Success Stories driven by Bahraini Talents
Data Analyst – BNET
Name
Malak Faisal
Position
Data Analyst – BNET
Malak Faisal, one of the General Assembly’s training program alumni, who had the opportunity to work as a data analyst at BNET immediately after graduating from the program.
We are proud of local talent who are continuously seeking to develop their competencies through our various training programs.
Founder – Mint Mail Box
Name
Kawthar Alsaffar
Position
Founder – Mint Mail Box
We are proud of the successful Bahraini businesses that emerged from the Mashroo3i program. Unique and innovative concepts have turned into reality after benefiting from the training and mentorship provided through this program and at the hands of experts.
Mint mail Box is one of these projects, which turn a personal experience into a successful business.
Sports helmet designer – Racing Force Group
Name
Heba Mahdi
Position
Sports helmet designer – Racing Force Group
We are proud of the excellence of Bahraini women’s talents in various fields, especially promising industries such as the creative and sports sectors, and we are keen to support their professional development. Learn more about the success story of Heba Mahdi, a sports helmet designer in the Racing Force group, the world’s leading manufacturer of motorsport products.
Direct Investment Analyst – Mumtalakat
Name
Mohammed Bader
Position
Direct Investment Analyst – Mumtalakat
- Mohammed began his professional career at a local research firm after graduating from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia in 2015.
- Mohammad aspired to work in the investment field after years of studies. He opted to earn a CFA in order to boost his chances of changing his career path.
- In 2022, he successfully transferred to another company’s investment department, and the CFA qualification aided in this shift.
- Recently, Mohammad joined the Direct Investment Department of Mumtalakat Holding Company.
“The knowledge and expertise I obtained through the CFA Professional Certification has increased my professional performance, allowing me to achieve higher results at work. I’ve learned how to deal with a wide range of issues in the finance and investment. Thanks to Tamkeen’s vital role in enabling the training of Bahrainis, I was able to change my career path.”
–Mohammed Bader
Information Security Officer – Khaleeji Bank
Name
Sara Khalaf
Position
Information Security Officer – Khaleeji Bank
- Sarah began her professional journey in cyber security as an analyst in 2020. She was responsible for threat-hunting incidents for over 50 organizations in the Middle East and North Africa region.
- She was eager to broaden her knowledge in the field of cybersecurity by getting numerous professional qualifications authorized by important international agencies such as ISACA, GIAC, and CompTIA.
- Sarah was able to advance in her career and land a better job opportunity after completing the Cyber-Reskilling Program approved by the SANS Global Institute wich is supported by Tamkeen, and open to all Bahrainis looking to enter the field.
“I wish to continue my journey of development and self-growth by investing in increasing my knowledge and also spreading awareness about the field of cybersecurity, thus leading this national initiative to enhance Bahrain’s cybersecurity status.”
–Sara Khalaf
Digital Marketing Specialist – Jahez Int. Company
Name
Hamed AlMahari
Position
Digital Marketing Specialist – Jahez Int. Company
- Hamed began his career as an accounting assistant in a media company, which was compatible with his specialization in the field of accounting.
- After years of working in the field, Hamed discovered a passion for marketing, which persuaded him to seek professional certificates in this field.
- With the assistance of Tamkeen, he was able to obtain a professional diploma in digital marketing from the Republic of Ireland, which immediately increased his chances of landing a high-value job in the marketing field.
- Hamed is still on a continuous path to develop his marketing through attending conferences and specialized workshops.
“I changed my career path and pursued a better opportunity after changing my specialization to digital marketing. Tamkeen directly contributed towards achieving this goal through its Individual Support Programs, which enabled me to apply for specialized training. I aspire to positively impact the community by employing my skills in digital marketing, which is a growing specialty within the creative sector.”
– Hamed AlMahari
Cloud Computing Engineer – Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Name
Abdullatif Rashdan
Position
Cloud Computing Engineer – Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Participated with his colleagues in the Huawei ICT competition and achieved second place regionally and third internationally.
