Exploring Bahrain's Diverse Job Market And Occupations

Bahrain is a small Arab state situated in the Persian Gulf. Its economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas, with petroleum being its most exported product. However, the country has also invested in the banking and tourism sectors, with Manama, the capital, being home to many large financial institutions. Bahrain's finance industry is very successful, and it has been recognised as a high-income economy by the World Bank.

In addition to the finance industry, Bahrain's other main occupations include aluminium smelting, iron pelletisation, fertilisers, ship repairing, and tourism. The country has a mixed economy, with government control of many basic industries, and it has been working to diversify its economy away from its limited oil supplies.

Bahraini academics

Bahrain has the oldest public education system in the Arabian Peninsula, with the government taking responsibility for two pre-existing primary schools for boys in 1930. Since then, the country has established separate girls' schools and various universities. As of 2010, the literacy rate in Bahrain is 94.6%, and education expenditure accounts for 2.9% of the country's GDP.

Faculty Members at the American University of Bahrain

The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) has a diverse faculty with local and international expertise. They are well-versed in unique American teaching methods and strive to prepare students for the future by imparting soft skills. The faculty includes:

• Dr. Nina Abdulrazzak, Associate Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences
• Dr. Dimitrios Pispinis, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
• Mr. Mohamed Al Shoqran, Lecturer in Mathematics and Statistics
• Ms. Majdoleen Arekat, Lecturer in Arabic and National Studies
• Dr. Wafa Al Khalifa, Lecturer in Global Human Rights
• Mr. Martin Smithies, Lecturer in English Composition and Business Communication
• Mrs. Khadija AlBari, Natural Sciences Laboratories Technician
• Dr. Maryam Almahdi, Assistant Professor and BBA Program Coordinator
• Dr. Miriam Al Lily, Assistant Professor of Economics and Finance
• Amina Alhawaj, Lecturer in the College of Business and Management
• Dr. Maryam Hashem, Assistant Professor of Human Resources Management
• Ms. Nancy El-Ghoul, Lecturer in the College of Business and Management
• Dr. Layla Mohammed, Assistant Professor in Management
• Dr. Saqer Al Khalifa, Lecturer on Negotiations and Conflict Management
• Dr. Hasan Kadhem, Assistant Professor and Program Lead of the College of Engineering
• Dr. Baraa Sharif, Associate Professor of Computer Science
• Dr. Shazali Osman, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
• Dr. Fatema Akbar, Assistant Professor of Computer Science
• Eng. Mohammad Salameh, Engineering Laboratory Supervisor
• Eng. Herbert Penoso Azuela, Lecturer in Computer Engineering
• Sara Binektas, Lab Demonstrator
• Ms. Khadija Al Mohsin, Lecturer in Computer Science and Capstone Project Coordinator
• Eng. Ebrahim Radhi, Adjunct

A recent study examined the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, with a focus on Bahraini academics' perspectives on ChatGPT. The study explored the potential advantages, ethical dilemmas, and factors influencing educators' attitudes towards AI integration. The findings revealed that AI language models can revolutionize educational content creation and personalize learning experiences. However, ethical concerns, such as bias in generated content and privacy issues, are significant challenges that need to be addressed. The study also investigated the impact of socio-demographic factors, motivations, and social influences on educators' AI adoption.

Bahraini civil servants

Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country in West Asia, situated on the Persian Gulf. The country is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and around 30 smaller islands. Bahrain's economy has long relied on processing crude oil from neighbouring countries, but in recent years, the financial, commercial services, and communications sectors have grown markedly, as has tourism.

The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) is an independent government entity established in 1975 under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet Affairs. The CSB's mission is to supervise human resources in all government entities and to develop the level of the civil service by raising production efficiency and achieving justice.

Employment Application

The CSB's website provides an employment application form for those seeking to join the civil service. The site also provides information on salary and service certificates.

Civil Service Law

The Civil Service Law outlines the provisions that apply to civil service affairs in the state. It applies to all civilian employees in government entities whose salaries are paid from the general budget. The law does not apply to military personnel.

Functions of the Civil Service Bureau

The Bureau undertakes the central supervision of employee affairs in government entities, providing management consultancy and administrative audits. It also:

• Studies draft laws and proposes regulations and resolutions related to civil service.
• Proposes policies, strategies, and objectives related to the development of civil service.
• Establishes administrative audit systems for government entities.
• Reviews the establishment of senior positions and directorates.
• Proposes policies for salaries and benefits to ensure harmony within government entities.
• Proposes government sectors and activities that could be privatised or outsourced.
• Conducts re-engineering of processes and re-organisation of government entities.
• Organises shared services in government entities.
• Determines the appropriate manpower size in government entities.
• Develops rules and criteria for the establishment of government entities.
• Evaluates the nominations of senior civil servants.
• Reviews and estimates manpower budgets in government entities.
• Reviews and approves manpower contracts between government entities and private sector companies.
• Develops a database and management information system for human resources in the civil service.
• Regulates the contracting of specialised consultancy organisations in the field of civil service.
• Regulates the advertisement for vacant positions, including their nominations, examinations, and interviews.
• Follows up on the latest research and development in civil service affairs and networks with international and scientific institutions.
• Endeavours to ensure harmony between education and training outcomes and available job opportunities in government entities.

Employment Relationship and Its Termination

Senior positions and directorates in government entities are established by decree. Positions are filled through permanent or temporary employment, part-time employment, or by contract. The Bureau issues instructions prescribing the rules and control for each type of employment.

