Bahraini Women: Empowering Catalysts for Development and Innovation
Known for its culturally dynamic environment, the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to showcase the significant achievements of Bahraini women in various sectors. This progress is credited to the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for the advancement of Bahraini women, supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
National Leadership and Government Representation
The Kingdom has reached a historic achievement, noting the appointment of four female ministers for the first time in key ministries: Dr. Jalila Al Sayyed Jawad Hassan, Amna Ahmed Al Romaihi, Noor Ali Al Khulaif, and Fatima Jaffer Al Sairafi. These appointments reflect Bahrain’s commitment to advancing women in various economic sectors and enhancing the nation’s achievements.
The Tourism Sector Strategy (2022-2026)
In line with Bahrain’s Tourism Sector Strategy (2022-2026), leadership figures emphasize the Kingdom’s focus on empowering women in tourism with supportive initiatives and policies. The Ministry of Tourism (MOT) emphasizes the crucial role played by women in further developing the tourism sector. This is evidenced by the high level of female representation within official bodies:
- The percentage of women in the Ministry of Tourism has reached 60 percent.
- The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) maintains a 51 percent female workforce.
Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of BTEA, reveals that the authority takes pride in having numerous Bahraini female talents holding various critical positions. The Authority values its national workforce, who are an integral part of Team Bahrain, ensuring the desired sustainability targets are met and achieving continuous progress to elevate the tourism sector.
Inspirational Profiles and Entrepreneurship
Bahrain is home to a mix of entrepreneurs and brands owned by Bahraini women who have achieved a lot in their respective industries. From culinary arts to fashion and sports, these women serve as catalysts for development.
Prominent Figures in Bahraini Business and Culture
The following table highlights some of the distinguished women based in Bahrain who are transforming their dreams into reality:
| Name | Industry/Role | Contribution |
| H.E. Fatima bint Jaffer Al Sairafi | Government | Minister of Tourism |
| Tala Bashmi | Culinary Arts | One of the top 100 chefs in the world |
| Abeer AlMatooq | Consultancy | Founder of Thrive coaching consultancy |
| Dana Zubari | Sportswear | Co-founder of Trü Active |
| Sofia Al Asfoor | Fashion | Handbag designer and entrepreneur |
| Amina Al-Abbasi | Art | Owner of Amina Gallery |
| Hala Kaiksow | Textiles | Designer reviving ancient weaving traditions |
| Sheikha Jawaher Al Khalifa | Youth Empowerment | Chairperson for the Foundation for Youth Empowerment |
Impact Across Industries
Abeer AlMatooq works with individuals and corporates on unlocking talents through habits redesign to maximize productivity. In the realm of retail, Dana Zubari co-founded Trü Active, which is Bahrain’s leading sportswear company and the first of its kind in the region. Sofia Al Asfoor empowers women through her powerful collections which make a statement, while Amina Al-Abbasi manages a curated art space with pieces currently being sold at Harrods.
In sports and community building, Martyna Al-Qassab is the driving force behind Yalla Banat, a platform built to celebrate women from across the region. Additionally, female endurance athlete Myrna Saliba has gained various accolades in triathlons. These women engage in various initiatives and programmes to be active partners in the development process and inspire the next generation of innovators.