05-05-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
UNIDO Launches Creative Orange Economy Year in Collaboration with RAK Art Foundation
Manama: The UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain has announced the launch of the Orange Economy Year, a national initiative celebrating the power of creativity as a driver of economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development, in collaboration with the RAK Art Foundation. The initiative was announced during a press conference at the RAK Art Foundation, reinforcing the Kingdom's commitment to fostering innovation, cultural leadership, and creative entrepreneurship globally.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Orange Economy, also known as the creative economy, encompasses art, culture, media, design, technology, and heritage industries. This sector is a catalyst for inclusive growth and economic diversification, contributing over $2 trillion to global GDP and supporting 50 million jobs worldwide. A central pillar of the initiative is the UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain Global Call 2025: Creative Orange Economy, a competition inviting entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators to submit creative and sustainable business ideas.
This competition is open to participants worldwide, encouraging diverse and inclusive participation across three main categories: Eco-friendly Production, Digital Innovation, Cultural Heritage, and a special category for school and university students to foster young talent. Applications are open until September 1, and selected participants will be recognised at an awarding ceremony in December. The initiative offers access to mentorship, exposure, and potential global partnerships.
The Orange Economy Year will also feature conferences, exhibitions, community engagement activities, and workshops focused on fostering innovation, preserving cultural heritage, and connecting Bahrain's creative talent with international markets. In collaboration with UNIDO, the RAK Art Foundation will play a central role by activating its educational arm, The Art Station, as a dynamic platform for creation, learning, and cross-cultural exchange.
Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Founder of the RAK Art Foundation, expressed support for the UNIDO in launching the Orange Economy Year. He emphasized the Foundation's mission to support local talent, promote cultural dialogue, and position creativity at the core of sustainable economic development. Through The Art Station, they aim to empower Bahrain's creative community by providing access to mentorship, international networks, and professional opportunities.
Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain, commented on the collaboration with Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, highlighting the transformative power of art. This collaboration underscores the significant role of creativity in fostering economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. By promoting cultural leadership and nurturing creative entrepreneurship, they aspire to position Bahrain as a global epicenter for the Orange Economy.
