
Proposal to establish national center to support inventors set for debate
TDT | Manama
Email :
Proper backing for Bahraini inventors is up for debate on Tuesday, as Parliament considers a proposal to establish a national centre aimed at turning good ideas into working businesses.
Put forward by MP Ahmed Al Salloom and supported by four others, the plan calls on the government to create a dedicated space where inventors can access practical assistance: financial aid, legal advice, administrative support, and technical expertise.
The centre would offer more than just a formal space or branding platform. It also includes the creation of an investment fund, backed by local companies, to cover early-stage costs and help kick-start projects.
The Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, which reviewed the proposal, has supported it unanimously.
Fair chance
Members said it served the public interest and would give people with practical ideas a fair chance.
'Innovation and invention play a big part in the growth and success of any country,' said Mr. Al Salloom, who chairs the committee. 'Inventors have something valuable to offer. If we give them the right support, their work can turn into real gains for the economy. This centre would help them take an idea and build it into something solid.'
The plan also includes partnerships with universities and training programmes to develop skills, with a view to ensuring that those with potential are not overlooked.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Tribune
an hour ago
- Daily Tribune
From Bahrain to Africa: Inside Al Baraka's Digital Silk Road
TDT | Manama Bilateral Trade Sessions Expand Reach • New cross-border link formed • MENA-Africa firms connect • Platform boosts SME trade A new trade corridor is taking shape between Africa and the Middle East — digitally powered, Sharia-compliant, and anchored in Bahrain. Al Baraka Group, one of the region's most widespread Islamic banking networks, has launched a platform-driven push to unify its banking units across continents under a common trade finance system. The initiative, described by industry experts as a 'Digital Silk Road', gained momentum recently with two major bilateral sessions hosted by Al Baraka. The first connected exporters and importers in Turkey and Algeria, while the second linked businesses in Egypt and South Africa — signalling the group's intent to bridge Africa and MENA markets through seamless financing. Bridging Regions By pairing clients from its 12 operational markets, Al Baraka's trade programme is not just facilitating business, it is redrawing the commercial landscape. Since the programme's launch, executives have reviewed performance, discussed faster operational workflows, and mapped out new tech upgrades between Islamic economies. Senior trade experts, executive teams, and business owners came together during these sessions to explore new partnerships and routes for expansion. Simultaneously, the group held its second annual Trade Finance Units Meeting in Tunisia, marking the first full year of coordinated efforts. Powering Through Platforms A centrepiece of the initiative is Al Baraka's unified Trade Finance Platform, which has undergone major enhancements to allow for: Faster transaction execution Simplified client onboarding Multi-country coordination The result is a digital-first, bank-integrated solution designed to serve businesses across diverse markets without the friction of conventional banking silos. 'These collective efforts reflect Al Baraka Group's vision of transforming its diverse network into an integrated platform that enables clients to seamlessly access multiple markets,' said Group CEO Houssem Ben Haj Amor. He noted that the group's strength lies in offering 'diversified and flexible financing solutions' to support business competitiveness. 'We offer advanced solutions and an integrated support network that aligns with our clients' ambitions for expansion and growth in new markets,' added Mr Ben Haj Amor. Path to Expansion From Istanbul to Cape Town, Al Baraka's model centres on trade enablement, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to break into regional supply chains. The group's latest sessions have been widely welcomed by clients seeking reliable trade partners and faster access to finance. As digital Islamic trade finance accelerates across the Global South, Al Baraka's platform positions Bahrain as a node of influence — linking continents, capital, and clients on a new, ethical trade path.


