MANAMA: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: The Kingdom of Bahrain is one step closer to become the world’s entrepreneurs’ investment hub.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is hosting the World’s Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF 2024) next month with over five hundred delegates from around the world likely to attend.
Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, and Prime Minister of Bahrain, WBAF 2024 will provide an unmatched platform for thought leaders and investors to exchange ideas and forge new partnerships.
“The global event brings together angel investors and startups, in high-tech and other promising projects, who can pitch for international investments,” Feryal Abdulla Nass, Founder and Chairwoman of Bahrain Entrepreneurship Organisation (BEO) told the media on Monday.
Founder Chairwoman, who joined by the board member Afhsan Dadabai, said that the WBAF 2024, world’s premier forum will boost up Gulf’s startup ecosystem as participants will get a rare opportunity to listen and share their views with global leaders.
The World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) is set to host its most ambitious and prestigious event to date, bringing together global leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs at the World Business Angels Investment Forum WBAF 2024. The forum, scheduled for November 19th to 20th, 2024, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, promises a dynamic platform for discussions on financial inclusion, innovation, and startup growth.
This year’s congress will host an impressive lineup of distinguished global leaders, including H.E. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, Former President of the Republic of Croatia, who will chair the Global Women Leaders Committee Annual Meeting and speak at the Presidential Roundtable on Financial Inclusion during the Grand Opening Ceremony. H.E. Yves Leterme, Former Prime Minister of Belgium and a prominent advocate for governance and economic diplomacy, will also be present. Additionally, the Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes Swati Mandela, granddaughter of Nelson Mandela and Vice Chair of the WBAF Global Women Leaders Committee, marking the first visit by a member of the Mandela family to Bahrain.
A key highlight of WBAF 2024 will be the Global Fundraising Stage, where 100 global startups from around the world will pitch their innovative solutions to a panel of investors from around the world, creating a unique opportunity to attract capital and scale their businesses.
Additionally, the event will feature a strong international presence, with delegations from Côte d’Ivoire, the United States of America, India, and South Korea, reflecting the global scale of WBAF’s mission to advance financial inclusion and innovation.
The World Excellence Awards VIP Gala Dinner will take place at the Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, honoring global leaders and visionaries who have made significant contributions to the entrepreneurial and investment landscape. The event will also include the glamorous Red-Carpet Walking of 2024, set to take place during the Chairman’s Reception at the Raffles Palace, adding a touch of prestige and celebration to this global gathering.
The WBAF Grand Assembly will occur as a closed-to-public event on November 18th at the Wyndham Grand Manama, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss strategic initiatives and partnerships. Following the congress, the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) will organize B2B meetings for WBAF delegates on November 21st, facilitating networking and collaboration opportunities among participants.
WBAF is proud to acknowledge its sponsors, including Labour Fund (Tamkeen), Tamkeen, GFH, the National Bank of Bahrain, and Stc Telekom, whose support is crucial in advancing the goals of the Forum and empowering the startup ecosystem in Bahrain and beyond.
“WBAF 2024 is a testament to our commitment to fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem. We are thrilled to welcome global leaders and innovative startups to Bahrain, where we will collectively explore pathways to financial inclusion and sustainable development,” Baybars Altuntas, Executive Chairman of WBAF, said.
“This congress presents a unique opportunity for Bahrain to highlight its potential as a regional hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. We are excited to connect with international investors and empower local startups to thrive,” Feryal added.
