In a landmark development poised to significantly enhance Bahrain’s technological landscape, Oracle Corporation has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Labour Fund, known locally as Tamkeen. This strategic alliance aims to inaugurate a dedicated Oracle Engineering Center within the Kingdom, a move that underscores Bahrain’s commitment to becoming a regional nexus for technological innovation and digital transformation.
A Strategic Alliance for Technological Advancement
The MoU was ceremoniously signed during the Gateway Gulf Forum 2024, an esteemed event that convenes senior government officials, industry leaders, and executives from across the globe. The forum serves as a platform for fostering international collaborations and investments, and the Oracle-Tamkeen partnership emerged as a highlight of this year’s gathering.
Through this collaboration, Oracle is set to offer specialized technical training and certification programs to Bahraini nationals. The primary objective is to fortify Bahrain’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) talent reservoir, thereby empowering local professionals to spearhead digital innovation and economic growth within the region. This initiative is also strategically aligned to address the escalating demand for Oracle Cloud solutions across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Alignment with National Strategic Objectives
Her Excellency Ms. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, the Chief Executive of Tamkeen, articulated the significance of this partnership in the context of Bahrain’s broader economic and developmental goals. She stated, “We are steadfast in our commitment to equipping our national talent with the requisite skills to navigate and excel in the burgeoning Information Technology sector. This endeavor ensures their competitiveness on both local and global stages.”
This initiative is meticulously designed to resonate with Tamkeen’s strategic priorities for 2024, which are structured around three pivotal pillars:
- Enhancing Economic Participation: By creating employment opportunities for new entrants into the market, the program aims to integrate a broader segment of the population into the economic framework.
- Expanding Career Development Avenues: The focus here is on providing the Bahraini workforce with diverse pathways for professional growth, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the dynamic demands of the global job market.
- Fostering Private Sector Development: By supporting enterprises, the initiative seeks to drive impactful and sustainable development within the economy, positioning the private sector as a catalyst for innovation and growth.
Oracle’s Vision for Regional Growth
Nick Redshaw, Oracle’s Senior Vice President for Tech Cloud in the Middle East and Africa, emphasized the broader implications of this partnership for the region’s technological ecosystem. He remarked, “Our training programs are designed to bolster the Oracle partner ecosystem within Bahrain. By providing an industry-leading learning platform, we aim to equip local students and professionals with the skills necessary to thrive in a digitally-driven economy.”
The establishment of the Oracle Engineering Center is anticipated to serve as a cornerstone for nurturing local talent. By offering Oracle certification programs, supported by Tamkeen, the center will play a pivotal role in developing a cadre of qualified Bahraini professionals. These individuals will not only meet the immediate needs of the Oracle Engineering Hub but will also be instrumental in supplying skilled talent to Oracle partners establishing engineering and service hubs throughout Bahrain.
Implications for Bahrain’s Economic and Technological Landscape
This partnership is poised to yield multifaceted benefits for Bahrain:
- Positioning as a Technological Hub: The presence of the Oracle Engineering Center is expected to attract further investments in the technology sector, reinforcing Bahrain’s status as a premier destination for innovation and digital solutions in the Middle East.
- Empowerment of the Local Workforce: By providing access to world-class training and certification, the initiative will enhance the employability and competitiveness of Bahraini nationals, ensuring they are at the forefront of the global IT landscape.
- Stimulating Economic Growth: The infusion of skilled professionals into the market is anticipated to drive the growth of the private sector, fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable economic development.
A Testament to Bahrain’s Vision for the Future
The Oracle-Tamkeen partnership exemplifies Bahrain’s proactive approach to embracing technological advancements and underscores the Kingdom’s vision for a diversified and knowledge-based economy. By investing in human capital and forging strategic alliances with global technology leaders, Bahrain is laying a robust foundation for future generations to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
As the Oracle Engineering Center becomes operational, it is expected to serve as a beacon of excellence, inspiring other nations in the region to adopt similar models of collaboration and investment in technology and human resources. This initiative not only reflects the progressive policies of Bahrain’s leadership but also sets a precedent for how public-private partnerships can drive national development in the digital age.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Oracle Engineering Center in partnership with Tamkeen marks a significant milestone in Bahrain’s journey toward technological excellence and economic prosperity. It is a strategic move that promises to yield long-term benefits for the Kingdom, its citizens, and the broader region.
