BisB, Visa, and Innovate for Bahrain announce winners of Innovation Studio Programme

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB), the leading provider of innovative Islamic financial solutions for simplifying money matters in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced the winners of the Innovation Studio programme held in collaboration with Visa and Innovate for Bahrain. The announcement was made during the programme’s Final Celebration Day hosted at Marassi Galleria on 8th February, marking the conclusion of a three-month creative and entrepreneurial journey.

The programme showcased six finalists, three from the fashion track and three from the jewellery track, who were selected for their unique design concept, storytelling, communication, pitch clarity, understanding of the customer requirements, and growth potential. The event brought together ecosystem partners, industry leaders, media, and the wider community to celebrate Bahrain’s emerging design talent and its growing creative economy.

Following final presentations and jury evaluations, one winner was selected from each track. The Fashion Track winner, Maryam Haji, Founder of bella and blue, was awarded a four-day immersion in New York with internationally renowned designer Reem Acra, providing exposure to global fashion markets and high-end design practices.

The Jewellery Track winner, Sara Buhaimed, Founder of Sarrah Jewelery, received a fourday experience at the Van Cleef & Arpels factory in the United Kingdom, offering an exclusive opportunity to gain insight into fine jewellery craftsmanship and heritage excellence.

Commenting on the programme’s success, Ms. Fatema AlAlawi, Chief Executive Officer of BisB, said, “We extend our congratulations to the winners of Innovation Studio, whose exceptional creativity and originality position them to establish a strong presence in Bahrain’s market and beyond. This initiative reflects BisB’s commitment to empowering Bahrain’s creative entrepreneurs by offering practical pathways to turn their innovative ideas into market successes. Our involvement in this project serves our vision to nurture local talent and strengthen Bahrain’s standing as a leading regional hub for creative enterprises.”

From his end, Mr. Bader Sater, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain FinTech Bay; under which Innovate for Bahrain operates, added, “The calibre of talent showcased during the Final Celebration Day demonstrates the strength of Bahrain’s creative ecosystem. The Innovation Studio programme demonstrated how cross-sector collaboration can unlock new pathways for talent, transform creativity into commercially viable businesses, and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a hub for innovation-driven entrepreneurship.”

Ahmed ElKaffass, Visa’s Country Manager in Bahrain remarked, “Seeing these designers reach this milestone is a powerful reminder of what is possible when talent is matched with the right support. We congratulate the winners and commend all participants for their dedication and vision. Visa is pleased to be part of a programme that opens doors, builds confidence, and helps creative Bahraini entrepreneurs take their first steps onto the global stage.”

The Innovation Studio programme reaffirms BisB’s dedication to nurturing homegrown talent, fostering cross-sector innovation, and contributing to Bahrain’s long-term economic diversification – particularly through investment in the creative industries.