Manama: Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, the Minister of Social Development, took part in the Arab-International High Level Event held alongside the Sixth World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF 2026), themed "Inclusive Growth-Aligning Social Protection with Entrepreneurship and Innovation Mechanisms."
According to Bahrain News Agency, the event saw the presence of Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the Arab League, along with ministers, senior officials, and representatives from various regional and international organisations. Minister Al Alawi stressed that Bahrain places its people at the heart of national development, guided by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This focus aims to enhance sustainable development while promoting social justice and societal stability.
The Minister elaborated on Bahrain's approach to social protection, describing it as a tool for empowerment and sustainable development. By linking social support to capacity building, the Kingdom fosters entrepreneurship and expands opportunities for productive employment, especially for its most vulnerable populations.
Minister Al Alawi highlighted initiatives like empowering productive families through regulatory frameworks, microfinance, training programmes, and marketing channels. He mentioned the establishment of specialised production units at the Mubarak Jassim Kanoo Comprehensive Social Centre and the "Al Ayadi Al Bahrainia" store, which markets national products and supports the sustainability of family enterprises.
The Kingdom's shift from care to full inclusion of persons with disabilities is also significant. This is being achieved through inclusive education, vocational rehabilitation, investment in assistive technologies, and support for social innovation. He noted that achieving inclusive growth relies on effective partnerships among governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations.
On the event's sidelines, Minister Al Alawi, along with the Secretary General of the Arab League, visited the Arab Exhibition for Productive Families and the Innovation and Technology Exhibition for Persons with Disabilities. They explored pavilions from participating countries and organisations, gaining insights into initiatives and projects aimed at economic empowerment and social innovation.