Latest news with #GeneralAssemblyBahrain
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
BENEFIT partners with General Assembly to empower national tech talent
BENEFIT, the Kingdom's innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Assembly Bahrain, marking a strategic partnership to support the development of national talent and empower their capabilities within the tech sector. The signing ceremony took place at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF). The MoU outlines BENEFIT's access to the General Assembly's pool of trained professionals for recruitment purposes. With the ability to share job openings to facilitate candidate matching. The agreement further encompasses the implementation of specialized training programs, including a range of upskilling and reskilling options such as Career development, accelerators, part-time courses, and bootcamps in tech disciplines. Furthermore, the agreement includes cooperation in organizing joint events and meetings, participation in career fairs, and opportunities for representatives from both organizations to contribute as guest speakers at relevant events. It also highlights plans for UX Design Capstone Collaborations, as well as joint efforts in the areas of marketing. Commenting on the occasion, Reyadh Almearaj, Chief Information Officer -BENEFIT stated: 'We are pleased to formalize this partnership with General Assembly, as it supports our commitment to developing human capital, which is essential to institutional growth and excellence. This collaboration aims to strengthen the link between training and employment in the tech sector, and we were keen to pursue this cooperation to equip our technical teams with advanced skills and expertise.' Mr. Almearaj further added: 'This collaboration allows us to leverage General Assembly's well-established training programs and technical expertise, while creating meaningful job opportunities and practical learning experiences within a modern, innovation-driven environment. We remain firmly committed to nurturing national talent and look forward to introducing further initiatives that support skills development in one of the most vital sectors shaping the future.' Ms. Ahlam Oun, Director of General Assembly, stated: 'We are proud to sign this MoU with a distinguished institution like BENEFIT. This partnership represents a tangible model for aligning training with employment by providing trainees with the opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world professional environment. It also paves the way for joint efforts to enhance the technical capabilities of BENEFIT's workforce, ensuring they remain equipped with the latest knowledge and tools required to support the company's digital transformation and sustained growth.' Aisha Buhiji Administrator, PR & Corporate Communication ayshab@ The Benefit Company B.S.C (C) P.O Box 2546, Seef District, Kingdom of Bahrain
Gulf Insider
30-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
General Assembly's Ahlam Oun on Powering Human Potential
Ahlam Oun, Director and Global Leader at General Assembly Middle East, tells us how the institute is reshaping education, championing local talent, and preparing the workforce for a rapidly evolving tech future. From co-creating curricula with leading companies to building confident hires, this interview dives into the heart of an upskilling revolution in Bahrain. Now in its third edition, Business Leaders in the Middle East brings together sharp insights from across the region. These aren't mere interviews; they're windows into how leadership is evolving in a world shaped by rapid digital transformation. Technology touches nearly every industry now, and these leaders show us how to navigate change with purpose. When we launched General Assembly Bahrain, the mission was never to replace traditional education – it was to complement it. We work alongside universities and institutions to build on strong academic foundations, bridging the gap between formal education and the rapidly evolving needs of today's job market. Our focus is twofold: elevating technical skills in high-demand fields like tech, data, and design, and evoking internal transformation through structured career coaching. Thriving in today's world isn't just about mastering tools- it's about building confidence, clarity, and the mindset to lead. That's why our commitment goes beyond the classroom. We extend outcomes and career support for up to nine months after graduation, understanding that navigating the job market and venturing into the future takes more than just skills – it takes mentorship, direction, and a community that walks with you. At the heart of it all is our belief in the power of Bahraini talent – to become the confident, capable, and preferred choice for employers both locally and across the region, all while advancing Bahrain's broader vision of a future-ready, diversified economy. 