Bahrain hosts World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum for first time at Exhibition World Bahrain

Bahrain’s business and startup ecosystem is in the global spotlight this week as Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) hosts the 6th World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF 2026) for the first time.

The high-level forum, which begins today, brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world to explore how entrepreneurship and innovation can drive sustainable and resilient economic growth.

Held under the theme “Achieving the SDGs through Empowering Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Mobilizing Capital for Resilient Communities,” WEIF 2026 is focusing on key global priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), artificial intelligence, green growth, and digital transformation.

The forum is led by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization Investment and Technology Promotion Office (UNIDO ITPO Bahrain), in partnership with the League of Arab States, the Bahrain Chamber, and several regional and international organizations.

More than 800 participants, including global CEOs, investors, and decision-makers, are attending the event, which spans an exhibition area of 3,200 square meters at Exhibition World Bahrain. Discussions throughout the forum are centered on scaling innovation, mobilizing capital, and building resilient entrepreneurial ecosystems across emerging and developed markets.

Running alongside WEIF 2026 is the 18th International Women Entrepreneurs Challenge (IWEC), taking place in Bahrain from February 8 to 10 under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. The concurrent event highlights the growing role of women entrepreneurs in driving inclusive and sustainable economic development.

By hosting WEIF for the first time, Bahrain is reinforcing its position as a regional hub for entrepreneurship, investment, and innovation, while strengthening collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders at both regional and global levels.