Conditions for Appointment

No person shall be appointed to any position subject to the Civil Service Law unless they fulfil the following conditions:

• Be a Bahraini national.
• Be of good conduct and reputation.
• Not previously have been convicted of a criminal offence or received a custodial sentence for a dishonourable crime unless rehabilitated.
• Not previously have been dismissed from government service in accordance with a final judicial ruling or a final disciplinary action.
• Not be less than 17 years of age.
• Be medically fit for the position.
• Sign an undertaking in writing to adhere to the laws, regulations, resolutions, and instructions in force without violating them.
• Satisfy any other conditions prescribed by the Bureau.

Salaries and Benefits

Salaries, benefits, and controls for their entitlement are determined by a resolution issued by the Prime Minister upon a proposal from the Bureau. An employee is entitled to receive their salary and benefits from the date they commence work.

Bahraini businesspeople

Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a small Arab monarchy in West Asia with a high Human Development Index and a high-income economy. Since the late 20th century, Bahrain has invested in the banking and tourism sectors, with many large financial institutions having a presence in the country's capital, Manama.

Bahrain's economy is largely based on petroleum production and processing, which account for 60% of exports and 30% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Other industries include aluminium smelting, offshore banking, ship repairing, and tourism.

Bahrain's population is ethnically diverse, with Shia Bahrainis divided into two main ethnic groups: Baharna and Ajam, and Sunni Bahrainis mainly divided into Arabs and Huwala. The official language of Bahrain is Arabic, although English is widely used, and Balochi is the second most widely spoken language.

Some notable Bahraini businesspeople include:

• Adel Hassan Al A'ali
• Ahmed Behzad
• Abdul Latif Jassim Kanoo
• Abdulaziz Jassim Kanoo
• Ahmed bin Ali bin Abdulla Al Khalifa
• Ali Abdulla Al-Ubaydli
• Abdul Hakim Al-Shammari
• Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo
• Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Zamil

Bahrain has a universal healthcare system, and healthcare expenditure accounted for 4.5% of Bahrain's GDP. The country also has a welfare system, with medical care being free and comprehensive for both nationals and expatriates. Bahrain also provides programs for the elderly and disabled, and has institutes for the blind and physically handicapped.

Bahraini educators

Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country in West Asia situated in the Persian Gulf. The country's economy has long relied on processing crude oil from neighbouring countries, but more recently, the financial, commercial services, and communications sectors have grown markedly, as has tourism.

Bahrain's education system is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14, and is free for Bahraini citizens in government schools. Coeducation is not practised in government schools, with boys and girls segregated into separate schools.

History of Education in Bahrain

At the beginning of the 20th century, Qur'anic schools (Kuttab) were the only form of education in Bahrain. After World War I, Bahrain became open to Western influences, and a demand for modern educational institutions appeared. In 1919, the Al-Hidaya Al-Khalifia School for boys opened in Muharraq, marking the beginning of the modern government school system in Bahrain. In 1926, the Education Committee opened the second government school for boys in Manama, and in 1928, the first government school for girls was opened in Muharraq.

Higher Education in Bahrain

Bahrain has two universities: the University of Bahrain and the Arabian Gulf University. The College of Health Sciences trains nurses and hospital technicians. Other institutions of higher learning include the American University of Bahrain, the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance, the Ernst & Young Training Institute, and the Birla Institute of Technology International Centre.

In 2004, King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa introduced the "King Hamad Schools of Future" project, which uses Information Communication Technology to support K–12 education in Bahrain. The project's objective is to connect all schools within the kingdom to the Internet.

Challenges and Reforms

Bahrain has a mixed economy, with government control of many basic industries. The country's modest oil revenues have been used to build an advanced infrastructure in transportation and telecommunications. However, Bahrain's economy remains heavily dependent on oil and gas, and lower world energy prices have generated sizeable budget deficits.

Bahrain has initiated a series of labour reforms to bring the labour market into line with international standards. The country intends to expand its high-tech industries, invest in research and development, and strengthen its competitive edge within the global economy.

Bahraini lawyers

The legal system in Bahrain is a combination of civil law and Sharia law. When hiring a lawyer in Bahrain, it is important to ensure that they are registered with the Bahrain Bar Society. While there are no restrictions on foreigners hiring lawyers, it is recommended to find a lawyer who is proficient in both English and Arabic to avoid any miscommunication.

Bahrain's legal system is based on a combination of civil law and Islamic law, with the Bahraini Constitution serving as the supreme law of the country. Commercial Law in Bahrain is modern and based on international standards, while Sharia Law is mainly applied to personal matters such as divorce and inheritance among Muslims.

There are many situations where individuals or businesses may require legal services in Bahrain. For example, if you're planning to set up a business, a business lawyer can guide you through the process and ensure compliance with regulations. If you're involved in a dispute, whether commercial, property-related, or personal, a lawyer can protect your interests and guide you through the legal procedures. Lawyers are also necessary when dealing with regulatory bodies or criminal charges.

Bahrain has a range of law firms and legal professionals to choose from for legal representation. Some well-known law firms in Bahrain include:

• Mohamed M. Alkhateeb & Associates: Located in Manama, offering a wide range of legal services for local and international clients in areas such as civil law, commercial law, and corporate law.
• Raees + Co: Known for working to the highest international standards with local expertise in corporate, commercial, litigation, employment, IP, and real estate law.
• Al Doseri Law: A specialist banking, finance, litigation, TMT, and corporate law firm founded by partner Saad Al Doseri.
• Manal Dhahi Legal Consultants: One of the most prominent law firms in Bahrain for its legal services, advice, and assistance in various areas of law.
• Hassan Radhi & Associates: Founded in 1974 by Dr. Hassan Ali Radhi, providing legal consultancy and advice on all facets of Bahraini laws to national and international clients.

These are just a few examples of the many law firms operating in Bahrain, each with its own areas of specialisation and expertise. The availability of legal professionals in Bahrain ensures that individuals and businesses can access the necessary legal support and guidance when needed.

Frequently asked questions