BisB Partners with Al Bilad Media and BDSME's Society to Launch "Sustaining the Promising Sector" Initiative supporting Bahraini Entrepreneurs and SMEs

20-May-2026

Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) has announced the signing of a cooperation agreement with Al Bilad Media Network and the Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society (BDSME's Society). The partnership established a comprehensive national initiative under the theme "Sustaining the Promising Sector," designed to provide urgent support to Bahraini entrepreneurs and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within business incubators affected by recent events in the Kingdom. Additionally, the initiative aims to incentivize Bahraini entrepreneurs to launch new commercial ventures, join business incubators, and benefit from the dedicated support and facilities provided throughout the campaign.

This initiative represents an advanced model of integration and corporate social responsibility, bridging the banking sector, media institutions, and civil society organizations. Through this collaboration, the partner entities will combine efforts to provide flexible, Shari'a-compliant financing solutions and banking facilities delivered by BisB. These efforts will be backed by extensive media coverage and marketing campaigns across Al Bilad Media Network’s various platforms, while BDSME's Society will handle executive and administrative oversight to ensure support is directed efficiently and transparently to eligible beneficiaries.

Commenting on the strategic dimension of the initiative and the Bank’s pivotal role in supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Ms. Fatma Al Alawi, Chief Executive Officer of BisB, stated:

"Empowering the startup sector and business incubators is a core pillar of our sustainability strategy, as these incubators form the foundational nucleus for nurturing and developing innovative national talents that feed into the economy. At BisB, we recognize that supporting entrepreneurs and providing them with the necessary financial flexibility and solutions under various circumstances is a long-term strategic investment. This contributes to enhancing financial inclusion and developing the business environment. This initiative stands as a practical step confirming that our efforts directly align with the sustainability goals the Bank strives to achieve, ensuring the empowerment of Bahraini enterprises, building resilient national value chains, and naturally aligning with global trends and national visions aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable economic growth."

From her side, Ms. Dalal Al Arnaout, Chief Executive Officer of Al Bilad Media Network, remarked:

"This agreement reflects the depth of national partnership and social responsibility that unites us with the banking sector and civil society organizations. It stems from the vital need to join forces to maintain the stability and sustainability of affected companies. At Al Bilad, we are fully committed to leveraging all our editorial capabilities and digital and print platforms to back this qualitative initiative, thereby enhancing the resilience of the national economy in facing various challenges."

Mr. Ahmed Al Saloom, Chairman of the Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society (BDSME's Society), praised the importance of this joint cooperation, stating:

"This agreement comes within the framework of national and social responsibility aimed at supporting affected institutions and companies. The private sector has once again proven its ability to stand together and cooperate in facing the exceptional challenges and circumstances the Kingdom goes through. SMEs represent a fundamental pillar of the national economy and a major driver for growth and job creation. This necessitates providing them with the required support and assistance to sustain their business continuity and enhance their capacity to overcome the economic repercussions resulting from the blatant Iranian aggression that Bahrain was subjected to."

Through this collaboration, the partner entities look forward to presenting an exemplary model of active corporate citizenship, reaffirming their shared commitment to fostering a cohesive economic environment that drives the development march of the Kingdom of Bahrain and achieves sustainable prosperity.