A Major Leap for Bahrain’s Tech Ecosystem
In a significant development for Bahrain’s technology and innovation sector, Oracle Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Labour Fund, Tamkeen, to establish an Oracle Engineering Center in the Kingdom. This strategic partnership aims to bolster Bahrain’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ecosystem, enhance digital capabilities, and equip local talent with advanced technical skills in Oracle technologies.
The agreement was formalized during the Gateway Gulf Forum 2024, a high-profile event that brings together government officials, business leaders, and global executives to discuss investment opportunities in Bahrain and the wider Gulf region. The new Oracle Engineering Center is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the country’s ICT sector, supporting the national economy, and driving digital transformation.
Enhancing Local Talent and Economic Growth
One of the key objectives of this initiative is to empower Bahraini professionals by providing them with the necessary training and certifications to succeed in an increasingly digital world. By offering specialized technical programs, the Oracle Engineering Center will help bridge the skills gap in Bahrain’s workforce and ensure that more local professionals are equipped with cutting-edge expertise in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other advanced digital technologies.
Her Excellency Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of Tamkeen, highlighted the significance of this partnership in strengthening the local workforce. She emphasized that Tamkeen remains committed to developing national talent and creating opportunities for Bahrainis to thrive in the ICT sector.
“This initiative aligns with our mission to enhance the skills and employability of our national workforce, ensuring their competitiveness in the local and global job markets,” Mofeez stated. “By collaborating with a leading technology provider like Oracle, we are taking a major step forward in empowering Bahraini professionals with the expertise needed to drive innovation and economic growth.”
Supporting National Development Goals
This collaboration aligns perfectly with Bahrain’s Vision 2030, the country’s long-term development strategy aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on oil revenues. As part of its 2024 strategic priorities, Tamkeen has been focusing on three key areas:
- Increasing Economic Participation – Creating employment opportunities for young Bahraini professionals entering the job market.
- Expanding Career Development – Enhancing career growth opportunities by providing upskilling and reskilling programs.
- Private Sector Development – Supporting businesses and enterprises to drive sustainable economic growth.
By investing in human capital and digital transformation, Bahrain is positioning itself as a hub for technology and innovation in the region. The Oracle Engineering Center will serve as a key enabler in this transformation, helping the Kingdom attract further investment from global technology firms while strengthening its ICT ecosystem.
Oracle’s Long-Term Commitment to Bahrain
Oracle’s decision to establish an engineering center in Bahrain reflects its ongoing commitment to the Kingdom’s digital future. The company has been working closely with governments and businesses across the Middle East to drive cloud adoption, artificial intelligence integration, and cybersecurity advancements.
Safra Catz, CEO of Oracle, acknowledged Bahrain’s strategic importance in the region and emphasized the company’s enthusiasm for this collaboration.
“We are proud to deepen our partnership with Bahrain, a country that has consistently demonstrated its commitment to digital transformation,” Catz said. “By investing in talent development and innovation, Bahrain is setting an example for other nations in the region. We look forward to working with Tamkeen to equip the local workforce with the skills needed to build the future.”
Training and Certification Programs
The Oracle Engineering Center will provide Bahraini professionals and students with access to world-class training programs designed to enhance their technical skills and industry knowledge. These programs will focus on various domains, including:
- Cloud Computing: Training on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), cloud security, and cloud-native application development.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Courses on AI-driven solutions and automation technologies.
- Cybersecurity: Strategies for protecting digital assets, data privacy, and compliance with global security standards.
- Database and Application Development: Training on Oracle’s flagship database technologies, software development, and enterprise solutions.
Additionally, Oracle will offer professional certification courses, which will provide participants with globally recognized credentials. These certifications will not only improve career prospects but also ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals ready to support Oracle’s partner ecosystem in Bahrain.
Nick Redshaw, Senior Vice President of Tech Cloud for the Middle East and Africa at Oracle, underscored the importance of this initiative in shaping Bahrain’s digital workforce.
“Our goal is to create a strong network of skilled professionals who can contribute to the growth of the Oracle partner ecosystem in Bahrain,” Redshaw explained. “By offering industry-leading training and certification programs, we are equipping the next generation of Bahraini talent with the expertise needed to excel in the technology sector.”
Economic and Industry Impact
The launch of the Oracle Engineering Center is expected to have a transformative impact on Bahrain’s economy and its broader ICT sector. Some of the anticipated benefits include:
1. Job Creation
By developing a highly skilled workforce, this initiative will create new job opportunities for Bahraini professionals in various technology-driven fields, including cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity.
2. Skill Development and Innovation
As Bahrain continues to embrace digital transformation, having a pool of well-trained professionals will encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and the growth of tech startups in the Kingdom.
3. Attracting Global Investment
The presence of an Oracle Engineering Center will enhance Bahrain’s reputation as a technology hub, attracting further investment from international companies looking for a skilled workforce and a business-friendly environment.
4. Strengthening the ICT Ecosystem
With more qualified professionals entering the job market, Oracle’s partners in Bahrain will benefit from a readily available talent pool, making it easier for them to expand their operations and establish engineering and service hubs in the Kingdom.
A Step Toward a Smarter, Digital Bahrain
Bahrain has long been recognized as a leader in digital transformation within the Gulf region. The country was one of the first in the Middle East to adopt a cloud-first policy, encouraging businesses and government entities to transition to cloud-based solutions. The establishment of the Oracle Engineering Center further cements Bahrain’s position as a forward-thinking nation that prioritizes technological advancement and workforce development.
By fostering collaboration between the private sector and government entities, initiatives like this play a critical role in shaping the future of Bahrain’s economy. The Oracle Engineering Center will not only address immediate industry needs but also contribute to the long-term vision of building a knowledge-based, digitally advanced society.
Conclusion
The partnership between Oracle and Tamkeen marks a milestone in Bahrain’s journey toward becoming a regional leader in technology and innovation. By equipping local talent with the skills needed to excel in an evolving digital landscape, this initiative will drive economic growth, create job opportunities, and strengthen Bahrain’s reputation as a global technology hub.
As Bahrain continues to prioritize digital transformation, collaborations like this will be crucial in ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of the ICT revolution. The Oracle Engineering Center is not just a training facility—it is a gateway to new opportunities, a catalyst for innovation, and a beacon of progress in Bahrain’s technological evolution.