- After graduation, he worked as an intern for 6 months in Amazon Web Services (AWS), which enabled him to receive a full-time offer withing the company
- With his insistence on developing his skills, Abdullatif was able to obtain 3 professional certificates accredited by AWS
“At Amazon Web Services (AWS), I’m proud to be part of the team working on the AWS Cloud Innovation Centers in Bahrain. This program is facilitated by Tamkeen’s support, which established two cloud innovation centers in Bahrain. The primary objective is to address critical challenges faced by the public sector while simultaneously fostering the development of cloud computing skills for Bahrainis. I’m happy to see more students gaining practical hands-on experience with AWS and turning their innovative ideas into reality through the Cloud Innovation Centers.”
– Abdullatif Rashdan
Founder – Qannati Objet d’Art
Name
Mahmood Qannati
Position
Founder – Qannati Objet d’Art
A Bahraini entrepreneur whose passion and creative endeavors drove him to start his own business “Qannati Objet d’Arts“, which specializes in designing luxury watches and jewelry in a modern way that reflects the ancient style of Mesopotamia. This distinction enabled him to display his designs at the International Fashion Week in Paris. Tamkeen provided support to “Qannati Objet d’Arts” through its Enterprise Support Programs to help expand their activities. This is in line with the recently announced creative industries support bundle which includes partnerships with a number of creative hubs, and the provision of multiple support tracks for creative enterprises as part of Tamkeen’s support programs.
The creativity of Bahraini entrepreneur Mahmood Qannati led him to establish his own company, “Qannati Objet d’Arts”, which specializes in the design of luxury watches and jewelry. Their creative watches were showcased as part of Paris Haute Couture Week in the presence of leading figures specialized in this field.
Yoga Practitioner – Insights Therapy
Name
Shaima Aseeri
Position
Yoga Practitioner – Insights Therapy
- After working for more than 15 years in a number of sectors, Shaima decided to focus more on her mental and emotional well being.
- She had passion in teaching and passing knowledge, so she studied yoga, enabling her to share her experience with those around her.
- Shaima received a professional certificate in yoga and now works as a practitioner at Insights Therapy.
“I discovered Yoga and fell in love with it, due to its positive and direct impact on both the psychological and mental health which affects one’s productivity and success. The Individuals Training Program supported by Tamkeen was a window through which I was able to practice my passion and share my knowledge. Since my life has changed to the better, I look forward to pursuing this field to uplift and inspire those around me.”
– Shaima Aseeri
Professional Services Consultant – Amazon Web Services “AWS”
Name
Maram Alsaegh
Position
Professional Services Consultant – Amazon Web Services “AWS”
- After graduating from the Management Information Systems major, Maram decided to invest her time by specializing in the field of Information Technology by obtaining a professional certificate that would enhance her technical skills.
- This contributed to her obtaining a job as a systems analyst in a well-established Bahraini company.
- With her perseverance, Maram was able to obtain five professional AWS certifications within two years.
- This contributed to her obtaining a job opportunity at AWS in Bahrain’s headquarters.
“The Individuals Training Program offered by Tamkeen eased my entry to the labor market through obtaining my first professional certificate in the field of Information Technology which facilitated securing my first job opportunity in my professional career. My passion did not stop at securing a job, yet I was in the lookout to climb up the career ladder which resulted in my current job that refined my skills and allowed me to gain great exposure and expertise.”
