Latest news with #SkillsBahrain


Daily Tribune
14-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Youth City Breaks Records
TDT | Manama The 14th edition of Youth City 2030 opens today, bringing together a record 5,500 participants and 84 pioneering youth-led ventures in what is now Bahrain's largest-ever youth showcase. The national initiative, hosted at Exhibition World Bahrain, is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs in partnership with the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and will continue until August 31. Themed 'Beyond Dreams', this year's edition features over 195 specialised training programmes across five sectors - science and technology, arts and culture, leadership and entrepreneurship, media and entertainment, and sports and health. Future-focused platform Open to Bahrainis aged 9 to 35, Youth City 2030 offers morning and evening training sessions designed to align young people's skills with labour market demands. Over 70 percent of the programmes integrate artificial intelligence tools, reflecting a shift toward technology-driven training. The AI-focused content was developed in coordination with the Skills Bahrain initiative, and a newly formed Talent Committee will evaluate participants through structured scientific assessments to identify standout potential. Startups and strategy A standout feature of this edition is the showcase of 84 youth-led startup projects. The exhibition space is designed to promote entrepreneurship and provide a platform for young Bahrainis to present innovative solutions to their peers and the public. This year also marks the introduction of mental health support programmes, reinforcing a holistic approach that balances professional skill-building with psychological well-being. Volunteer-led operations The event will be managed by 248 volunteers, trained in collaboration with recognised institutions to ensure quality and smooth execution. Their role is central to delivering over 150 entertainment and engagement events planned across the city's various centres.


Daily Tribune
12-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Youth City 2030 Embraces AI Future
TDT| Manama Bahrain's flagship youth empowerment platform, 'Youth City 2030', is making a decisive leap into the artificial intelligence era with a record 5,500 training opportunities this year, the Ministry of Youth Affairs has confirmed. The 14th edition of the initiative, opening on Saturday at Exhibition World Bahrain, will integrate AI technologies into more than 70% of its 195 specialised programmes. The initiative, launched by the Ministry in strategic partnership with the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), marks a significant shift towards future-ready skills development for Bahrain's youth. New tech focus Minister of Youth Affairs H.E. Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi said the AI-powered expansion reflects Bahrain's commitment to aligning with global trends while empowering its young citizens. She affirmed that Youth City 2030 continues to embody the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. H.E. also praised the role of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HM the King's Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, whose belief in the potential of young people has driven the launch of cutting-edge initiatives and skills development programmes. Diverse training centres This year's edition features five key centres covering Science and Technology, Arts and Culture, Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Media and Entertainment, and Sports and Health. Alongside training, 84 youth-led projects will be displayed in an interactive exhibition space, offering participants a platform to present their ideas and innovations. The initiative's scope was shaped by a comprehensive review of previous editions, aiming to improve training quality and relevance to the labour market. In partnership with Tamkeen's Skills Bahrain initiative, the Ministry has developed programmes tailored to national talent needs, supported by a joint team and a new scientific evaluation committee. Mental health included A notable addition to this year's offering is a suite of mental health-focused programmes, reflecting a holistic vision of youth development. The Minister said this ensures that participants not only gain professional readiness but also receive support for personal well-being and emotional resilience. Youth City 2030 continues until next month.


Bahrain This Week
11-07-2025
- Business
- Bahrain This Week
Youth Affairs Minister announces launch of Youth City 2030 on July 13
Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, emphasised that the national initiative Youth City 2030 is in line with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. She explained that the project reflects Bahrain's commitment to supporting and empowering young people, recognising their important role in national development and in shaping the country's future. The Minister commended the efforts of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King's Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, in launching advanced initiatives and programmes that invest in youth skills and strengthen their contribution to different sectors. She noted that these efforts show His Highness's belief in young people's ability to lead and make a difference. She announced that the 14th edition of Youth City 2030 will begin on July 13 at Exhibition World Bahrain and is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, in strategic partnership with the Labour Fund (Tamkeen). This year's edition aims to increase youth participation and provide quality training opportunities to help them develop their skills and prepare for the labour market, giving them the tools to shape their future with confidence. Minister Tawfiqi highlighted the strong partnership between the Ministry and Tamkeen, which has resulted in the development of advanced programmes over the years. She said this cooperation reflects a shared goal of investing in national talent and empowering youth as a key part of sustainable development. This year's edition will feature a major increase in training opportunities, based on a full review of past editions. It will offer 195 specialised training programmes across five main centres: Science and Technology, Arts and Culture, Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Media and Entertainment, and Sports and Health. A total of 5,500 training opportunities will be provided, and 84 youth-led projects will be showcased in a special space where visitors and participants can explore their ideas and innovations. The Minister said that this edition will also feature a major step forward, with artificial intelligence technologies included in over 70% of the training programmes. This reflects the Ministry's aim to keep up with global trends and prepare for the future of work. She added that the Ministry, in cooperation with the Skills Bahrain initiative under Tamkeen, has formed a joint team to design training programmes based on market needs. A talent committee has also been created to evaluate participants using a scientific method to identify promising skills. She also mentioned that new programmes will focus on youth mental health, showing the Ministry's commitment to supporting both the professional and personal well-being of youth, and helping them build a more balanced and successful future.


