05-07-2025
Tamkeen Support Tops BD2.4 Billion Since 2006
Tamkeen has poured BD2.4 billion into Bahrain's economy since its launch in 2006. The funding has reached some 190,000 citizens and 82,000 private firms, according to new figures.
The Labour Fund said the support was directed towards job creation, skills training, and helping businesses grow. Around BD849 million went into subsidised financing for more than 22,000 enterprises. A further BD612 million backed training and employment schemes, generating over 265,000 opportunities across nearly 19,000 organisations.
Targeted support pro - grammes provided an additional BD338 million to more than 19,000 businesses. Tamkeen also spent BD64 million through its business continuity programs, which covered 22,000 firms and supported the wages of around 1,600 Bahraini employees.
360 partnerships
Over 360 partnerships have been formed since 2006. Around 260 were aimed at individual development and training, while more than 100 focused on business growth. These partnerships accounted for a total of BD260 million. Unemployment insurance payments to private sector firms reached BD313 million.
Tamkeen began with the foundation phase between 2007 and 2009. That was followed by a period of expansion until 2014, then a push to build partnerships between 2015 and 2017. Internal restructuring marked the years from 2018 to 2020. Since 2021, the focus has been on increasing productivity and economic return.
The National Employment Programme is the main instrument currently in use. It offers scaled wage support for employers who hire Bahrainis. One model covers 70 per cent of wages in the first year, 50 per cent in the second, and 30 per cent in the third.
A range of training options is also available, including apprenticeships, workplace training, and schemes tied to employment outcomes. Other programmes support career progression. These include salary support, professional qualifications, international placements, and in-house training. Firms are encouraged to place Bahrainis in senior and specialist roles.
Support for entrepreneurs includes grants that can cover up to half the cost of launching or expanding a business. This includes funding for equipment and help with entering overseas markets. Financing is available on Sharia terms, with partial profit subsidies and repayment plans lasting up to seven years.
Dedicated initiatives are also in place for Bahraini women leading small and mid-sized businesses. The Global Ready Entrepreneur Programme offers international experience. The Jobs+ scheme links jobseekers to vacancies in the private sector and helps companies recruit Bahraini talent.