– Maram Alsaegh
Founder – Limefish Design
Name
Yonis Attiya
Position
Founder – Limefish Design
- Since its establishment in 2015, Limefish Design introduced a new concept in the branding and design industry by involving customers in all stages of the process, which includes: branding and marketing materials like designing advertisements, websites, applications and animation
- In a short period of time, they became a well-known design studio and grew their team from 2 to 10 Bahraini employees
- The company boasts a distinctive locally influenced style of design which is attributed to employing Bahraini talent, and has enabled them to gain the confidence of 60 clients and to successfully complete 150 projects annually
- The company received the gold award for best visual identity in the professional services sector
“Benefiting from Tamkeen’s support programs enabled us to recruit the Bahraini talent we are very proud of today. Our Bahraini employees drive our excellence by providing original and unique design services that are culturally relevant, one of our most unique selling points. We look forward to increasing the size of the team and growing to become a leading provider of creative solutions in the Kingdom”
– Yonis Attiya
Founder – Sentiments Jewellery
Name
Sahar Khunji & Marwa Khunji
Position
Founder – Sentiments Jewellery
- Driven by their passion for designing and acquiring jewelry, the sisters, Sahar and Marwa Khunji, channeled their creativity by establishing a company to sell locally designed jewelry, which is a combination of modern and contemporary jewelry designs to be worn every day
- Since its establishment in 2017, the company ensured reaching everyone by dedicating a website to display and purchase its products
- After actively participating in the Jewellery Arabia 2018, the sisters decided to establish their first store in Seef Mall, Bahrain in 2021
“Our brand achieved success within a short period of time due to our modern designs which were inspired by authentic Bahraini traditions geometry, fashion and latest trends. We seek to expand abroad to the GCC and global markets and showcase our products through cooperating with several well-known stores”
– Sahar Khunji & Marwa Khunji
Founder – ITACO BAHRAIN CO W.L.L
Name
Omar Baba Quiros
Position
Founder – ITACO BAHRAIN CO W.L.L
- ITACO Bahrain (International Travel Assistance Company) was established in 2008 to provide roadside assistance services in the GCC and Levant, assisting 24X7 through a call center
- Since ITACO started operations, they have serviced over 100,000 vehicles
- ITACO continues to develop its technology and will soon launch an app allowing customers to purchase roadside assistance products, request and follow up services, and connect with the service providers’ network
“By utilizing Tamkeen’s support programs, we will continue to digitalize our services which will facilitation our communication with customers, in addition to improving the speed of their access to the services. We are grateful for Tamkeen’s efforts to support organizations of all sizes which ensures their ability to grow and adapt to the any market changes”
– Omar Baba Quiros
Founder – Kalaam Telecom
Name
Nezar Al-Saie
Position
Founder – Kalaam Telecom
- Kalaam Telecom is a leading Bahraini company with regional offices, providing technical solutions for communication and digital transformation. It has over 30 years accumulated experience
- The company supports growth in the digital economy by strengthening the work mechanisms within all sectors and contributing to enhancing Bahrain’s position as a tech hub, through the establishment of 6 branches serving over 5,000 local and global companies
- The company completed 4 acquisition deals within 5 years, with a total value of $100 million to continue its expansion objectives
“There are a number of factors that contributed to our success, including our strategy serving enterprises in all sectors, as well as our enthusiasm to expand into the region. Most importantly, our professional experts strive to provide the best customer experience by adopting innovation and advanced technologies. These Bahraini employees obtained the skills needed through training and employment programs provided by Tamkeen”
– Nezar Al-Saie
Founder – Eazy Pay
Name
Nayef Al Alawi
Position
Founder – Eazy Pay
- Eazy Financial Services is the first Bahraini company licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain to provide fingerprint payment services
- With this achievement, it positioned Bahrain as a center for innovation in the region, and contributed to strengthening the financial services sector
- The company employees leading Bahraini talent, with a number promoted to leadership positions
- It provides its services to over 196 commercial companies, including large companies like Lulu Hypermarket, SADAD, Jasmi’s restaurants, and others.
“We are grateful for Tamkeen’s support, through which we were able to achieve sustainability and flexibility, which contributed to our achieving growth and increasing our commercial activities”
– Nayef Al Alawi
Founder – Unicorn Technology Center
Name
Majed Zubar
Position
Founder – Unicorn Technology Center
- Unicorn Technology Center provides ICT services, as well as sales & marketing services to clients inside and outside Bahrain
- The Center started small in 2005 as a shop selling ICT equipment and individuals Tamkeen through the Train Me program
- Through support from their Bahraini talent, they were able to rapidly to provide high-quality services for both individuals and corporates
- The employment rate of local talent in the Center has reached over 60% of the total employment
“We believe in the efficiency, professionalism, and specialization of Bahrainis in the workforce, and so we have prioritized their hiring within the Center, which gave us a competitive edge. We have an ambitious plan to increase the number of Bahraini employees in line with the Center’s expansion. Through Tamkeen’s support, we were able to train several Bahraini employees and support their wages, which contributed to reducing our operating cost, especially at the beginning of the launch”
– Majed Zubar
Founder – Doctori App
Name
Ahmed Mahmood
Position
Founder – Doctori App
- Doctori is the first online platform designed to facilitate communication between patients and health care providers in a timely manner, ensuring they receive the required treatment advice with ease
- Doctori App serves more than 30,000 users worldwide through 400 health providers
- The application was able to achieve great success through the employment of local Bahraini talents.
