Seventeen promising Bahraini companies are gearing up to establish a stronger foothold in the Saudi market, thanks to Tamkeen’s Overseas Expansion Program delivered in collaboration with AstroLabs, the region’s leading market entry partner.
This marks the second wave of participants to join the initiative, which was launched to fast-track the regional growth of high-potential Bahraini enterprises. The program aims to help these businesses capitalize on the booming opportunities in Saudi Arabia—an essential hub for regional scalability and long-term success.
The collaboration between Tamkeen (the Labour Fund) and AstroLabs is closely aligned with Tamkeen’s 2025 strategy, which focuses on strengthening the private sector, fostering workforce development, encouraging digitization, and promoting sustainable growth across the ecosystem.
Strategic support for market entry
Joe Kobrianos, Chief Strategy Officer at AstroLabs, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying:
“We are proud to support Bahraini businesses in scaling their operations and entering one of the region’s most dynamic markets. Tamkeen’s strategic support has empowered these companies to prepare for expansion, and we are here to guide them through every step—from registration to localization and growth execution.”
A commitment to entrepreneurial growth
Marwa AlEskafi, Director of Workforce, Enterprise, and Startup Enablement at Tamkeen, highlighted the broader vision:
“Our work with AstroLabs reflects our ongoing mission to empower Bahraini entrepreneurs. We’re equipping them with the right resources to unlock regional opportunities and grow sustainably. We’ve already seen the impact with the first group of businesses, and we look forward to what this next cohort will achieve.”
The expanding roster of innovators
The first cohort featured ten standout companies across diverse industries, including:
- United Paper Industries (Bahrain Pack) – Packaging solutions leader.
- Right Calories – Customized healthy meal plans.
- Xtrude – Advanced 3D manufacturing.
- City Glass – Decorative and architectural glass producer.
- Tanami Capital – Sharia-compliant investment solutions.
- Oreem – Logistics and transport services.
- Boxon Vision and Cinqo Media – Marketing and branding agencies.
- Al-Anzour Physiotherapy – Specialist rehab services.
The newly launched second cohort features an equally ambitious group, including:
- Creative Matter Advertisement – A branding and digital content agency with 10+ years of experience.
- Fathom Media – A marketing-tech hybrid agency serving regional brands.
- Gems Industrial Services – Engineering and maintenance services for energy sectors.
- Braxtone Group – Insurance specialists with regional expertise.
- DOO – AI-powered platform revolutionizing customer engagement.
- Alfaa Graph – 3D model experts for real estate development.
- Nexcel Computer Solutions – IT service provider with wide-ranging tech offerings.
- Loyale – A smart mobile loyalty platform for businesses and consumers.
Many of these companies already operate in Saudi Arabia and are now taking steps to formalize their presence through legal registration and operational upgrades. AstroLabs will provide full-spectrum support, including setup, compliance, and tailored business consulting.
Scaling Bahraini businesses across borders
Together, AstroLabs and Tamkeen are helping integrate Bahraini companies into a wider network of over 800 international businesses that have expanded into Saudi Arabia with AstroLabs’ assistance. The initiative is part of a broader push to accelerate innovation and sectoral growth in the Gulf.
So far, AstroLabs has helped more than 1,800 companies scale across the region by delivering customized programs, local market insights, and access to essential tools for successful market penetration—particularly into the high-growth economies of Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Tamkeen continues to roll out targeted initiatives that address market demands and support employment, entrepreneurship, and enterprise development in alignment with its national economic priorities.
