Tamkeen and Export Bahrain Facilitate Key Agreements for Bahraini Startups with Global and Regional Partners at BIBAN 2024

Export Bahrain announced the successful conclusion of its participation for the second consecutive year in organizing the Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion with support from the Labour Fund “Tamkeen” at the Global Biban 24 Forum. BIBAN is organized by the Saudi Arabian General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises “Monsha’at” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and featured over 250 local and international speakers and more than 1,350 exhibitors from regional and global entrepreneurs.

The Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion, which included 15 Bahraini Startup Enterprises, successfully attracted the attention of visitors and decision-makers throughout the five-day event. The pavilion attracted more than 10,000 visitors during the five days, showcasing diversified local services and solutions to key stakeholders including investors, strategic partners, and others. During its participation, “Export Bahrain” highlighted its role in empowering and enhancing opportunities for collaboration, supporting the growth of institutions, and boosting their competitiveness in global markets, contributing positively to the national economy’s growth.

This support aligns with the strategic priorities of the Labour Fund “Tamkeen” for 2024, which focus on three main initiatives: creating quality employment opportunities, supporting career development in the private sector, and aiding the growth of institutions to develop the private sector, contributing to economic impact and sustainable growth.

At this year’s “Biban 24,” the Kingdom of Bahrain achieved significant success with numerous national enterprises securing over four finalized commercial agreements, including FABLAB, UniPal, Parcel, and Tajweed, alongside a multitude of promising leads for future deals. “Export Bahrain” leveraged this platform to promote Bahraini products and services to a global audience of thousands of companies and investors. The Bahrain Pavilion facilitated more than 631 targeted meetings between participating companies and global stakeholders, presenting over 132 high-potential investment opportunities. Four distinguished Bahraini companies participated in the exclusive “Biban 24” meeting program: Xtrude Engineering Trading, DOO Technology Solutions, and Tajweed, showcasing their innovative business models and the unique value they deliver across various industries. Notably, UniPal distinguished itself by securing first place in the LBS MENA Startup Competition for the Middle East and North Africa region, standing out among hundreds of competitors and winning a prize of USD 15,000. As one of the region’s premier platforms for fostering innovation, the competition offered an unparalleled opportunity to highlight entrepreneurial talent from Bahrain and the broader MENA region.

Additionally, Travilege Solutions W.L.L. achieved a significant milestone by securing a 1-year incubation at the University of Al Baha, Saudi Arabia. This opportunity will provide the company with essential resources and support to drive business growth and innovation in the region, further solidifying Bahrain’s position as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence.

Ms. Safa Sharif A Khaliq, Chief Executive Officer, of Export Bahrain, said: “The tremendous success of the Biban 24 Forum translates the vast opportunities available in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the region as a whole. Biban provided a golden opportunity for many startups to showcase their innovative and competitive products and services on a global scale in front of a significant number of investors, which will meet global demand and expand export horizons with higher growth rates in various global markets. At ‘Export Bahrain,’ we look forward to participating in more successful regional and international exhibitions and forums to establish new strategic partnerships and enhance export opportunities for national products and services.”

This year’s edition of the “Biban 24” Forum was held under the theme “A Global Destination for Opportunities,” offering numerous opportunities and important activities that support the rapid development taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurship sectors. The forum also witnessed a large gathering of entrepreneurs from various countries, with more than 420 dialogue sessions and workshops held over five days. The forum included the signing of several agreements, where the Labour Fund “Tamkeen” signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises “Monsha’at” in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and “Astrolabs,” the leading platform supporting companies in expanding their businesses in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, to support entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises in the Kingdom.