Tamkeen Award ‘attests to Bahrain’s deep-rooted entrepreneurial culture’

The winners of the fourth edition of Bahrain Award for Entrepreneur - ship manifest the Kingdom’s deep-rooted business culture, opined the award panelists yesterday. The awards were handed over to the winners by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister at a grand ceremony held at Isa Cultural Centre on Tuesday. During the ceremony, HRH the Crown Prince had highlighted Bahrain’s outstanding success in advancing entrepreneurship across all sectors.

Furthermore, His Royal Highness noted that the continual development of the domestic start-up economy reflects the Kingdom’s efforts to nurture a business environment that fosters creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to sustainable economic growth in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s comprehensive development led by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The organising committee received over 180 applications, of which 35 qualified for the semi-finals and 21 for the final phase. The award judging panel had five members.

Winners of the Bahrain Entrepreneurship Award each receive a cash reward and are offered multiple training and development opportunities, overseen by international organisations such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation. Speaking to Tribune, Dr Susan E Saxton, Founding President of American University of Bahrain (AUBH) and one of the award panelists said: “When I was looking both at previous Bahrain Awards for Entrepreneurship winners and at this year’s shortlist, I was impressed by how varied and creative these entrepreneurs are.

Seeing young businessmen and women coming up with genuinely groundbreaking concepts to fill a gap in consumer demand – for example in tech - is inspiring. “This year’s finalists are of an equally high standard, with some of them being regional firsts in their fields. When I was invited to be a part of this award, I immediately noticed how closely its aim fits with the philosophy of education at AUBH. We are all about creating a different kind of graduate, who has the potential to change the game in their chosen field. We focus on the soft skills which enable this entrepreneurial spirit and creative thinking,” she pointed out.

Speaking on the concept of the award, Dr Saxton said: “The concept behind the award is admirable - a country that finds and empowers its own talent pool in this way is impressive. The award will not only boost the SME sector, but the stories of the winners are inspirational to Bahrain’s youth, such as our own AUBH students.” To those who pin their hopes on becoming big in business, Dr Saxton said: “Of course, I will recommend everyone to follow their passions, and go a step further - do your groundwork. Aim to fill a real need gap in the field you are passionate about.

Feasibility and research are essential in successful businesses. I am sure that in future editions of the Bahrain Award for Entrepreneurship, I will be seeing many AUBH students and graduates.” Anther award panelist Najla Al Shirawi, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of SICO, said: “It was indeed a pleasure to participate as a judge and to support and encourage entrepreneurship in Bahrain. The award has become a much-awaited annual event that celebrates startups, small and medium enterprises which continue to contribute to the economic diversification and its sustainability.”

Ahmed Al Mannai, who won the award for the ‘Best Start-up of the Year’ said it was an absolute honour and sincere privilege to have been chosen and exposed in a platform such as the Bahrain Entrepreneurship Award. “We see this award impacting and adding value to our practice for two reasons: The first being an opportunity to be recognised, and the second being us using this opportunity as a driving force to assist our ambition.”

“We hope to expand our horizons and current portfolio with other unorthodox design projects to challenge our understanding of design, and how sophisticated architectural design can be used as a catalyst to assist Bahrain’s future and its surrounding proximities. The aim is to positively impact the social, cultural, and environmental fabrics in which we live via the power of design- be it through a micro or macro level.

We encourage entrepreneurs to flex their creative stamina, with unorthodox ambition whilst simultaneously maintaining logical reasoning. A combination of team work, ingenuity, optimism, enthusiasm, and creativity are integral variables to shape a successful entrepreneurs.”