Latest news with #NoorbintAliAlkhulaif
Biz Bahrain
4 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Citi Bahrain Expands its Global Technology Hub in Manama
Citibank, N.A., Bahrain Branch (Citi Bahrain) announced the expansion of its Global Technology Hub in Manama, adding a new state-of-the-art floor to its facilities. This pivotal milestone aligns with Citi's tactical plans to hire a new wave of talent; the hub has already onboarded a substantial number of programmers and coders, in line with the target to allocate 1,000 coding jobs over a ten-year period for the Bahrain hub. Marking the first in the region, the hub was established in 2021 in a strategic partnership with the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), and the Labour Fund (Tamkeen). The expansion is expected to enhance Citi's digital capabilities both regionally and globally in areas such as Electronic Trading, E-Commerce, Big Data and AI, cementing the island nation's growing reputation as a thriving technology and financial hub. Citi Bahrain's tech hub currently develops digital solutions that serve Citi's global portfolio of business lines and clients. H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain EDB; H.E. Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain; Michel Sawaya, CEO of Citi Bahrain; Nikhil Joshi, CIO Markets at Citi, and Kassey Oulhadj, Head of Citi Bahrain Global Technology, attended the inauguration of its expanded premises. H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain EDB, said, 'Citi's continued expansion in Bahrain, year after year, reflects the growing impact of its Global Technology Hub in Manama, which plays a key role in delivering digital solutions that support Citi's global client base. Its progress is a testament to the strength of Bahrain's wider financial services and tech ecosystem, defined by the availability of highly skilled local talent, the agility of the regulatory environment, and the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in enabling high-quality job creation and future-proofed skills development. We look forward to building on this momentum together with Citi, alongside Tamkeen and the CBB, in the years ahead.' From her side, Ms. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Tamkeen Chief Executive said: 'At Tamkeen, we prioritize investing in developing and empowering our national workforce and in line with this we actively seek strategic partnerships – both local and international – that support our core objectives by building a pool of qualified national talent capable of contributing to the growth, sustainability and productivity of the organizations they serve.' 'Our collaboration with 'Citi' is built on this foundation as it supports innovation, digital transformation and international growth while preparing the labor market with tech-savvy talent ready to lead and make a real impact in their fields,' added Ms. Mofeez. Tamkeen's strategic priorities for 2025 focus on enhancing the competitiveness of Bahraini nationals in the private sector, equipping them with the skills needed for career development, as well as prioritizing the growth, digitalisation, and sustainability of enterprises. Michel Sawaya, Citi Bahrain CEO, 'I'm proud of the momentum gained by the tech hub since the establishment in 2021. Expanding our offices with an additional floor is a strategic step that exemplifies the notable progress we have achieved against our hiring targets.' Nikhil Joshi, Citi CIO Markets, added 'We see tremendous opportunity to further elevate our digital service development capabilities in Bahrain, as we continue to deliver a wide range of financial solutions to our global clients, such as Electronic Trading, E-Commerce, Big Data and AI.' Citi chose Bahrain as a destination for its tech hub owing to the depth and diversity of the island nation's talent pool, which is further backed by forward-looking regulatory frameworks reinforced by agile government support.
Daily Tribune
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Secures British Investment
Carbon-linked deal drives momentum • USD 250m in three years • New £2bn sustainability pact • Growth in trade, logistics, tech Bahrain has quietly become one of the UK's fastest-growing economic gateways in the Gulf, securing over USD 250 million in British investment over the past three years, with a bold £2 billion private-sector deal now steering focus toward green growth and industrial reinvention. The announcement came during a high-level visit to the United Kingdom by a Bahraini delegation led by H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB). The delegation met with British businesses and investors, showcasing opportunities in Bahrain's evolving financial, ICT, tourism, and education sectors. Strategic Expansion Ties between the two kingdoms have intensified in recent years, with the Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership (SIP2) signed in June marking a major step forward. The agreement commits over £2 billion from the Bahraini private sector into projects linked to carbon reduction and sustainability. It follows the UK's inclusion in the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), which aligns the two countries on economic integration and technology partnerships. 'Bahrain remains a trusted gateway for UK companies seeking growth in the Middle East, backed by a business-friendly environment, agile regulation, and high-growth sectors,' said H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif. 'The increased confidence from UK investors is a testament to our enduring partnership, and we look forward to building on this momentum.' Future-Focused Sectors The EDB's visit also features two panel discussions in collaboration with the Financial Times under the theme 'Shaping the Next Generation of Manufacturing and Logistics Hubs'. The sessions will explore how supply chain shifts, sustainability mandates, and technology trends are influencing decisions about where global companies site their facilities. UK-based firms such as Standard Chartered, HSBC, Deloitte, Reckitt Benckiser, and the University of Strathclyde already have a presence in Bahrain. Their footprint reflects the Kingdom's appeal as a base for expansion across the Gulf. Non-oil trade between Bahrain and the UK rose by 45 percent in 2024, reaching USD 645 million from USD 443 million the year before. The growth adds further weight to Bahrain's positioning as a regional node for innovation-driven, low-carbon, and service-based industries.
