AUBH Student Maria AlAwadhi Makes History as First Bahraini Woman to Join McLaren Racing

The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) has officially announced that student Maria Alawadhi has been awarded a year-long international internship opportunity with McLaren Racing The placement will be situated at the renowned McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Surrey, United Kingdom.

Alawadhi, a high-achieving student in her final year of the Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management program and a recipient of AUBH full scholarship, makes history as the first Bahraini woman to join the McLaren Racing Team. She is slated to complete her degree this coming June.

This collaboration between AUBH and McLaren Racing – both entities within the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat) portfolio – reflects Mumtalakat’s commitment to fostering synergies among its subsidiaries. The initiative serves as a strategic investment in the education and professional development of Bahraini youth, equipping them with the specialized expertise required to excel in the global workforce.

Al-Awadhi is expected to commence her professional tenure in England in September 2026, where she will engage directly with the sophisticated operational frameworks of McLaren Racing operations.

Dr. Wafa Almansoori, Interim President and Provost of the American University of Bahrain, stated, “The University takes immense pride in AlAwadhi’s selection for this prestigious placement at one of the world’s most iconic racing organizations. This achievement is a testament to the academic excellence maintained by our students and reflects the growing international confidence in the professional competencies fostered at AUBH. The University remains deeply appreciative of its strategic alliance with Mumtalakat, a partnership that is vital to broadening the professional scope for our students and catalyzing their success within the global marketplace.”

Reflecting on the appointment, Maria Alawadhi expressed her profound honor in securing a position with a global leader like McLaren Racing, characterizing the upcoming internship as a defining milestone in her academic and professional evolution. She conveyed her appreciation to AUBH, attributing her achievement to the institution’s rigorous empowering academic environment and continuous opportunities.