Dr. Al Qassim Affirms Strategic Role of Bahrain Bankers Union in Empowering National Talent

Biz Bahrain

20-05-2025

Dr. Waheed Al Qassim, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB), underscored the vital role of the Bahrain Bankers Trade Union in protecting the interests of Bahraini professionals in the banking and financial sector. The statement called for expanding this role through practical, future-oriented solutions that create a supportive environment for career development, innovation, and professional growth—an environment that encourages creativity, improves job satisfaction, and reduces employee turnover across the industry. These remarks were made during a meeting between Dr. Al Qassim and Mr. Haitham Rashdan, President of the Bahrain Bankers Trade Union, where they discussed the shifting dynamics of the banking landscape amid accelerating technological advancements. Dr. Al Qassim said, 'The banking sector is undergoing profound transformations, with several conventional roles gradually being phased out and replaced by emerging functions that demand proficiency in digital analysis, artificial intelligence, data science, and other advanced disciplines. In light of these developments, we call for intensified efforts to upskill and reskill the existing workforce to ensure they remain relevant and adaptable, thereby minimising the risk of job displacement due to technological disruption.' Dr. Al Qassim also addressed the ongoing wave of mergers among banking and financial institutions, which often result in the consolidation of departments and functions. Such structural changes inevitably lead to workforce reductions affecting both Bahraini and expatriate employees. He urged all stakeholders to approach these changes with strategic foresight and adaptability, calling for a collaborative framework between the Bahrain Association of Banks, the Bahrain Bankers Trade Union, and financial institutions to formulate effective strategies for managing this transition responsibly. The CEO of BAB further stressed the importance of adopting integrated solutions that involve all key players, including the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), which plays a pivotal role in empowering Bahraini talent and positioning them as preferred candidates in the job market. Dr. Al Qassim advocated for policies that enhance the competitiveness of Bahraini professionals by offering targeted training, institutional support, and employment incentives, while also encouraging private sector entities to invest in local human capital, amd noted that higher education institutions must be part of this ecosystem to ensure their academic output aligns with the rapidly evolving needs of the financial industry. As a proactive step, Dr. Waheed Al Qassim proposed launching a specialised programme in collaboration with Tamkeen to support employees impacted by restructuring or job loss. The initiative aims to help these individuals invest their experience and savings in establishing SMEs, with financial and technical support from Tamkeen. This approach encourages meaningful contributions to the national economy—whether through personal expertise or family talents—while creating value across key sectors, including banking and finance.
Dr. Al Qassim reiterated the importance of sustained investment in training and development programmes for graduates and young professionals in financial and banking disciplines, and advocated for the integration of emerging Bahraini talent into dynamic training ecosystems that reflect international best practices, ensuring that the local workforce remains competitive, agile, and aligned with the strategic objectives of Bahrain's financial sector.