On December 1st, Bahrain celebrates Bahraini Women’s Day, recognizing the remarkable achievements and contributions of women across all sectors. This year, we highlight the groundbreaking progress of Bahraini women in banking, Islamic finance, and fintech—particularly those who have risen to executive and boardroom roles. Their leadership is reshaping the financial landscape and inspiring the next generation to reach new heights.
Bahraini Women Leading the Banking Sector
Bahrain stands as a regional leader in promoting gender diversity and inclusion, especially in finance. The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) and financial institutions have actively championed initiatives to empower women, understanding that diverse leadership drives innovation and sustainable growth.
Trailblazers in Banking Leadership
- Dalal Al Qais: As Group CEO of Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), Dalal is one of the GCC’s most influential women in finance. Her visionary leadership has been instrumental in fostering economic development and supporting entrepreneurship in Bahrain.
- Fatema AlAlawi: Serving as CEO of Bahrain Islamic Bank, Fatema leads the bank’s digital transformation and enhances its position in the Islamic banking sector. Her focus on innovation, product development, and customer engagement has strengthened the bank’s retail and private banking segments.
- Najla Al Shirawi: Najla is the Group CEO of SICO BSC, Bahrain’s premier investment bank and asset manager, with over 27 years of experience in investment banking. Since her appointment as CEO in 2014, she has grown SICO’s assets under management to $6.8 billion and expanded its regional footprint. She also serves on the boards of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board and Eskan Bank.
- Hala Yateem: As Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the National Bank of Bahrain, Hala is a prominent figure in the country’s financial sector. Her global influence was further recognized at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit.
Women in Islamic Finance
Bahraini women are making significant strides in Islamic finance, where tradition meets innovation:
- Eman AlBinghadeer: The Gulf’s first female Shari’a auditor, Eman serves as Head of Internal Shari’a Audit at BisB. She ensures compliance with Islamic principles while driving operational excellence.
- Afnan Saleh: As Chief Human Resources Officer at BisB, Afnan focuses on talent development and cultivating an inclusive workplace culture.
- Amal Saif: As Head of Islamic Operations at BisB, Amal ensures the bank’s operations align with Islamic finance principles, reinforcing its leadership in the sector.
Women in Fintech
Bahrain’s fintech sector thrives under the leadership of visionary women:
- Yasmeen Al Sharaf: As Head of the Fintech Unit at the Central Bank of Bahrain, Yasmeen spearheads innovation and regulatory frameworks, positioning Bahrain as a fintech hub.
- Fatema Ebrahim: Founder of Andra Public Relations & Corporate Communications and a Board Member of the Economic Development Board, Fatema plays a pivotal role in shaping Bahrain’s economic narrative and fostering growth-driven partnerships.
The Power of Diversity in Decision-Making
Research shows that companies with gender-diverse boards and executive teams outperform their peers. In Bahrain, financial institutions led by women demonstrate stronger risk management, customer-centric strategies, and innovative solutions. Diversity brings varied perspectives, leading to more robust decision-making and sustainable growth.
The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) exemplifies this commitment to gender diversity, with 60% of its workforce being female. The BIBF fosters a culture of empowerment and equality, ensuring women are represented across all levels of expertise and learning centers.
Happy Bahraini Women’s Day!
