Bahrain has been ranked among the leading startup ecosystems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026 (GSER 2026).
The report placed Bahrain among the top 5 MENA ecosystems in performance, which measures ecosystem size and output based on the cumulative value generated through startup funding and exits.
The Kingdom also ranked among the Top 10 MENA ecosystems in the AI-Native Cluster category, which assesses the scale and intensity of artificial intelligence-related startup activity.
In addition, Bahrain was placed among the Top 15 MENA ecosystems in the R&D Engine category, which evaluates innovation output through research and development activity.
Report overview and methodology
The findings are part of the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026, prepared by Startup Genome in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network, with support from Bahrain’s Labour Fund (Tamkeen).
The report evaluates global startup ecosystems based on parameters such as funding activity, innovation output, policy environment, and startup growth indicators.
Alya Al Aali, Deputy Chief Executive of Strategy and Insights at Bahrain’s Labour Fund (Tamkeen), said that Bahrain’s startup ecosystem is characterized by its flexibility, allowing entrepreneurs to develop and test business ideas within a structured environment.
Al Aali added that Tamkeen continues to implement initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurs, improving access to financing, and encouraging the adoption of emerging technologies.
These measures are intended to support business growth and improve competitiveness in the local and regional markets.
Samantha Evans, Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Startup Genome, emphasized that Bahrain has adopted a focused approach to ecosystem development by prioritizing sectors such as financial technology and related digital industries. The strategy is based on developing depth in selected sectors rather than focusing on broad expansion across multiple areas.
Evans noted that with support from Tamkeen, the ecosystem demonstrates the impact of targeted investment and defined sector positioning in improving startup performance outcomes.
The report highlighted several factors contributing to Bahrain’s startup ecosystem development. These include a connected business environment, relatively competitive operating costs, access to regional markets, and regulatory frameworks that support business activity.
It also noted ongoing cooperation between public and private sector entities aimed at supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
Startup Genome, the Global Entrepreneurship Network, and Tamkeen continue to collaborate on monitoring and assessing Bahrain’s startup ecosystem. The partnership also focuses on identifying development opportunities and tracking progress in key innovation areas.
Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026
The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026 provides an annual assessment of global innovation ecosystems. It examines trends in startup activity, investment flows, and policy developments across different regions.
The report also includes updated analysis of artificial intelligence-focused ecosystems, reflecting the growing role of AI in shaping startup competitiveness and innovation-led economic growth.
