Latest news with #MahaMofeez
Daily Tribune
14-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Tamkeen, EDB launch Skills and Gender Parity Accelerator
The Bahrain Skills and Gender Parity Accelerator initiative – signed earlier this year at the World Economic Forum at Davos – held its kick-off meeting today with the World Economic Forum, public sector Co-chairs, and the appointed private sectors Co-Chairs. The Accelerator, coordinated by Skills Bahrain and led jointly by the Bahrain Economic Development Board, and the Labor Fund (Tamkeen) through its initiative Skills Bahrain which aims to equip Bahrainis with future-ready skills while advancing gender parity in economic participation. The meeting was attended by the public sector co-chairs - Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board and Her Excellency Maha Mofeez, Chief Executive of the Labour Fund, Tamkeen - along with the recently appointed private sector Co-Chairs: • Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Mumtalakat • Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chairman of Alba • Yaser Al Sharifi, Chairman of the Bahrain Association of Banks The meeting reviewed the Accelerator's strategic priorities and outlined key milestones. These include addressing critical skills gaps, enhancing gender parity, and strengthening Bahrain's competitiveness in high-growth sectors. The appointed private sector co-chairs will work closely alongside Tamkeen, Skills Bahrain and the Bahrain Economic Development Board to develop a national action plan that strengthens public-private collaboration at the heart of the Accelerator's mission. These industry leaders will help shape responsive future-oriented programs, including initiatives that expand opportunities for women across high-growth industries. 'As Bahrain remains committed to diversifying its economy and enhancing its global competitiveness, we take pride in our human capital, which remains one of our greatest strengths. While the Kingdom has made significant progress in STEM training and female empowerment, achieving gender parity remains a priority,' said Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board, adding, 'The Bahrain Skills & Gender Parity Accelerator will enable us to drive further progress by increasing female participation and future-proofing our workforce. Through a data-driven approach and strong public-private partnerships, we aim to build a more resilient economic future.' Maha Mofeez, Chief Executive of Labour Fund (Tamkeen) said: 'Bahrain remains steadfast in its investment in its human capital. Our focus is on creating tangible impact—empowering local talent, increasing opportunities for women, and ensuring our workforce is equipped for the demands of a dynamic global economy.' Skills Bahrain is an initiative by Tamkeen and works in alignment with Tamkeen's strategic priorities, which focuses on enhancing the competitiveness of Bahrainis in the private sector, fostering enterprise growth, promoting digitization and sustainability, and advancing labor market and private sector development. Saadia Zahidi, World Economic Forum Managing Director commented: 'Amid major technological and economic changes, Bahrain's Skills and Gender Parity Accelerator reflects the country's forward-looking vision and commitment to inclusive economic growth. This initiative builds on solid foundations to accelerate investment in human capital and expand opportunities for women to thrive across high-growth sectors. By equipping its population with the skills needed for the future of work, Bahrain is preparing for a rapidly evolving global economy. We are pleased to support this important step and look forward to enabling this initiative to serve as a powerful example in the region and beyond.' With the Accelerator now moving into its implementation phase, Bahrain is taking concrete steps to bridge skill gaps and promote gender parity across the workforce. This collaboration between government entities, private sector leaders, and international partners ensures a comprehensive approach that aligns with evolving market needs and future economic trends. The execution phase of the accelerator is expected to be completed by 2026.
