Bahrain Youth Festival Showcases Entrepreneurial Spirit

The "Company" program competition aims to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of Bahraini youth, create multiple job opportunities, and contribute to economic stimulation. This initiative has played a significant role in shaping the development and excellence of INJAZ Bahrain students over the years.

As part of the festival’s activities, a panel of judges assessed and nominated selected student-run businesses for the final competition, set to take place in April. The judging panel included industry leaders such as Buthaina Ameen from Bapco Refining, Latifa Matuywi from Brinc, Sara Adel from Tamkeen, and Yasser Abdulaziz for the high school category. Meanwhile, the university category was judged by Eyad Ibrahim from the National Bank of Bahrain, Faten Mattar from Mattar Jewelry, Manaf Al Mohandis from Al Salam Bank, and Safaa Sharif from WSI Consulting.

On the second day of the festival, Her Highness Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa officially opened the event, accompanied by key dignitaries, including Her Excellency Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi and Her Highness Sheikha Hessa bint Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, along with members of the INJAZ Bahrain Board of Directors.

The first day featured an array of cultural performances, starting with a traditional Liwa dance, followed by student evaluations, an oud performance by Mansoor Faisal, and a musical concert by the band Koshary. The second day’s opening ceremony included a qanun performance, theatrical performances, and concluded with a spectacular show by the Mohammed bin Faris Band.

Speaking at the event, Her Highness Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa stated: “This festival is a celebration of the boundless creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Bahrain’s youth. As we mark 20 years of empowering young minds, these events continue to serve as a pioneering platform for innovation and leadership, shaping the future of our nation. I am proud to see the visions of our youth come to life and look forward to the positive impact their ideas will have on Bahrain’s global success.”

She further expressed her gratitude to the festival’s strategic partner, Tamkeen, for their continuous support, which has been instrumental in the event’s success, as well as to Marassi Galleria for hosting the festival and providing an inspiring space for young entrepreneurs to showcase their talents.

Her Excellency Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, also commended INJAZ Bahrain, saying: “INJAZ Bahrain stands as a remarkable model in fostering youth creativity and promoting an innovation-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem, aligning with the Kingdom’s vision of empowering young leaders. The organization’s relentless efforts in skill development and providing high-quality programs directly contribute to preparing a creative generation ready to achieve their ambitions and actively participate in national development.”

She reaffirmed the Ministry’s full support for such initiatives, which serve as a cornerstone in empowering young people and amplifying their ideas across various fields.

Since its establishment in 2005 as part of Junior Achievement Worldwide, INJAZ Bahrain has been dedicated to equipping young individuals with the skills and mindset required for success in the global economy. Guided by its core values of unlocking youth potential, experiential learning, and teamwork, the organization—under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa—has empowered over 680,000 students in the past 18 years, with the support of more than 11,000 volunteers, 290 schools, and 15 universities.