Biz Bahrain
09-07-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Bahrain EDB Attracts Over USD 250 Million in Investment from the UK
The Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) reported it has attracted over USD 250 million in investment from United Kingdom-based companies in the past three years (2022-2024) spanning across key sectors including financial services, ICT, education and tourism. This milestone achievement underscores Bahrain's growing appeal as a strategic investment destination and highlights the strengthening economic ties between Bahrain and the United Kingdom. The announcement was made during a visit to the UK aimed at showcasing Bahrain's investment opportunities to British businesses and investors. Led by H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain EDB, the trip included senior officials from the Kingdom's investment promotion agency, engaging in meetings with potential investors and participating in curated events focused on trends in manufacturing, and logistics. H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) said: 'Bahrain has long cultivated strong global partnerships, with a focus on economic cooperation and trade. The inclusion of the United Kingdom in the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement, along with the recent signing of the Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership (SIP2) with Bahrain in June 2025, will support economic growth and job creation in both countries marking a significant milestone—deepening our collaboration across security, economic integration, and technological innovation.' H.E. added: 'Bahrain remains a trusted gateway for UK companies seeking growth in the Middle East, backed by a business-friendly environment, agile regulation, and high-growth sectors. The increased confidence from UK investors is a testament to our enduring partnership, and we look forward to building on this momentum.' During the visit, the Bahrain EDB, in collaboration with the Financial Times, will curate two panel discussions about 'Shaping the Next Generation of Manufacturing and Logistics Hubs'. Both sessions will explore global shifts in tariffs, supply chains, technology, and sustainability, emphasising how companies are reevaluating and relocating manufacturing and logistics hubs to optimise resources and market responsiveness. Bahrain's longstanding relationship with the UK continues to deepen across multiple priority sectors. The two nations recently signed a second Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership (SIP2) involving over £2 billion in investment from the Bahraini private sector, targeting carbon reduction and sustainable development projects. Bilateral non-oil trade saw a significant growth of 45% in 2024, reaching USD 645 million compared to USD 443 million in 2023. Prominent UK companies operating in Bahrain include Standard Chartered, HSBC, Howden, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Reckitt Benckiser, PwC, the University of Strathclyde, and Conexus Resources Group.
Daily Tribune
01-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain takes part in UN financing forum
Her Excellency Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, participated in the United Nations' Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), held in Seville in Spain from 30 June to 3 July 2025. The conference, in its fourth edition, serves as a key international platform that brings together world leaders, heads of international organisations, financial experts, and private sector representatives to collaborate on advancing sustainable development financing. This year's discussions will focus on enhancing the international financial architecture and addressing funding challenges that hinder progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with priority areas including domestic resource mobilisation, data-driven policymaking, climate-aligned finance, debt sustainability, multilateral bank reform, aid transparency, and strengthened global partnerships.
Bahrain This Week
30-06-2025
- Business
- Bahrain This Week
Bahraini Minister Co-Chairs AMNC 2025, Advocates for Diversification, Regulatory Innovation
H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), reiterated the critical importance of diversification, regulatory innovation, and global cooperation in championing economic growth and development within her role as Co-Chair at the World Economic Forum's (WEF) 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions (AMNC) 2025, held in Tianjin, People's Republic of China from 24 to 26 June. The meeting, which brought together more than 1,700 global leaders across government, business, and academia, focused on advancing new models of economic growth amid global transformation. As one of a select group of Co-Chairs, Her Excellency played a key role in shaping the agenda and contributing Bahrain's perspective on innovation-led development, human capital, and regional connectivity. As part of her participation, Her Excellency attended the event's opening plenary, during which Mr. Wang Xinwei, Governor of Liaoning Province, delivered a keynote speech. During this speech, he emphasized China's commitment to openness, innovation, and shared prosperity in an evolving global landscape, stressing the importance of proactive, long-term cooperation. She also participated in a series of high-level sessions that spotlighted Bahrain's strategic priorities and international engagement, including: Contours of a New Economic Order : discussing how countries are looking to diversify their economies outside of traditional areas of growth and the role that economic coordination with regional partners could play in Bahrain's economic strategy : discussing how countries are looking to diversify their economies outside of traditional areas of growth and the role that economic coordination with regional partners could play in Bahrain's economic strategy MENA–China Trade and Investment Relations: positioning Bahrain as a gateway for investment flows between Asia and the Middle East. positioning Bahrain as a gateway for investment flows between Asia and the Middle East. Skills That Matter: highlighting Bahrain's efforts around equipping its workforce for the digital economy through education and upskilling, including updates around the Skills and Gender Parity Accelerator highlighting Bahrain's efforts around equipping its workforce for the digital economy through education and upskilling, including updates around the Skills and Gender Parity Accelerator Women Leaders – Shaping Tomorrow's Economy: exploring the role of female leadership in shaping the global agenda in a dynamic global economy, including progress made in the Kingdom around supporting women's participation. Additionally, Her Excellency met with Mr. Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum to explore Bahrain's ongoing strategic relationship with WEF, the 2025 Annual Meeting in China, and future plans. This year's Annual Meeting focused on topics related to navigating a rapidly transforming global landscape shaped by technological disruption, geopolitical shifts, and sustainability imperatives. In parallel, the Bahrain EDB team engaged in targeted bilateral meetings and strategic networking opportunities on the sidelines of the forum, further reinforcing the Kingdom's role as a competitive and connected investment destination. Bahrain EDB's active presence in Tianjin underscores its broader commitment to fostering international partnerships and contributing to global economic dialogue. The invitation to participate as Co-Chair also reflects the strength of the Bahrain EDB's long-standing partnership with the World Economic Forum and its alignment with shared priorities around supporting diversification, innovation, human capital development, technology, and sustainable growth.
