MANAMA: The creator of a comic book of Islamic superheros called The 99, Dr Naif Al Mutawa will be one of the speakers at the GCC Future Entrepreneurs Conference.

The event opens at the Gulf Hotel on May 30.

"The GCC Future Entrepreneurs Forum will look to Dr Al Mutawa to inspire the new generation of entrepreneurs, to follow in his footsteps," said Bahrain Development Bank chief executive Nedhal Al Aujan.

"Dr Al Mutawa's success is proof that innovation and perserverance are rewarded .

"The GCC can boast many more talented young entrepreneurs who will be encouraged by Dr Mutawa's success to come forward and take the risk to become the GCC's future entrepreneurs," he added.

The 99 series aims to promote values such as co-operation and unity throughout the Islamic world. Although the series is not religious, it aims to communicate Islamic virtues which are universal in nature.

"Bahrain has always been a regional giant when it comes to policies that promote entrepreneurship," said Dr Al Mutawa.

"So the fact that Bahrain is the host of the first GCC Future Entrepreneurs Forum is a deserved respect for the work of the Bahrain in entrepreneurship development.

"I am proud to have a Bahraini entity as a large shareholder in The 99, a concept that promotes tolerance, pluralism and multiculturalism," he said.

"Speaking at the GCC Future Entrepreneurs Forum is a cherished invitation for me as it gives me the opportunity to mentor the development of the next generation of entrepreneurs in the GCC," he added.