Manama: The Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have announced the creation of a regional centre of excellence for prosthetics manufacturing and rehabilitation in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This development follows the signing of a joint declaration between the two entities.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the announcement was made at the World Forum on Entrepreneurship and Investment (2026), which took place under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The event was attended by international decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
The new centre aims to bolster the development of specialised and high value-added industries, particularly in advanced medical manufacturing. This initiative aligns with the Industrial Sector Strategy (2022-2026) and is expected to contribute to economic diversification, strengthen industrial value chains, and enhance the competitiveness of Bahrain's industrial sector both regionally and internationally.
Additionally, the centre supports the National Innovation Strategy (2025-2035) by promoting research and development, accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies, and reinforcing the industrial innovation ecosystem. It will focus on producing prosthetics and providing advanced rehabilitation services using digital manufacturing technologies such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and digital data management to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, highlighted that this initiative demonstrates Bahrain's commitment to future industries and innovation-driven manufacturing. He noted that it would enhance the Kingdom's position as a regional hub for advanced medical industries, facilitate knowledge transfer, develop national capabilities, and attract specialised investments.
Gerd Mller, Director General of UNIDO, expressed that the centre represents a practical model for linking industrial development with humanitarian objectives. He also commended Bahrain's leadership in adopting advanced industrial technologies, which supports UNIDO's mission to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development.