“The healthcare industry is a key sector experiencing continuous growth. Recently, we’ve seen a greater need for rapid communication with health care providers, and as such, the Doctori app was designed and launched. Tamkeen’s support contributed to activating our services, which ensures easy communication between patients and specialists, and we are aiming to become pioneers in this field on a national and regional scale”
– Ahmed Mahmood
Cyber Security Specialist – BEYON Cyber Company
Name
Isa Almannai
Position
Cyber Security Specialist – BEYON Cyber Company
- Isa Al-Mannai’s discovered his passion for cybersecurity which he developed further by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge Campus in the United Kingdom
- In 2020, Isa continued to develop his cyber skills by joining the SANS Global Training Online Program (GIAC) which was supported by Tamkeen through the Train Me program
- After successfully completing the training program, Isa was able to obtain a job as a cyber security specialist in BEYON Cyber company
“With the increasing reliance on digital solutions, it has become imperative to focus on protecting data security from cyber threats that may lead to heavy losses. Therefore, I plan to increase my experience in the field of cyber security to be able to protect the Kingdom’s security from such threats. I am hoping to participate in the comprehensive training program that was recently launched by Tamkeen in cooperation with the SANS Institute, so that I can develop even more advanced skills and boost my experience”
– Isa Almannai
Freelancer
Name
Fatima AlMazaal
Position
Freelancer
- Working as a medical laboratory technician at the beginning of her career did not prevent her from specializing in the field of information technology and computer, getting her degree in information technology and computing and 3 more professional certifications
- After years of working and gaining experience, Fatima decided to specialize in digital marketing by utilizing Professional Certification Support and getting digital marketing diploma
- As a result, Fatima now provides digital marketing consultation services in the medical sector for institutions in Bahrain and the neighboring GCC countries in addition to providing services for other sectors
“My passion for learning and achievement is limitless, my main motive is to develop myself and my community. Tamkeen support has had the greatest impact in my development journey, which enabled me to enhance my skills by gaining the necessary experience through individual support programs. I am seeking to establish my own company through which I will provide marketing services quality in health services””
– Fatima AlMazaal
Founder – Environment Arabia Consultancy Services W.L.L
Name
Halel Engineer
Position
Founder – Environment Arabia Consultancy Services W.L.L
Environment Arabia Consultancy Services was the first company in Bahrain to provide environmental consultancy services and the first company to be approved by Bahrain’s environmental authority; the Supreme Council for Environment.
• Environment Arabia is a national environmental consultancy company which has worked both in Bahrain as well as across the GCC and other parts of the Middle East since its inception in 2002.
• The company employs specialized local and international consultants in the field of environment.
• Environmental studies and assessments were provided to a wide range of government and private entities from various sectors, including Bapco, Tatweer Petroleum, and the Foulath Group of Companies, amongst many others.
“Since our establishment, Tamkeen has enabled our growth and development through its support programs, which allowed us to obtain the required ICT services. Tamkeen’s support also contributed to the development of our Bahraini talent so that they can upskill in this highly specialized space. Our ambition is to continue to expand and provide our services to customers outside Bahrain, for example through launching a branch in Saudi Arabia ”
– Halel Engineer
Business Development Manager – FOOSCO
Name
Faisal Engineer
Position
Business Development Manager – FOOSCO
FOOSCO was established in 1983 and specializes in catering, and manufacturing food and beverages.
• They started with providing healthy and light meals for school children, and later diversified production. They expanded their activities by opening 3 main branches, and have now reached over 15 countries.
• The company produces several well-known brands locally and globally, including “Megachips“, “XO Snack”, and “Nefeesh“.
“Over the years, we worked hard to achieve our goal of increasing our production to meet the needs of local and global markets, which prompted us to build a new manufacturing unit in the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) equipped with the latest automated equipment. Tamkeen’s support contributed to achieving these goals, which enabled us to expand, grow and export.”
– Faisal Engineer
Founder – Tuhr
Name
Ali Alkoofi
Position
Founder – Tuhr
Ali Alkoofi benefitted from Tamkeen’s training support to become an “Adobe Certified Professional”.
• The certification helped him launch his online store Tuhr to produce and sell his unique line of designed products, such as handmade accessories, and having expanded to the GCC within two years.
• With Tuhr’s unique line of products, Ali was able to reach over 10k customers and sell around 44k unique pieces.