2025 marks our third year in Bahrain, and what a journey it's been. In just the past two years, we've trained and graduated over 1,500 learners through our full-time, part-time, and accelerator programmes in UX Design, Software Engineering, Data Analytics, and Career Development. Behind every number is a story of resilience, ambition, and transformation. We've built strong partnerships with universities, banks, institutions, and employers who share our belief in the power of up skilling. From launching employer-sponsored accelerators to hosting four major tech career fairs, we've actively connected our talent with real-world opportunities. Over 80% of our graduates have been enabled in roles across full-time jobs (70% of them), part-time positions, internships, and one-year training programmes. What we're especially proud of: 35% of them came from non-tech backgrounds and successfully shifted careers through our bootcamps, proving what's possible with the right support. Through workshops, speaker sessions, and industry collaborations, we continue to embed ourselves deeply in Bahrain's tech ecosystem. And this is still just the beginning. One of the most challenging yet defining moments for us has been navigating the space between talent and industry – catering to both, while elevating expectations on both sides. We've always operated as double agents, speaking two very different languages. One is the language of dreams: individuals, often from non-tech backgrounds, looking to break into a field they never thought other is the language of needs: organisations, local and global, seeking top-tier tech talent that delivers from day one. Speaking both languages, was never simple. Despite the challenge, it led to some of our proudest breakthroughs. We've seen companies take a chance on potential, not just pedigree. We've witnessed Bahrainis rise – some with completely different experiences than what they aspired to – proving that grit, determination, and the right training can bridge even the widest experience gap. What felt like a difficult balancing act at first has become our edge – and our purpose. Resistance is just another form of feedback – it's information. We don't push change for the sake of it; we take the time to explain why it's needed, and we make space to listen. Most of the time, resistance isn't about the change itself – it's about how it's introduced, or fears around what it might mean. That's why, when we set out to revamp our Java training and elevate tech talent in that space, we didn't do it in isolation. We went straight to the source – top-tier companies – and asked them exactly what they were looking for. Then we brought them in to co-create the curriculum with us, making sure it wasn't just aligned with market demand, but directly shaped by it. Change only works when people can see themselves in the outcome. More often than not, what starts as resistance turns into alignment because people don't resist progress, they resist not being part of it. At General Assembly Bahrain, we don't just build talent, we build belief and pipelines for the future. We understand where the market is heading, how economies are shifting, and what industries need, not just today, but tomorrow. That's why we've become a trusted pillar for governments, international institutions, and companies looking to future-proof their workforce with real, ready, and resilient tech talent. We see people beyond their CVs, beyond their current roles or past experiences. We see what they'recapable of becoming. That belief is embedded in everything we don't just train, we co-create with employers, we coach with intention, and we stay in it with our graduates long after they complete the programme. We've made outcomes- not enrolments – our measure of success. We've bridged the gap between ambition and industry and turned career shifters into confident hires. It's not transactional. It's not surface-level. It's deep, personal, and transforming the region's tech workforce – one life, one role, and one future at a time AI isn't on its way – it's already here and it's reshaping how we think, work, lead, and grow. That's why we built General Assembly's AI for All Academy- a first-of-its-kind offering in the region designed to close the AI skills gap and prepare every role, at every level, to thrive in an AI-powered world. We didn't build a one-size-fits-all programme; we built an entire ecosystem. One that speaks the language of leaders making strategic decisions, data teams building infrastructure, and business professionals driving daily operations. Our programmes are role-specific, expert-led, hands-on, and customisable, with real use cases tied to your industry and half-day sessions to deep-dive accelerators, we take teams from AI-enabled, to AI-augmented, to AI- superpowered and we do it in a way that delivers true Return on isn't about tech for tech's sake. It's about preparing your people, transforming your business, and staying competitive in a world that's moving fast. Governments and global companies have already trusted us to up skill their teams One of the most notable shifts we've seen is that learners are no longer just coming to us for skills – they're seeking clarity, direction, and a sense of reinvention. Today's talent is highly intentional. They want programmes that align with their pace, lifestyle, and aspirations – whether that's through flexible formats, micro-certifications, or hands-on, real-world projects. What's been most striking, though, is the growing importance of belonging. When learners feel genuinely seen, supported, and part of a community, the transformation goes far beyond technical skills – it becomes personal, lasting, and deeply impactful More Insights
Biz Bahrain
29-07-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
General Assembly Bahrain Expands Tech Offerings with Data Science in Bahrain In Partnership with Tamkeen
