10.03.2024

H.H. Shaikh Isa bin Salman underscores the importance of continuing efforts to implement programmes and initiatives that create further quality opportunities for Bahrainis

His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Isa bin Salman Educational Charitable Trust, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), today chaired a meeting of Tamkeen’s Board of Directors.

HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to implement programmes and initiatives that create further quality opportunities for Bahrainis, particularly in terms of training, employment, and career development.

His Highness underscored that the people of Bahrain are an essential resource to the Kingdom and that through their efforts the comprehensive development goals continue to be achieved under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

During the meeting, the Board of Directors reviewed the key outcomes achieved during the first quarter of the year within the three main initiatives aimed at supporting employment, enhancing career development opportunities, and supporting private sector enterprises.

Her Excellency Ms. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of Tamkeen, presented updates on Tamkeen’s strategic priorities for 2024 and the progress against the set KPIs, highlighting that Tamkeen has supported over 4,500 Bahrainis in entering the labour market, meeting 35% of the goal set for employment support. Furthermore, Tamkeen’s career development programmes supported more than 4,300 Bahrainis.

HE Mofeez then noted that over 2,800 enterprises and projects of various sizes and sectors received support aimed at assisting them in achieving their business objectives by launching operations or expanding locally and internationally, with SMEs accounting for 55% of enterprises supported. This support creates a positive ripple effect on the quality of job opportunities available to the Bahraini workforce.

Furthermore, numerous success stories for Bahrain-based enterprises were showcased during the meeting. These enterprises were able to utilise Tamkeen’s support to enhance their businesses, create job opportunities for Bahrainis, and develop their national talent by increasing wages and promoting them to leadership and executive positions.

The meeting also highlighted several initiatives and plans designed to enhance the impact of the support programmes in line with Tamkeen’s strategic priorities for the year 2024, which are focused on economic impact and fostering sustainable development under three pillars: increasing economic participation by creating new employment opportunities for emerging talent and new entrants, enhancing career development prospects for Bahraini professionals, and further developing the private sector by supporting enterprises and boosting productivity through technological adoption.