Zawya
07-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: Al Salam Bank inks pact to aid startups and SMEs
Al Salam Bank has partnered with the Open Innovation Programme, an initiative supported by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and managed by Brinc MENA, to foster collaboration between established enterprises and Bahraini startups and SMEs. The programme aims to connect leading enterprises with innovative Bahraini startups and SMEs to develop cutting-edge solutions that address the enterprises' challenges and requirements, enhance operational efficiency, drive sustainability, and foster economic growth within the kingdom. Al Salam Bank's participation in the programme, the first bank to do so, underscores its commitment to fintech innovation and the development of Bahrain's financial sector. The agreement was signed by Tamkeen's chief executive Maha Mofeez, Al Salam Bank deputy chief executive for banking Anwar Murad, and Brinc managing director Husain Haji. Under the partnership, Al Salam Bank will collaborate with selected startups and SMEs, co-financing the development of proof-of-concepts (POCs) and pilot solutions tailored to the bank's strategic challenges and opportunities. This collaboration aligns with Tamkeen's 2025 strategic priorities, which focus on enhancing the competitiveness of Bahrainis in the private sector, supporting enterprise growth, and accelerating digital transformation across the kingdom. Ms Mofeez said, 'Al Salam Bank's participation in the programme is a testament to our shared vision of fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem in Bahrain. This initiative provides startups and SMEs with a unique platform to collaborate with leading enterprises, driving innovation and economic diversification in the kingdom.' Mr Murad added, 'Innovation is at the heart of Al Salam Bank's strategy. Through the programme, we aim to leverage the creativity and agility of Bahraini startups to enhance our digital banking capabilities, improve clients experiences, and optimise operational efficiency. By working together, we can shape the future of Bahrain's financial sector and create sustainable economic value.' A joint committee com prising representatives from Tamkeen, Brinc, and Al Salam Bank will oversee the selection and development of startup-led solutions to advance financial innovation. The programme will support the co-creation of new technologies that align with the evolving needs of the financial sector. Mr Haji said, 'By connecting corporations with agile startups/SMEs, we are fostering a dynamic ecosystem where AI-driven automation, financial security solutions, and personalised digital banking experiences can thrive. This collaboration will drive meaningful advancements in Bahrain's banking sector and enhance clients engagement through cutting-edge technology.' Bahrain-based startups and SMEs with innovative technology solutions are invited to apply via Selected participants will join a six-month accelerator programme, receiving tailored mentorship, funding, and the opportunity to pilot their solutions with Al Salam Bank. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
06-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: Tamkeen announces partnership with Coursera
Bahrain - The Labour Fund (Tamkeen) announced a partnership with global platform Coursera to provide virtual training opportunities in various high-demand fields for the Bahraini workforce. This initiative is part of Tamkeen's ongoing efforts to support the development of skills and high-quality training for Bahrainis, as well as enhance their competitiveness both locally and globally. Coursera has partnered with Etijah Coaching & Consulting as a local provider to manage the operations. This initiative will offer Bahraini professionals access to a wide range of training programmes and professional certifications available on the Coursera platform, which features more than 12,000 internationally accredited courses and projects. The initiative will also contribute to the professional development of Bahrainis, helping them refine their skills through interactive learning experiences that offer recognised certifications. In addition, the platform provides easy access to high-quality education and training, regardless of time and location, which facilitates the successful joining and completion of programmes by trainees. The programme will also offer a track for jobseekers which will offer guidance for them to build a tailored career pathway and plan that enables them to complete the training to get employment opportunities, taking into consideration the skills and specialties required in the labor market. Tamkeen chief executive Maha Mofeez underscored Tamkeen's commitment to offering quality programmes and initiatives aimed at enhancing training and professional development opportunities for Bahraini talent, in efforts to strengthen their competitiveness, making them the preferred choice for employment in the labour market. Ms Mofeez said that efforts are ongoing to strengthen partnerships with international training institutions, ensuring high-quality and flexible training opportunities for Bahraini citizens. She emphasised the goal of supplying the labour market with skilled national talent that meets private sector demands, enhancing productivity and sustainability in line with Tamkeen's strategic priorities. Kais Zribi, Coursera's general manager for the Middle East and Africa, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Tamkeen to equip Bahrainis with essential skills for the digital economy. He highlighted that the initiative provides flexible learning paths and career-focused credentials, ensuring Bahrain's workforce remains competitive in a rapidly changing job market influenced by AI and technological advancements.