“Although my first business venture shut down, it didn’t stop me from discovering my passion and developing my design skills with Tamkeen’s support. This enabled me to launch my new business concept Tuhr in 2020. Within two years only I was able to expand by exporting my products to GCC markets.”
– Ali Alkoofi
Apps Development Intermediate Programmer – Citi Technology Hub
Name
Bahaa Al Majed
Position
Apps Development Intermediate Programmer – Citi Technology Hub
Bahaa was passionate about technology since childhood, he studied Programming and Databases and graduated as the top of his class from Bahrain Polytechnic.
• He continued his education by getting certified in AWS and Microsoft Azure with Tamkeen’s support and that was the first step to kickstart his career working with several companies within the financial services and insurance sector.
• Bahaa currently works in the Citi Technology Hub which was launched in 2021 as part of a strategic partnership with Tamkeen and Bahrain EDB.
“Working as a Bahraini programmer at Citi’s Technology Hub gives me access to the latest cutting-edge technologies through working on global projects for Citi’s clients all over the world. This helps me build my experience and opens potential for further career growth. The professional certificates I obtained with Tamkeen’s support were a major contributor to my career journey and where I am today.”
– Bahaa Al Majed
Apps Development Senior Programmer Citi – Technology Hub
Name
Duaa Ebrahim
Position
Apps Development Senior Programmer Citi – Technology Hub
Duaa graduated with honors from the University of Bahrain where she received the best graduation project award, and pursued further training and certification opportunities supported by Tamkeen.
• Getting certified in AWS and Microsoft Azure with Tamkeen’s support and that was the first step to kickstart his career working with several companies within the financial services and insurance sector.
• Duaa currently works in the Citi Technology Hub which was launched in 2021 as part of a strategic partnership with Tamkeen and Bahrain EDB.
“I joined a Tamkeen program that was designed to support women in tech, and it gave me comprehensive knowledge about programming, helped me learn how to be a developer and get my career started on the right track. My continuous strive to learn and develop, and receiving the support to do so, helped me start my career and grow steadily to my current position in Citi’s Technology Hub”
– Duaa Ebrahim
CEO – iCabinet
Name
Ali Fakhar
Position
CEO – iCabinet
iCabinet, an industry leader in the design and production of wood and aluminum home furnishings.
After launching in 2014, the company:
• Benefited from Tamkeen’s support programs to expand their activities, including ensuring that their factory is fitted with the latest technology, two showrooms, and an updated aluminum production line.
• Served over 10,000 clients, including the Ministry of Housing, ALBA and Bahrain Defense Force Hospital, in addition to expanding by supporting customers internationally and exporting their products to neighboring GCC markets.
“We are focused on providing our customers with a unique experience through designing high quality products tailored to their needs and delivered within a competitive timeframe. To do this, and to ensure the highest levels of quality for our customers, we embraced digital transformation and fully automated our manufacturing process.”
– Ali Fakhar
Listing and Disclosure specialist – Bahrain Bourse
Name
Noora AlMahmeed
Position
Listing and Disclosure specialist – Bahrain Bourse
Noora Al Mahmeed benefited from Bahrain Bourse’s Capital Markets Apprenticeship Program – which was supported by Tamkeen and it helped her pursue her passion and career in capital markets.
This led her to:
-
- Discover her passion for the stock market and the capital market.
- A job opportunity to work in Bahrain Bourse as a Listing and Disclosure specialist.
“This training opened up new opportunities for me. I graduated from university in the field of capital markets and was keen on beginning to work in this space. Through the training, I was able to be hired in the job that I always dreamed of, and I am looking forward to growing even more in this field in the future.”
– Noora AlMahmeed
Founder and CEO – Malaeb
Name
Yasser Abdulaziz
Position
Founder and CEO – Malaeb
Our business targets two fast-growing sectors in the region which are technology and sports and utilizes technology to provide easy and convenient access to sports for everyone.
Our goal since the beginning was to design a platform that provides innovative solutions for the problems within our target sectors and has the ability to expand rapidly through technology.
Since launch we benefitted from Tamkeen’s support programs for employment and business development which helped us expand and hire the right team. We are looking forward to expanding further in new markets and creating an enhanced user experience for our customers.