General Assembly Bahrain has announced the launch of a comprehensive Data Science program offered through three flexible learning paths, designed to accommodate learning needs at various career stages. Offered in partnership with the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), the program equips learners with the practical tools, hands-on experience, and career support required to succeed in today's data-driven workforce. Tamkeen's support for this program aligns with its 2025 strategic priorities, which aim to enhance the competitiveness of Bahraini nationals in the private sector, equip them with the right skills for career advancement, and prioritize the growth, digital transformation, and sustainability of enterprises. The program covers key skills including statistical modeling, Python programming, data visualization, machine learning, and natural language processing (NLP). Delivered through real-world projects and case studies, the program equips learners with critical analytical and decision-making capabilities essential for today's most in-demand data-driven roles across industries. It is offered in three flexible formats: Full-time, Part-time, and Career Development. 'As Bahrain advances its tech transformation, the growing demand for skilled data professionals presents a critical yet promising opportunity to develop local talent,' said Ahlam Oun, Director of General Assembly Bahrain. 'Our new Data Science Bootcamp, supported by Tamkeen, meets this need by offering flexible, career-compatible training that empowers individuals to upskill without pausing their careers. More than just a course, it's a strategic step toward shaping Bahrain's digital future through hands-on learning in AI, machine learning, and data analytics.' Commenting on the upcoming Data Career Development Program, she added, 'This program delivers targeted upskilling solutions for organizations and their employees, creating a complete pipeline for Bahrain's data talent needs while allowing participants to learn while working.' 'Data Science and Machine Learning is one of the most promising fields for today's youth, and programs like this play a crucial role in supporting fresh talent as well as early-career professionals deepen their skills and advance into more specialized roles,' said Marwa Al Eskafi, Director of Talent, Enterprise, and Entrepreneurship Enablement, Tamkeen. 'By taking part, Bahraini youth are positioning themselves as employees of choice – ensuring their own growth and the nation's competitiveness.' Tamkeen's Sector Skills Reports, launched by Skills Bahrain, highlight a growing demand for talent in data analytics, machine learning, and digital tools across multiple industries. In finance, banks are automating services to support the country's cashless, digital transformation. However, the rapid pace of digital transformation in FinTech has outstripped the current workforce's skills – especially in analytics and machine learning – highlighting the need for skill development in these areas. In telecommunications, the sector report identifies data analytics and machine learning as essential for future growth, while in the public sector, government initiatives are using machine learning and analytics to improve services, including airport operations, environmental monitoring and beyond. Logistics companies are also leveraging data science and machine learning to boost efficiency and stay competitive. Similar skill gaps also exist in Bahrain's healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and energy sectors, reflecting the growing need to equip national talent in these fields. All three formats – Full-Time, Part-Time, and Career Development – feature hands-on projects, career coaching, and access to Bahrain's leading instructors and employer networks. Interested individuals can learn more or apply at
Mid East Info
28-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
General Assembly Bahrain Expands Tech Offerings with Data Science in Bahrain In Partnership with Tamkeen - Middle East Business News and Information
General Assembly Bahrain has announced the launch of a comprehensive Data Science program offered through three flexible learning paths, designed toaccommodate learning needs at various career stages. Offered in partnership with the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), the program equips learners with the practical tools, hands-on experience,and career support required to succeed in today's data-driven workforce. Tamkeen's support for this program aligns with its 2025 strategic priorities, which aim to enhance the competitiveness of Bahraini nationals in the private sector, equip them with the right skills for career advancement, and prioritize the growth, digital transformation, and sustainability of enterprises. The program covers key skills including statistical modeling, Python programming, data visualization, machine learning, and natural language processing (NLP). Delivered through real- world projects and case studies, the program equips learners with critical analytical and decision-making capabilities essential for today's most in-demand data-driven roles across industries. It is offered in three flexible formats: Full-time, Part-time, and Career Development. 