A timely initiative
The partnership between Swiss expertise and Gulf innovation is 'the region's first hands-on horology programme', Qannati Objet d'Art said in a statement.
Hosted within Bahrain Polytechnic's campus, Qannati Lab is the first hands-on watchmaking education and production facility in the Gulf.
The residency by Pierre, who is renowned for his work as a certified trainer at the Fondation Haute Horlogerie and instructor at WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Programme), offered Bahraini students the opportunity to learn under Swiss-level mastery in movement assembly, polishing, and fine finishing.
'We are honoured to host a figure of Pierre's standing,' Qannati Objet d'Art founder Mahmood Qannati, who established the brand seven years ago, said ahead of the programme.
'His residency symbolises a new era for horological education in the region. This partnership brings global craftsmanship to local talent and reinforces our ambition to position the GCC as a future hub for high-end watchmaking,' he added.
Founded in Geneva, Fondation Haute Horlogerie is the global reference in fine watchmaking. Its mission is to safeguard and promote the art, history, and values of haute horlogerie through education, certification, and expert training worldwide.
Qannati Objet d'Art creates bespoke wearable art inspired by Mesopotamian heritage and modern craftsmanship. Its educational arm, Qannati Lab, pioneers horology training in the GCC, with a long-term vision to establish the region as a centre for high-end watchmaking.
Bahrain Polytechnic has played a critical role in enabling Qannati Lab's success, providing space, academic infrastructure, and cross-disciplinary collaboration with engineering, business, and design departments.
The Polytechnic sees this as a step towards contributing to Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, supporting creative industries as a driver of non-oil growth and regional innovation.
'At Bahrain Polytechnic, our mandate is to prepare a new generation of creative, technically skilled graduates who can contribute to Bahrain's economic transformation. This collaboration reflects our commitment to aligning education with future-focused industries – luxury design and watchmaking included,' Bahrain Polytechnic chief executive professor Ciarán Ó Catháin noted.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Youth City 2030 celebrates International Youth Day
Youth City 2030 celebrated International Youth Day, held under the theme 'Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond', in the presence of His Excellency Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, H.E. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), and several officials. H.E. Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, expressed pride in the contributions of Bahraini youth, which reflect their awareness, ambition, and creativity. She noted that the celebration embodies appreciation for their determination and innovation, and confidence in their role in building the Kingdom's future. Commitment The event underscored Bahrain's commitment to empowering youth and fostering their leadership across sectors to advance sustainable development. Activities showcased talents and innovations, including the launch of the first Young Farmers' Market in Bahrain, organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), to support local agricultural production and promote food security. Other initiatives featured the 'From Farm to Table' tasting experience, sustainability projects such as 'My Clean Plate' and 'Zero Waste & Plastic Cure.' The event also featured presentations of Injaz Bahrain projects and announced the winning companies of the 2025 Young Entrepreneurs Competition.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Northern Governorate marks International Youth Day
Northern Governor Hassan Abdullah Mohammed Al Madani extended his congratulations to Bahraini youth on International Youth Day, praising their contributions to national progress and highlighting their key role in driving sustainable development. The Governor said the celebration reflects Bahrain's commitment to empowering young people and nurturing their talents, in line with the vision of the country's leadership. He also emphasized the Northern Governorate's ongoing efforts to encourage innovation and support initiatives that help shape the nation's future. The governorate marked the occasion with a ceremony attended by Deputy Northern Governor Brigadier Abdullah Ali Rashid Maanter and several senior officials. During the event, young employees were honored for completing an IT training course organized as part of the governorate's strategic plan. The initiative aims to advance digital transformation, improve workforce efficiency, and contribute to Bahrain's sustainable development goals.
Biz Bahrain
3 days ago
- Biz Bahrain
BIBF launches new professional certificate in Principles of Payments (CertPay)
The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) announced the launch of a new Certificate in Principles of Payments (CertPay), a globally accredited qualification awarded by the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF). This strategic initiative aims to prepare national talent for the fast-evolving payments sector and further strengthen Bahrain's position as a leading regional hub for financial services and FinTech innovation. The programme is designed for professionals working in banking, payment solution providers, regulatory and compliance roles, corporate treasury and finance, as well as individuals seeking to specialise in the payments industry. The programme provides comprehensive insights into payment infrastructures, regulatory frameworks, risk management, and emerging innovations such as digital wallets and blockchain technology. Bassam Kazerooni, Acting Head of the Banking and Finance Centre at BIBF, explained that the payments sector is experiencing a global transformation due to digital technologies and increasing demand for faster, more secure services. He said the programme is designed to provide Bahraini professionals with top-level knowledge and practical skills, which will enhance the financial sector's competitiveness and support the Kingdom's goal of leading in digital economic development. Kazerooni further explained that the programme has been developed in line with international best practices and includes an online examination that awards participants with a globally recognised professional certification – opening new opportunities in both local and regional job markets. This new offering marks a valuable addition to BIBF's portfolio of internationally recognised professional qualifications, designed to meet the needs of financial sector professionals across the Kingdom and the wider region, empowering them to keep pace with the rapid evolution of financial services and technology. The first intake of the programme is scheduled to begin in September 2025, delivered in a flexible hybrid format that combines in-person and online learning. For more information, please visit the programme webpage. BNA(R)
