Innovation fest Unbound returns to the Kingdom

World-renowned innovation festival Unbound will return to Bahrain on March 6 and 7 to showcase some of the most inventive brands, start-ups, and government initiatives seen in Bahrain and across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Expecting to double in size from last year, Unbound Bahrain moves to a new venue, Bahrain National Theatre for the 2019 edition. The MENA region’s largest and most exciting innovation festival, Unbound Bahrain is the anchor event of “StartUp Bahrain Week” held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, Chairman of the Economic Development Board (EDB) in association with the EDB and supported by Tamkeen (The Labour Fund) as a strategic partner and startup community in Bahrain. The festival celebrates the Kingdom’s commitment to creating a digital economy and fuelling a digital future for the wider MENA region. The festival will host over 75 speakers and more than 3,000 local, regional and international delegates, including inspiring entrepreneurs sharing their experiences on starting and growing a business venture. Daniel Seal, Founder and CEO at Unbound, said: “Unbound is delighted to be returning to the MENA region. This year’s event promises to be the biggest yet, with speakers from across the globe discussing the very latest in innovation. With startup battles, awards and showcases, Unbound Bahrain provides startups with unique opportunities to connect with investors and help make ideas become a reality. In a very short space of time, Unbound has become the go-to platform for MENA innovators to embrace opportunities in Bahrain and the wider region.” The Middle East is embracing digital disruption with technology at the heart of economic diversification. As Governments look to increasingly partner with the private sector to help drive growth and efficiencies, Unbound Bahrain will showcase the latest innovative products and services being developed by startups from around the world. Pakiza Abdulrahman, Manager of Business Development – Startups at the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: “The EDB is committed to fostering a supportive environment for start-ups and has found a perfect partner in Unbound to showcase the benefits of doing business in Bahrain and the Middle East. Unbound comes with an immersive experience of running this international event in London, Miami and Singapore, and we are thrilled to host them for a second year to showcase GCC and MENA’s startup trends. “As digital disruption changes the face of the modern economy, we must do all we can to enable startups and the next generation of innovative technologies. Getting the right balance of soft infrastructure; access to funding; and mentorship in place is crucial to our success and Unbound Bahrain will be the ideal platform to learn more about the technological trends shaping our society.”