• Bahrain showcased its startup ecosystem at the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) 2024.
• This event emphasizes Bahrain’s regional leadership ambitions in fostering innovation and attracting global investors.
• Bahrain’s initiatives support startups, drive foreign investments, and enhance the region’s competitiveness in technology and innovation.

WBAF 2024: A Global Stage for Startups

The World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) 2024, held in Bahrain from November 19–20, gathered global leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs.

The event featured the Global Fundraising Stage for 100 Selected Entrepreneurs and introduced The WBAF Angel Investment Fund, a co-investment framework enabling startups to collaborate with international angel investors.

Baybars Altuntas, Executive Chairman of WBAF, applauded Bahrain’s efforts. He said, “Bahrain has established itself as a significant hub for startups, connecting regional and global investors with innovative projects.”

Feryal Abdullah Nass, Chairperson and Founder of the Bahrain Entrepreneurship Organisation (BEO), added that WBAF attracted over 400 participants from 42 countries, with 60 startups set to present their projects on the global platform tomorrow to attract investments.

Highlighting Entrepreneurial Success Stories

A standout moment of the event was the presentation by Zainab Adel Al Shuwaikh, a young Bahraini entrepreneur. Her project, aimed at leveraging technology for social impact, garnered attention for its innovative approach to addressing local challenges.

Christoph Drescher, Austrian-based international-acting entrepreneur, emphasized the importance of quality over quantity. He said, “Considering its size, Bahrain, much like Austria, stands out by offering unique opportunities and fostering global collaboration. It is not about competing with larger nations but excelling in knowledge and innovation.”

For his part, Enrico Fiore, an Italian angel investor, emphasized the importance of international collaboration. “The WBAF forum is a gathering of investors, startups, and business angels. This year’s forum in Bahrain follows last year’s event in Durban, and I believe Bahrain has all the right ingredients to take a lead role in this initiative,” explained Fiore.

Bahrain’s Strategic Edge in the GCC

Bahrain’s proactive participation at WBAF underlines its commitment to technology and innovation. Initiatives such as the National Investment Platform simplify regulatory processes, while government-backed programs like Tamkeen empower entrepreneurs with funding and mentorship.

The kingdom’s balance of innovation, accessibility, and strategic location sets it apart in the GCC region, making Bahrain a competitive destination for startups seeking to scale globally. With WBAF 2024 as a new projection vector, Bahrain is charting a path for sustainable growth​.