As part of the Labour Fund’s (Tamkeen) ongoing commitment to catalyze entrepreneurship and innovation in the Kingdom of Bahrain, particularly within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, Tamkeen announces its support for the participation of Bahraini startups and small, and medium enterprises in the renowned GITEX Global Exhibition for the ninth consecutive year. GITEX, a flagship event in the technology and emerging enterprise landscape, is scheduled to take place from 16 to 20 October at the Dubai World Trade Center.

In partnership with the Bahrain Economic Development Board, Export Bahrain, and ila Bank, Tamkeen will sponsor the Kingdom of Bahrain’s pavilion at GITEX Global 2023, along with the participation of 30 small to medium-sized Bahraini tech enterprises within the pavilion. Additionally, Tamkeen will support the participation of promising tech startups in the Expand North Star exhibition. Scheduled to be held from October 15 to 18 in Dubai Harbour in conjunction with GITEX Global, it is one of the largest global events for startups and hosted by the Dubai Chamber for the Digital Economy.

Tamkeen Chief Executive Her Excellency Ms. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez said, “Over the past eight years, Tamkeen has facilitated the participation of 265 Bahraini enterprises in GITEX Global, and we are delighted to continue this support. The presence of our local enterprises at this exhibition reinforces Bahrain’s position as a leading technology and innovation hub in the GCC and offers them opportunities to engage with international industry players, exchange knowledge, and foster partnerships. It allows them to stay abreast of the latest technological advancements, while showcasing their innovative products and services to a global audience.”

Highlighting the role of the ICT sector in the national economy, Her Excellency added, “The information and communications technology sector is a vital pillar of our economy, contributing significantly to the GDP at 6.8% in 2022. In line with the Kingdom’s digital economy strategy, we have launched an array of initiatives and programs to bolster tech businesses, nurture entrepreneurs, and drive digital transformation. Our aim is to foster innovation, create high-quality job opportunities, and elevate the Kingdom’s global standing.”

In previous editions of GITEX, Bahraini entrepreneurs have achieved remarkable successes, particularly in competitions held alongside the exhibition. Notably, Bahraini startup PLAYBOOK secured the top spot in the Supernova Challenge last year within the women’s category. PLAYBOOK is a digital platform designed to empower women in leadership roles by offering a diverse digital academy led by influential and inspirational women.

In previous years, numerous Bahraini institutions forged fruitful agreements and partnerships that contributed to their growth on both local and regional fronts, serving as a testament to Tamkeen’s vision of showcasing Bahraini institutions on an international scale.