Founder and CEO – Fatima Alansari Design
Name
Fatima Alansari
Position
Founder and CEO – Fatima Alansari Design
Our ability to design to utilize spaces in a functional and innovative way set us apart in the market and enabled us to create positive impact on all the projects we worked on, whether residential or commercial. This impact is felt not only by our clients but also by all users that visit and utilize these spaces. Our designs provide unique experiences that merge our local culture with modern touches.
We believe in the ability of Bahraini talent to lead and innovate and that’s why we always invested in training and upskilling our employees, empowering them with the skills they require to run their projects professionally and efficiently and supporting their success. Tamkeen’s support helped us provide a wide range of services to our clients and pave the way for our success, maintaining flexibility and adaptability in our work to overcome challenges.
We are aiming to become leaders in the industry, both in Bahrain and in the GCC. The potential for growth in this market is strong, and we look forward to seeing our company grow within it, ensuring that we maintain our professionalism and passion.
Executive Director – Chief Executive of Optica
Name
Mahmood Abbas Alhassan & Abdulmajeed Mohamed Alhasan
Position
Executive Director – Chief Executive of Optica
Optica is a leading provider of eyewear and eyecare solutions in Bahrain, which underwent a digital transformation.
“We were always pioneers of change in the market. My father opened Bahrain Optics in 1980 and was the first in Bahrain to bring international eyewear brands to the market. Since then, our company was at the forefront of the industry, leading change and bringing the latest trends in the optics world to Bahrain. In 2012 the company underwent a transformation initiative which introduced a new brand that was more current, to stay relevant to the market and serve our core business. It was the entrepreneurial spirit that we carried through the generation that helped our company through business disruptions during the pandemic. When business shut down, we put our heads together and found a way to transform and bring our products and services to the customers despite all circumstances. Our ability to adapt to change is among our core strengths, and we are confident that we will continue to set ourselves apart as pioneers in the market both locally and regionally.”
Managing Partner and Founder – ParkPoint Parking Solutions
Name
Omar Al-Khan
Position
Managing Partner and Founder – ParkPoint Parking Solutions
ParkPoint Parking Solutions includes three main divisions: Parking Services, Digital Parking Platform, and Service Automation Products.
“Our company relies heavily on technology and with Tamkeen’s programs we were able to obtain the necessary technical support to automate and digitalize our internal processes and the user experience in parking services. We benefitted from Tamkeen’s support, which provides entrepreneurs with the technical requirements that enable them to achieve digital transformation. Tamkeen’s support programs facilitate the work of enterprises and encourage the adoption of innovative practices and digital transformation thus helping businesses adapt to change and achieve sustainable growth.
I believe that great economies thrive on innovation and that Tamkeen contributes significantly to fostering innovation in Bahrain, by supporting enterprises through their transformation process to ensure their success and sustainability.”
Director of Academic Affairs – Bahrain Bayan School
Name
Shaikha Noora bint AbdulRahman Al Khalifa
Position
Director of Academic Affairs – Bahrain Bayan School
“I started my career as a Teacher’s Assistant in nursery and I haven’t stopped working hard and seeking opportunities since. I’ve taken every possible chance to grow and equip myself with the necessary qualifications and certificates. I focused a lot on self-development and managing my time between family and work responsibilities. I’m now the Director of Academic Affairs in one of the biggest private schools in Bahrain, all thanks to dedication.”
Founder – The Closets International
Name
Yasser Shuaib & Ali Al Haddad
Position
Founder – The Closets International
“Tamkeen’s continuous support provides Bahraini enterprises with great opportunities for development, growth and expansion across various sectors. With Tamkeen’s support we were able to equip our factories with the most advanced machinery and back them by experienced craftsmen, designers and artisans to support our wide range of products and services and ensure the highest measures of quality.
The Closets International is a leading regional manufacturer and provider of home furnishing solutions, with 2 large factories in Bahrain and 8 showrooms across the region. We have big plans for our future, we are working on strengthening our brand presence, building on our positioning as the one of the largest companies in Bahrain and the middle east. We are planning to expand our operations to export products and services to international markets, and we allocated large investments to increase our regional footprint.”
