Latest news with #ShaikhaMaram
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Tribune
NBB drives green push
TDT | Manama More than 200 trees were planted across two towns in Bahrain this month as the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) took hands-on climate action to mark World Environment Day. The initiative, part of the national 'Forever Green' campaign, saw neem and jatropha seedlings take root along Road 55 in Zallaq and Road 20 in Zayed Town on May 17th. The drive was held in collaboration with the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, and the Supreme Council for Environment. Sustainability push Marking the fourth phase of the nationwide campaign, the effort resulted in the planting of 206 seedlings over a 2,518 square metre stretch of urban terrain. Zallaq received 118 neem trees across 745 square metres, while Zayed Town saw 76 neem and 12 jatropha trees planted over 1,773 square metres. NBB Group CEO Usman Ahmed and the Bank's Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer Zaina Alzayani joined the official ceremony at the Zallaq site alongside Her Excellency Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of NIAD. They were accompanied by stakeholders from the agricultural and environmental sectors, as well as NBB employees who volunteered to support the initiative. Roots of change 'These actions stand as a model for effective public-private partnership in advancing national afforestation goals,' said H.E. Shaikha Maram. She emphasised that the campaign helps promote long-term sustainability in the Kingdom. Zaina Alzayani added that NBB's involvement reflects a long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility. 'It's a reminder that sustainability is built on consistency, accountability, and a shared vision for a healthier planet,' she said. The tree planting drive is part of NBB's broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda aimed at preserving Bahrain's natural landscape.
Al Bawaba
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
NBB Participates in Tree Planting Drive in Zallaq and Zayed Town
In commemoration of World Environment Day, the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) participated in a large-scale tree planting drive on 17th May 2025 across the Kingdom's Zallaq and Zayed Town localities. The activity was conducted under the 'Forever Green' campaign launched by the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) in cooperation with the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, and the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE). The project aims to support national ambitions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change impact while enhancing Bahrain's aesthetic appeal and honouring its agricultural the fourth phase of the nationwide campaign, the event was organised in collaboration with the NIAD where a total of 206 seedlings were planted over a combined area of 2,518 square metres across Road 55 in Zallaq (745 square metres) and Road 20 in Zayed Town (1,773 square metres). 118 neem seedlings were planted in the Zallaq location, while 76 neem and 12 jatropha seeds were planted along the Zayed Town spot. These seed varieties are well-suited for Bahrain's arid climate and can withstand harsh environmental activity was inaugurated with an official ceremony at the Zallaq site in the presence of Her Excellency Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of NIAD, Usman Ahmed, Group Chief Executive Officer of NBB, and Zaina Alzayani, Group Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer of NBB. They were joined by other stakeholders from the agricultural and environmental sectors as well as the Bank's employees who voluntarily took part in the exercise in support of a greener the occasion, Her Excellency Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of NIAD said, 'This ongoing collaboration with NBB stands as a model for effective public-private partnership in advancing the goals of this national afforestation campaign and promoting environmental sustainability in the Kingdom.'For her part, Zaina Alzayani, Group Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at NBB stated, 'Our involvement in this project reflects our long-standing belief that real change starts with deliberate action. We are proud to have made another contribution to the national sustainability objectives by helping increase Bahrain's green cover. Planting over 200 seeds across two important locations of the Kingdom is a meaningful way to translate our environmental pledges into tangible outcomes. It is a reminder that sustainability is built on consistency, accountability, and a shared vision for a healthier planet.' The tree planting drive forms part of NBB's wider Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts aimed at contributing positively to the preservation of Bahrain's natural landscapes. Through active engagement, the Bank continues to serve its role as a responsible corporate citizen working diligently to promote ecological consciousness across the Kingdom.
Daily Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Farming Tech Now Required
TDT | Manama The sixth edition of the King Hamad Award for Agricultural Development will introduce a major shift in eligibility criteria, with the use of agricultural technology now made mandatory for all participants. H.E. Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development, announced the changes as part of broader efforts to modernise the Kingdom's agricultural sector and ensure that the award remains aligned with global best practices. Updated criteria In previous editions, technology use gave participants an edge through bonus points. Starting this cycle, however, integration of agri-tech solutions is no longer optional. Agricultural technology adoption has been shown to increase productivity by over 20% in small-scale farms across the GCC, according to UN FAO research. These updates aim to make the award more rigorous and forward-focused. The move reflects a growing consensus that sustainability and productivity must be driven by innovation and smart farming tools. H.E. Shaikha Maram confirmed that evaluation criteria are being revised, and new judging panels are being set up to enhance standards and review past cycles. Support and inclusion H.E. Shaikha Maram reaffirmed the initiative's commitment to supporting all individuals and organisations working toward agricultural advancement. While transformation takes time, she encouraged widespread participation, noting that the award welcomes contributions from across the spectrum of the agricultural ecosystem. SMEs recognised H.E. Shaikha Maram also highlighted the increasing role of small and medium-sized agricultural companies in the Kingdom. These businesses, which now receive recognition under separate categories for production and agricultural services, are becoming vital to ensuring the sector's long-term sustainability. The changes are expected to raise the bar for excellence and broaden the award's impact on the Kingdom's food security and innovation landscape.
