17 Companies set sights on Saudi
TDT | Manama
Seventeen Bahraini companies are preparing to establish a formal presence in the Saudi market through the Overseas Expansion Program led by Tamkeen in partnership with Gulf-based platform AstroLabs.
Now entering its second phase, the initiative aims to support the regional growth of high-potential Bahraini enterprises. It reflects Tamkeen's 2025 strategy to enhance the role of Bahrainis in the private sector while promoting enterprise sustainability, digitisation, and workforce development.
AstroLabs Chief Strategy Officer Joe Kobrianos said the collaboration will provide the selected companies with a smooth entry into Saudi Arabia. 'From registration to market access, we're here to guide them,' he said, noting the readiness of Bahraini businesses to scale up.
Second Cohort
Among the newly selected firms are Creative Matter Advertisement, Fathom Media, and Gems Industrial Services, each bringing niche expertise in creative services, technology, and engineering. They are joined by Braxtone Group, an insurance solutions provider, and DOO, a startup using AI to enhance customer engagement.
Also in the cohort are Alfaa Graph, which designs architectural scale models, IT solutions provider Nexcel Computer Solutions, and mobile loyalty platform Loyale.
Many of these firms already operate in the Kingdom and are now formalising operations by setting up legal entities. AstroLabs is providing end-to-end expansion support, from compliance to market introduction.
First Batch
The first cohort saw ten companies make the leap, including packaging manufacturer Bahrain Pack, dietary service Right Calories, 3D manufacturing firm Xtrude, and City Glass, a producer of decorative and architectural glass.
Other members included Tanami Capital, Oreem, Boxon Vision, Cinqo Media, and Al-Anzour Physiotherapy and Rehab Complex. These firms helped prove the model's success, achieving early gains in Saudi Arabia.
Strategic Fit
The two cohorts now join more than 800 companies that have expanded into the Kingdom through AstroLabs. The company has assisted over 1,800 businesses in entering markets across the Gulf, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Tamkeen's Director of Workforce, Enterprise, and Startup Enablement, Marwa AlEskafi, said the results affirm Tamkeen's strategy. 'We are proud to see the impact of the first cohort and look forward to the growth of this new batch,' she said.
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