CEO – FACEKI
Name
Hamza Al Ghatam
Position
CEO – FACEKI
“Tamkeen was among our first customers! We are thankful for their unwavering belief and support for Bahraini startups. We launched FACEKI just 2 years ago serving clients in the Bahraini market with Tamkeen being our launch customer. And since then, with Tamkeen’s support for employment, marketing, accounting and equipment, we expanded rapidly and currently serve over 1000 clients across 98 countries worldwide. FACEKI is an AI-powered identity verification and user authentication platform that can verify users in less than 30 seconds, therefore increasing customer onboarding and decreasing abandonment which helps businesses significantly reduce their costs and increase their efficiency and profit. We were awarded “Most Innovative Tech Start Up in the Middle East 2021” and are very proud of this achievement and our fast growth! Being a fully automated, cloud-based and AI-powered business gives us huge growth potential. Sky is the limit for us, and we are currently working on major expansion plans to grow further and make FACEKI a global tech brand”
Deputy CEO – Sulwan Psychiatric Hospital
Name
Khadija Al-Sayed
Position
Deputy CEO – Sulwan Psychiatric Hospital
“We launched Sulwan in 2018 as a small psychiatric center offering mental healthcare services. Our goal was to make mental healthcare accessible to everyone and tackle the social stigma about seeking help for mental illnesses. We want the new generations to grow up in a society that accepts mental healthcare and to be able to get this type of care without shame should they require it. This is the reason we decided to launch a fully-fledged mental healthcare hospital. Sulwan is now one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in Bahrain with state-of-the art facilities and equipment, and a team of multiple consultants and specialists from various fields within the mental health sector. Tamkeen’s support helped us provide medical equipment that facilitated the launch of additional specialized units and enabled the hospital to cater to a large number of patients. This expansion was powered by Tamkeen’s support and our dedication and hard work, helping us become key contributors in improving mental healthcare in the Kingdom.”
CEO – Wires International
Name
Mohamed Al Aali
Position
CEO – Wires International
“Over the past 15 years, we have witnessed remarkable developments in Tamkeen’s support programs. I was among the first to benefit from these programs since the Labour Fund started operating in 2006. I can confirm from experience that Tamkeen’s support programs evolved to meet the enterprises’ needs in the private sector in the light of the new industrial revolution.
Through my work in the manufacturing sector, specifically in aluminum and plastics manufacturing, I was able to keep pace with the growth and transformation of processes required by this sector through Tamkeen’s support programs.
Tamkeen’s support also helped me expand my business and reach global markets by enhancing export activities which enabled the business to reach over 150 clients in more than 40 countries around the world.”
Deputy Manager of Audit & Advisory – KPMG Bahrain
Name
Hasan Aqeel
Position
Deputy Manager of Audit & Advisory – KPMG Bahrain
Hasan’s passion for auditing and accounting led him to leave a comfortable job to fulfill his career goals. He joined KPMG Bahrain as an executive and climbed through the ranks over the years.
“I was adamant on achieving my career goals and I didn’t stop at any closed doors. With Tamkeen’s support, I pursued professional certifications and training opportunities that powered my career growth, and with that I managed to advance my career within the organization and reach a Deputy Manager position in a short amount of time. Being in a leadership position gives you the opportunity to share your ideas, be creative and get involved at a more impactful level. Life is full of opportunities and being prepared with the right knowledge and experiences has helped me seize the opportunities I came across.”
Head of Brokerage – SICO
Name
Maryam Isa
Position
Head of Brokerage – SICO
Maryam Isa, Head of Brokerage at SICO commented, “My career was not served to me on a golden platter. I had to struggle hard and long for my education and profession and I encountered numerous challenges on the way. However, the biggest challenge I ever had to face was myself – how to maintain a balance between my studies, work, and family life. I’ve found that one of the key elements in personal development is finding your passion, and with the support of Tamkeen’s professional courses, I was able to utilize many opportunities to garner new skills and knowledge to further my career. It was an incredibly exciting time in my life that drove me to believe in myself and chase my dreams through dedicated effort and development. It is with the benefits of this factor in my life that I am now an integral part of SICO and its future progress.
Founder – All Food
Name
Mohamed Abdulaal
Position
Founder – All Food
“Today, we are proud to say that we own multiple distribution channels, and we have become direct suppliers to well-renowned restaurants and retail stores in the Kingdom. Furthermore, we have also started exporting our products to other GCC countries establishing our brand and presence in the MENA region. Tamkeen’s business development program provided the support we needed to expand our facilities with machinery and equipment, as well as the marketing push that helped us reach a wider audience. We look forward to our new journey and the vast opportunities that will arise for us.”
