluded.

Set to attract more than 1,500 participants from across the globe and a first of its kind forum in the region, representing a variety of expertise including key policy decision-makers, regulators, business investors, entrepreneurs, and global influencers.

Also, a key highlight of the 18th ABIC 2019 is the Arab Entrepreneurship Rally, a competition designed to encourage and assist all Arab university students to convert their innovative business ideas into start-up enterprises. The competition will provide students with an opportunity to make a positive impact on society through technological innovation, whilst contributing to their own economic benefit.

Students from the Arab Region will be invited to participate in submitting their innovative business ideas with the opportunity of having them reviewed and recognised by designated experts. Through its sponsors and partners, students will be awarded for their efforts and play an active role in inspiring and unleashing the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. Three winners from the region will be announced at the conference in November 2019 and an impressive cash price will be handed to them to facilitate converting their ideas into action. 

The third edition of the World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum 2019 (WEIF 2019) will be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain concurrently with the 18th Arab Businessmen and Investors Conference from November 11-13, 2019. The event is organised by UNIDO ITPO Bahrain, in partnership with the Union of Arab Chambers and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In line with the success achieved during the previous versions of WEIF; this year’s main theme is “Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through Entrepreneurship & Innovation” but with special focus on “Investing in the 4th Industrial Revolution in a Digital Economy”.

WEIF 2019 will highlight and promote the role of impactful investment and innovation towards economic development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Discussions will also focus on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of developing countries, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa, in attaining these goals.

With an impressive group of speakers, experts, entrepreneurs, investors, academics, financial institutions and high-level senior officials, the conference promises to empower the audience with the know-how needed to effectively be part of the transformation that Industry 4.0 is bringing and emphasise on the need to embrace technological innovation as a means of fostering entrepreneurship and productivity.