'As Bahrain advances its tech transformation, the growing demand for skilled data professionals presents a critical yet promising opportunity to develop local talent," said Ahlam Oun, Director of General Assembly Bahrain. "Our new Data Science Bootcamp, supported by Tamkeen, meets this need by offering flexible, career-compatible training that empowers individuals to upskill without pausing their careers. More than just a course, it's a strategic step toward shaping Bahrain's digital future through hands-on learning in AI, machine learning, and data analytics.' Commenting on the upcoming Data Career Development Program, she added, 'This program delivers targeted upskilling solutions for organizations and their employees, creating a complete pipeline for Bahrain's data talent needs while allowing participants to learn while working.' 'Data Science and Machine Learning is one of the most promising fields for today's youth, and programs like this play a crucial role in supporting fresh talent as well as early-career professionals deepen their skills and advance into more specialized roles,' said Marwa Al Eskafi, Director of Talent, Enterprise, and Entrepreneurship Enablement, Tamkeen. 'By taking part, Bahraini youth are positioning themselves as employees of choice – ensuring their own growth and the nation's competitiveness.' Tamkeen's Sector Skills Reports, launched by Skills Bahrain, highlight a growing demand for talent in data analytics, machine learning, and digital tools across multiple industries. In finance, banks are automating services to support the country's cashless, digital transformation. However, the rapid pace of digital transformation in FinTech has outstripped the current workforce's skills – especially in analytics and machine learning – highlighting the need for skill development in these areas. In telecommunications, the sector report identifies data analytics and machine learning as essential for future growth, while in the public sector, government initiatives are using machine learning and analytics to improve services, including airport operations, environmental monitoring, and beyond. Logistics companies are also leveraging data science and machine learning to boost efficiency and stay competitive. Similar skill gaps also exist in Bahrain's healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and energy sectors, reflecting the growing need to equip national talent in these fields. All three formats – Full-Time, Part-Time, and Career Development – feature hands-on projects, career coaching, and access to Bahrain's leading instructors and employer networks. Interested individuals can learn more or apply at -END- About General Assembly: General Assembly Bahrain plays a crucial role in enhancing the tech skills of Bahrainis. Offering courses in software engineering, UX design, and data analytics, General Assembly Bahrain aligns its curriculum with market trends. Notably, General Assembly Bahrain has achieved a significant positive outcomes rate for its graduates, including employment, freelancing and entrepreneurial opportunities, underscoring its commitment to bridging the digital skills gap in the Kingdom.
Mid East Info
21-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
General Assembly Bahrain Wins PowerList 2025 Award for Excellence in Skill Development - Middle East Business News and Information
General Assembly Bahrain proudly announces its recognition with the prestigious Excellence in Skill Development award at the 2025 PowerList Awards. The ceremony, held on June 30 under the patronage of H.E. Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council of Bahrain, celebrated exceptional leadership and impact across sectors in the Middle East. The Excellence in Skill Development award honors organizations whose upskilling efforts contribute to wider social inclusion, economic empowerment, and sustainable workforce growth. General Assembly was lauded for its measurable impact on Bahrain's workforce readiness and long-term competitiveness. Since launching in July 2022, GA has trained over 1,500 Bahrainis – achieving an impressive ~93% graduation rate and ~80% positive career outcomes, enabled by strong employer partnerships and integrated career support services. These results are driven by GA's learner-first approach and continuous program innovation. In 2024, this commitment took shape through the introduction of new training formats – part-time bootcamps and career development tracks in Python, Java, and Data Science – designed to serve learners at every stage, from students and job seekers to career changers and working professionals. With a curriculum spanning UX design, data analytics, and emerging tech like AI, GA ensures its graduates are equipped for today's evolving job market. Ahlam Oun, Director of General Assembly Bahrain, commented on the achievement: 'This award affirms General Assembly's role as a national engine for digital transformation. We're building Bahrain's tech talent infrastructure through new program formats and strategic partnerships that close the digital skills gap and drive Vision 2030 forward. This is a proud milestone, and we remain committed to building a future- ready workforce.' General Assembly remains committed to upskilling Bahrain's youth, positioning them as employees of choice. Whether you're launching a career in tech or looking to move to the next About General Assembly: General Assembly Bahrain, plays a crucial role in enhancing the tech skills of Bahrainis. Offering courses like software engineering, UX design, and data analytics, it aligns its curriculum with market trends. Notably, General Assembly Bahrain has achieved a significant positive outcome rate for its graduates, including employment, freelancing and entrepreneurial opportunities, underscoring its commitment to bridging the digital skills gap in the Kingdom.
