Ahmed Al-Salum, President of the Bahrain Association for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises and a member of parliament, emphasized that the seventh edition of the ‘Economic Decision-Makers’ program, launched in collaboration with the Ahlia University, aims to cultivate a new generation of informed economic leaders capable of confidently navigating challenges.
He explained that the initiative is designed to empower Bahraini youth, particularly entrepreneurs, by equipping them with the necessary experience to make sound economic decisions that positively impact their companies and organizations. The program includes specialized workshops that allow participants to engage in committees and institutions, helping them understand the challenges and appropriate solutions within their respective fields.
The current edition features a series of diverse workshops led by prominent Bahraini professionals with extensive experience. The sessions, running from July 28 to September 3, include 12 lectures and a new partnership with Ahlia University involving academics and professors, enhancing the program’s value. This cycle will include 22 lectures focusing on economic and financial issues, which will positively influence how participants manage their institutions.
Al-Salum noted that previous editions of the program have demonstrated its effectiveness in guiding entrepreneurs toward making sound economic and financial decisions. He expressed pride in the initiative, stating that this year’s participation is expected to range between 60 and 70 individuals, reflecting the program’s ongoing success in attracting participants from various sectors, including government, private enterprises, and university graduates.
He described the Economic Decision-Makers program not as a conventional training initiative but as a national effort aimed at building a generation of aware and capable economic leaders. The program encourages decision-making rooted in Bahraini and Gulf economic realities while addressing global changes with initiative, discipline, and foresight.
Al-Salum also highlighted the program’s theme for this year: ‘Challenges Faced by Entrepreneurs in Economic Decision-Making.’ He noted that this theme reflects the current environment of global change, fluctuating markets, and evolving regulations, which require entrepreneurs to possess precise analytical tools, strategic vision, and flexible skills to make informed economic decisions aligned with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 for sustainable and inclusive growth.
He paid tribute to the late Farouk Al-Mu’ayyad, the former honorary president of the association, who was a key figure in every edition of the program until his passing, which led to the suspension of last year’s cycle. This year’s edition resumes as a tribute to his legacy.
Al-Salum emphasized the importance of collaborating with a major educational institution like Ahlia University in delivering the seventh edition, noting that this partnership strengthens the event and supports its core objectives. He expressed pride in organizing this edition in cooperation with the university, reinforcing the principle of knowledge-based and institutional collaboration and affirming the belief that economic decision-making begins with education and training and grows through dialogue, experience, and practice.
Dr. Amira Shebuh, representing Ahlia University, stated that the program reflects the constructive partnership between the university and the Bahrain Association for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises. She expressed hope that efforts would contribute to supporting Bahrain’s comprehensive development under the leadership of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the oversight of Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
She noted that the university has always believed its mission extends beyond classrooms and curricula, aiming to actively participate in shaping development toward more sustainable and equitable directions. Therefore, the collaboration with the Bahrain Association for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises was a natural extension of this shared vision of investing in human capital and empowering individuals to lead their organizations and communities with confidence, knowledge, and competence.
The program is not merely a series of lectures but a space for active dialogue and practical experience exchange, leading to effective solutions based on deep scientific analysis. Experts and professors have carefully designed the content, guided by the realities of Bahrain’s business environment and global economic shifts.
Shebuh stressed that the challenges facing entrepreneurs today go beyond numbers, requiring quick decisions based on clear understanding, flexible vision, and intelligent responses to market changes. Hence, this initiative serves as a genuine empowerment tool, providing participants with the keys to effective decision-making, ultimately supporting the national economy and enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises.
The seventh edition of the ‘Economic Decision-Makers’ program is divided into two phases: the first runs from July 28 to September 3, 2025, and the second from September 15 to October 1, 2025. The program will conclude on October 8 with a closing ceremony attended by Shura Council Chairman Ali Al-Saleh, where participants will receive certificates of completion.
— news from alwatannews.net
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