Daily Tribune
an hour ago
- Daily Tribune
Unity: First Line of Defence
TDT | Manama MP Says Vigilance and Cohesion Vital Amid Regional Instability • National unity stressed • MP backs official leadership • Warns against disinformation Bahrain must stand firm in the face of regional turmoil, with national unity serving as the first line of defence, a Member of Parliament has urged. Dr Maryam Al Dhaen, who sits on the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee, said Bahrainis must uphold solidarity and resist any efforts to sow division, calling it a 'historic responsibility' for every citizen. 'We are aware of the magnitude of the surrounding dangers,' she said. 'We must rise to this historic responsibility by standing united against every attempt to destabilise or undermine our national principles. There is no room for complacency or division, as Bahrain is strong because of its people and their awareness.' Support for Leadership Dr Al Dhaen affirmed full backing for the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, saying Bahrain's strength rests in its cohesion around wise governance. She also praised Bahrain's foreign policy stance, describing it as balanced and rooted in peace and stability. Bahrain's 'firm and declared' position on regional developments, she said, is evidence of that commitment. Responsibility Online Calling on citizens to turn away from misinformation, Dr Al Dhaen cautioned against the dangers of rumour-mongering during tense times. 'Social media should be platforms for building and solidarity, not tools for destruction or spreading rumours,' she said, urging the public to rely only on official channels for updates. Final Appeal


Daily Tribune
an hour ago
- Daily Tribune
Ensuring Resilience: HRH Crown Prince Leads National Preparedness Drive
TDT | Manama • Civil agencies boost readiness • Ministries maintain full operations • Health, education shift precautionary Public safety and civil preparedness took centre stage as His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, visited the Special Security Force Command yesterday to review Bahrain's emergency readiness and security frameworks. His Royal Highness reaffirmed that the resilience of the Kingdom continues to be bolstered by the vigilance and responsibility of its citizens, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Readiness Push During the visit, HRH the Crown Prince was briefed on operational enhancements, public order measures, and rapid response mechanisms in place to counter evolving regional developments. HRH emphasised the importance of proactive strategies, coordinated civil protection, and sustained efforts to safeguard Bahrain's national stability. He also underscored the role of law enforcement agencies in maintaining order and security, praising the Ministry of Interior's readiness and capacity to address emerging challenges. Leadership-Led System His Royal Highness expressed appreciation to His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, and the personnel of the Ministry for their contributions to national security. Accompanying HRH the Crown Prince were His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister's Court; H.E. General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa; H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy; and several senior officials. Diplomatic Stance The Kingdom of Bahrain is closely following recent developments in the region and emphasised the need for coordinated regional and international efforts to halt escalation and military operations, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said. The Ministry added that the Kingdom called for the prompt resumption of negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to resolve the current crisis through diplomatic and peaceful means. It stressed that this approach is essential to restoring regional peace and security and to protecting the peoples of the region from the consequences of war. Healthcare Services Uninterrupted The Government Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres affirmed the continued provision of all healthcare services across their facilities. This includes outpatient clinics, emergency departments, medical wards, and specialised service centres within Government Hospitals, as well as general and specialised clinics, dental, laboratory, radiology, and physiotherapy services within the Primary Healthcare Centres. Medical and nursing teams continue to operate within an integrated system to ensure uninterrupted delivery of care, with quality and efficiency maintained across the Salmaniya Medical Complex, Psychiatric Hospital, specialised centres, and affiliated hospitals. Security Measures in Effect The Ministry of Interior implemented precautionary measures yesterday morning as part of its proactive approach to civil emergency management, following recent regional developments. In a statement, the ministry thanked the public for their cooperation, noting that the temporary measures support administrative and security preparedness. It clarified that all ministries and government institutions remain fully operational and continue their functions as per established plans. The Ministry also said that awareness messages and safety guidelines would be disseminated through the National Civil Protection Platform, official Interior Ministry accounts, and the MyGov app. Citizens and residents were urged to follow instructions from official authorities, rely on trusted sources for information, and refrain from spreading rumours. Environmental Status Confirmed The Supreme Council for the Environment confirmed that no abnormal radiation levels have been detected in Bahrain's atmosphere. Monitoring continues in coordination with national authorities, the GCC Emergency Management Centre, and the IAEA. The public was urged to rely on official sources and avoid spreading rumours. Remote Work Adopted The Civil Service Bureau has activated a remote working system, with 70% of government staff working from home, excluding sectors requiring physical presence or emergency-specific procedures. The measure, effective from yesterday, is part of national safety efforts, and many private companies in Bahrain have also adopted similar remote work options. Education Goes Digital The Ministry of Education directed all public and private educational institutions, from kindergartens to universities, to activate digital learning platforms as a precautionary measure. Institutions seeking support may contact the Ministry or Higher Education Council through official channels. As Bahrain navigates heightened regional uncertainty with a calm, coordinated, and proactive approach, national institutions continue to operate seamlessly, guided by leadership that prioritises stability, safety, and the well-being of all.