Gulf Insider
09-02-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Tamkeen Funds BD800 Wages for Bahraini Doctors
Bahraini doctors in private hospitals are now guaranteed a minimum salary of BD800 a month under a wage support scheme, while private healthcare providers increasing their local workforce by at least a quarter will qualify for extra funding. The move, spearheaded by Tamkeen in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Health and the Ministry of Health, is part of a wider effort to strengthen Bahrain's medical workforce and reduce reliance on overseas staff. Tamkeen's chief executive, Maha Mofeez, responding to a parliamentary inquiry from MP Abdulla Nabi Salman, said the measures had been shaped by market realities. 'We've built these programs around real needs, ensuring Bahrainis in the healthcare sector are not just employed but positioned for long-term careers,' she said. 'It's about making sure medical professionals here have every reason to stay, train, and build their expertise.' A key part of the plan is financial backing for doctors seeking board certification, both in government hospitals and private clinics. SupportDepending on the specialization, support will be available for up to five years. The aim, according to Tamkeen, is to encourage more doctors to obtain their qualifications locally rather than looking abroad. Alongside this, doctors pursuing fellowships will be eligible for financial aid to gain the credentials needed to step up to consultant roles. Meanwhile, newly trained Bahraini nurses will receive help securing jobs, with further funding set aside for those specializing in surgical care, cardiology, nephrology, and emergency medicine. MessageFor private hospitals, the message is clear — hire more Bahraini doctors, and Tamkeen will help cover the costs. Institutions that increase their workforce of doctors and dentists by at least 25 percent will be entitled to extra funding, a measure designed to ensure local talent is not overlooked. 'It's not just about training,' Mofeez said. 'It's about changing the way the healthcare sector approaches recruitment. Bahrainis must be front and center in this profession.' MeasuresThe latest push builds on earlier measures rolled out in 2023, which saw newly hired doctors receive a guaranteed salary of at least BD800, while those already working in private hospitals had their wages lifted to an average of BD858. An education loan scheme was also introduced to help doctors fund their postgraduate studies. This new phase, developed with input from the Council for Health Studies and Specialties, represents a deliberate shift in Bahrain's workforce strategy. Healthcare careersTamkeen is now focused on deepening local expertise and ensuring healthcare careers in Bahrain are both competitive and sustainable. Mofeez said the organisation was ready to work closely with lawmakers to refine and expand these efforts. 'We're fully committed to strengthening this sector in ways that benefit the workforce and the country as a whole,' she said.
Daily Tribune
09-02-2025
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Tamkeen funds BD800 wages for Bahraini doctors
Bahraini doctors in private hospitals are now guaranteed a minimum salary of BD800 a month under a wage support scheme, while private healthcare providers increasing their local workforce by at least a quarter will qualify for extra funding. The move, spearheaded by Tamkeen in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Health and the Ministry of Health, is part of a wider effort to strengthen Bahrain's medical workforce and reduce reliance on overseas staff. Tamkeen's chief executive, Maha Mofeez, responding to a parliamentary inquiry from MP Abdulla Nabi Salman, said the measures had been shaped by market realities. 'We've built these programs around real needs, ensuring Bahrainis in the healthcare sector are not just employed but positioned for long-term careers,' she said. 'It's about making sure medical professionals here have every reason to stay, train, and build their expertise.' A key part of the plan is financial backing for doctors seeking board certification, both in government hospitals and private clinics. Support Depending on the specialization, support will be available for up to five years. The aim, according to Tamkeen, is to encourage more doctors to obtain their qualifications locally rather than looking abroad. Alongside this, doctors pursuing fellowships will be eligible for financial aid to gain the credentials needed to step up to consultant roles. Meanwhile, newly trained Bahraini nurses will receive help securing jobs, with further funding set aside for those specializing in surgical care, cardiology, nephrology, and emergency medicine. Message For private hospitals, the message is clear — hire more Bahraini doctors, and Tamkeen will help cover the costs. Institutions that increase their workforce of doctors and dentists by at least 25 percent will be entitled to extra funding, a measure designed to ensure local talent is not overlooked. 'It's not just about training,' Mofeez said. 'It's about changing the way the healthcare sector approaches recruitment. Bahrainis must be front and center in this profession.' Measures The latest push builds on earlier measures rolled out in 2023, which saw newly hired doctors receive a guaranteed salary of at least BD800, while those already working in private hospitals had their wages lifted to an average of BD858. An education loan scheme was also introduced to help doctors fund their postgraduate studies. This new phase, developed with input from the Council for Health Studies and Specialties, represents a deliberate shift in Bahrain's workforce strategy. Healthcare careers Tamkeen is now focused on deepening local expertise and ensuring healthcare careers in Bahrain are both competitive and sustainable. Mofeez said the organisation was ready to work closely with lawmakers to refine and expand these efforts. 'We're fully committed to strengthening this sector in ways that benefit the workforce and the country as a whole,' she said.