Daily Tribune
30-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Tamkeen launches updated financial services sector skills report
The Labour Fund 'Tamkeen' announced the release of the updated Financial Services Sector Skills Report, as part of the 'Skills Bahrain' initiative and developed in collaboration with private sector stakeholder holders, government entities, and education and training providers. The report builds upon the findings of the initial report published in 2022, which provided an overview of the needs of the workforce in the sector and identified its skill gaps. The latest version reflects the sector's evolving landscape, with updated content aligned to current labour market developments and the Core Skills Framework launched in 2024. The report categorizes sector activities using international standards tailored to Bahrain's context, covering banking, insurance, asset management, financial markets, and financial technology (FinTech). The financial services sector plays a pivotal role in Bahrain's economy, surpassing oil and gas as the largest contributor to the Kingdom's GDP, accounting for 17.8%. The sector employs approximately 14,362 individuals, with Bahrainis representing 70% of the workforce, according to the 2023 Labor Force Survey published by the Central Bank of Bahrain. The report outlines key trends shaping the future of the sector, including rapid digital transformation and the growing prominence of FinTech. It also highlights increasing demand for specialized skills in areas such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and financial risk management. In addition, it identifies emerging roles, including actuaries, data analysts, compliance officers, and credit officers. There is also a growing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, with sustainability officers becoming a priority for financial institutions as they integrate ESG practices into business strategies, investment decisions, and risk management processes in alignment with global and local frameworks. Mr. Amer Marhoon, Managing Director of Skills Bahrain, stated:"This report highlights the importance of investing in the development of skilled national talent to meet the demands of a rapidly changing sector. As digital transformation accelerates, the need for advanced technical skills in fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data analysis continues to grow. The report also highlights the need to guide the next generation towards emerging specializations such as ESG, which can further strengthen Bahrain's position as a leading financial hub both regionally and internationally.'


Biz Bahrain
30-06-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Tamkeen Launches Updated Financial Services Sector Skills Report under 'Skills Bahrain' initiative
The Labour Fund 'Tamkeen' announced the release of the updated Financial Services Sector Skills Report, as part of the 'Skills Bahrain' initiative and developed in collaboration with private sector stakeholder holders, government entities, and education and training providers. This update is part of ongoing efforts to enhance workforce skills, improve productivity, and support sustainable economic growth in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The report builds upon the findings of the initial report published in 2022, which provided an overview of the needs of the workforce in the sector and identified its skill gaps. The latest version reflects the sector's evolving landscape, with updated content aligned to current labour market developments and the Core Skills Framework launched in 2024. The report categorizes sector activities using international standards tailored to Bahrain's context, covering banking, insurance, asset management, financial markets, and financial technology (FinTech). The financial services sector plays a pivotal role in Bahrain's economy, surpassing oil and gas as the largest contributor to the Kingdom's GDP, accounting for 17.8%. The sector employs approximately 14,362 individuals, with Bahrainis representing 70% of the workforce, according to the 2023 Labor Force Survey published by the Central Bank of Bahrain. The report outlines key trends shaping the future of the sector, including rapid digital transformation and the growing prominence of FinTech. It also highlights increasing demand for specialized skills in areas such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and financial risk management. In addition, it identifies emerging roles, including actuaries, data analysts, compliance officers, and credit officers. There is also a growing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, with sustainability officers becoming a priority for financial institutions as they integrate ESG practices into business strategies, investment decisions, and risk management processes in alignment with global and local frameworks. Mr. Amer Marhoon, Managing Director of Skills Bahrain, stated: 'This report highlights the importance of investing in the development of skilled national talent to meet the demands of a rapidly changing sector. As digital transformation accelerates, the need for advanced technical skills in fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data analysis continues to grow. The report also highlights the need to guide the next generation towards emerging specializations such as ESG, which can further strengthen Bahrain's position as a leading financial hub both regionally and internationally.' The report emphasizes the importance of ongoing collaboration between government entities, financial institutions, and education and training providers to ensure that the labor market is equipped with agile, future-ready talent. It serves as a key reference for individuals seeking to enter or advance within the sector and will help shape Tamkeen's future programs and initiatives in line with the sector's priorities and labor market needs. Skills Bahrain is an initiative that operates under the umbrella of the Labour Fund 'Tamkeen' which seeks to fill the skills gap of local talent resulting from the constant changes and development in the global labor market. Skills Bahrain works closely with employers, education & training providers, and government stakeholders, to bridge the skills gap by providing its stakeholders with the necessary intelligence, sector-specific data, and necessary tools. It contributes to the transition from education to employment, and provides a clear path towards career development, therefore developing skilled and globally competitive Bahraini talent.