Business Development Manager – Al Daaysi Holding
Name
Ali Hasan
Position
Business Development Manager – Al Daaysi Holding
Ali started his career as a barista, but his dedication to growing and developing his career led him to secure an employment opportunity in a private hospital. After one year in his new job, he decided he was ready for more, and that was the beginning of his growth journey.
“When my employer declined my request to pursue my education, I knew I had to leave. I resigned and started searching for new opportunities putting education and development as a main priority in my search. I started working with Aldaaysi Holding as a Data Entry Operator in 2012 and with their support I managed to earn my degree with distinction. It wasn’t easy managing the ongoing demands of my job, my education, and my family, but I was able to excel. I have always been driven by challenges and I perform well under pressure, this drive fueled me through my journey.”
Ali’s unwavering belief in the power of dedication and hard work paved his way. After 10 years of diligence and commitment, he became a Business Development Manager in Aldaaysi Holding.
CEO – BRITE Bahrain
Name
Abdulrahman Al Mannai
Position
CEO – BRITE Bahrain
“BRITE Bahrain was established 40 years ago, and since then, we have solidified our presence as a leading laundry service in the Kingdom. Recently, we have digitally transformed to cater to market trends and the online consumer that is looking for a seamless experience.”
BRITE is now a platform that offers online ordering for home pickup, creating a simplified and smart laundry experience for all consumers.
Manager – Ahmed Sharif Furniture
Name
Ahmed Younis Sharif
Position
Manager – Ahmed Sharif Furniture
Ahmed Sharif Furniture is one of the leading home and office furniture manufacturers and sellers in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
“We expanded our business idea and set a new vision by transforming a small furniture workshop
into a large-scale factory, supported by Tamkeen’s business development program. This expansion enabled us to increase and enhance productivity and introduce newly developed methodologies and processes. Our successful expansion strategy has allowed us to meet the needs of the local markets, and venture into regional markets.”
Founder – Amal Almajed Jewelry
Name
Amal Al Majed
Position
Founder – Amal Almajed Jewelry
“I had an immense passion for jewelry design and wanted to turn that passion into a reality. I was given the opportunity to enroll for several professional training programs that made it possible to turn my inspirations into actual designs, and eventually, my own signature brand line. Gaining the key elements and proper type of training has allowed me to perfect the craft and gain the confidence that led me to this point. We are proud to have witnessed our transformation from an online shop to an actual store located in Seef Mall. I owe this achievement to our underlying commitment and dedication in being consistent with the quality of our products. This is the success factor of our brand and its presence in the market.”
Founder – Bloomings
Name
Fatima Rashid
Position
Founder – Bloomings
“Since we started Bloomings, we have faced several challenges head on, especially during a difficult time for many businesses. After assessing the situation and gaining a true understanding of the current market, we created a new plan. With a new online and digital strategy, we were able to simplify our outreach process. Through our seamless experience, we were able to expand our consumer base. Furthermore, we established several key partnerships with small and medium enterprises, which contributed towards the growth of Bloomings by increasing awareness of the brand, and expanding its customer base.”
Co-Founder and Managing Director – Bahrain Polyforms
Name
Sami Al Abbasi
Position
Co-Founder and Managing Director – Bahrain Polyforms
“We started and launched our business in 2017 with the aim of catering to the increasing local and regional demand for high quality caps, closures and PET preforms. We utilize state-of-the-art machinery and a newly developed compression molding manufacturing process to provide the best capping and bottling solutions to the Mineral Water and Juice Filling industry.”
Bahrain Polyforms focused on a regional expansion plan to export and venture into new markets while increasing their productivity utilizing machinery and equipment support from Tamkeen’s business development program.
Co-founder – Chantilly
Name
Khawla Alobaidly
Position
Co-founder – Chantilly
“We started with a simple café that had limited options, but this was just the beginning for us. We set our idea further in motion and studied the market to see how we can transform the business into something bigger. We gradually expanded our services with the help of Tamkeen. We established a patisserie alongside our café and launched our catering services for corporates, individuals and all kinds of events ensuring quality in every step of the process. We have gone through several experiences, allowing us to gain invaluable lessons along our journey. We stood out with what we were offering and managed to reach every household with our products. ”