• Bahrain launches a USD185M SME Fund, offering Sharia’a-compliant financing with up to five-year repayment terms for entrepreneurs.
• Fund supported by BDB, NBB, BBK, and Al Salam Bank, with Tamkeen covering up to 50% of profit rates.
• Initiative strengthens public-private collaboration, aiming to accelerate SME growth and drive Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 diversification goals.

Bahrain

Bahrain launched a new SME fund following the signing of partnership agreements between Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), and Al Salam Bank.

“The launch of the SME Fund underscores our long-standing commitment to supporting Bahraini entrepreneurs and accelerating the growth of this vital sector. Beyond providing capital, our focus is on empowering businesses to expand, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s sustainable economic development. At BDB, we are proud to play an active role in building a more equal and inclusive national economy,” said Dalal Al Qais, Group Chief Executive Officer of BDB.

SME Financing  

BDB will manage the SME Fund and provide Sharia’a-compliant financing with a total value exceeding USD185 million. With Tamkeen covering up to 50% of the profit rate, the fund offers repayment terms of up to five years. Moreover, the fund is designed to help clients bridge persistent funding gaps through simplified application procedures and accessible financing.

The fund’s launch underscores the strength of public-private collaboration to advance Bahrain’s economic diversification goals under Economic Vision 2030. It aims to  empower SMEs to grow and contribute more effectively to the economy by equipping them with the resources needed to succeed.

Bottom line: The SME Fund empowers Bahraini entrepreneurs with accessible financing, bridging funding gaps and fostering sustainable economic growth nationwide. It highlights Bahrain’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, and achieving Economic Vision 2030 through strong public-private partnerships.