British Chamber of Commerce Bahrain

It was great to get some one to one time with our new member Braxtone Group and Jaffer Mazaal at their fantastic Seef premises and insurance call centre. They’re actively adding to the Bahrain insurance market with positive messages around sector growth. Congratulations to the team on their Chartered Insurance Institute confirmation as an International Professional Partner Firm!

2/2 Some photos from our Fireside Chat lunch this week. Thank you again to Suzy Al Zeerah, Sam Yearsley, Fawaz Ghazal, and Cassie McGoldrick for their interesting insights.

Some photos from our Fireside Chat lunch this week. Thank you again to Suzy Al Zeerah, Sam Yearsley, Fawaz Ghazal, and Cassie McGoldrick for their interesting insights.

A big thank you to Bahrain FinTech Bay and Suzy Al Zeerah for her masterful moderation of our session yesterday, providing an array of current industry trends insights including:

- Fintech is supported by a very collaborative relationship with government entities and the private sector as well as the regional partnerships Bahrain FinTech Bay has
- Ultimately fintechs will flow to a region that has a solid infrastructure in order to scale
- ⁠Takeaways from this are that fintechs need to adopt a multi country strategy in the region and to look where there are local incentives that support their expansion plans

Big thanks also to our other panelists Sam Yearsley, Head of Venture Building of Spring Studios; Fawaz Ghazal, Chief Executive Officer of FLOOSS and Cassie McGoldrick, Regional Director for Financial Services of The British Embassy Dubai

If you didn't register yet, do so today! Register here: https://tr.ee/AM8Tj9KZl_
The Future of Fintech: Growth Strategies in Bahrain & the GCC

Join us for our next networking lunch, a Fireside Chat with Suzy Al Zeerah, COO of Bahrain FinTech Bay; Sam Yearsley, Head of Venture Building of Spring Studios; Fawaz Ghazal, Chief Executive Officer of FLOOSS and Cassie McGoldrick, Regional Director for Financial Services of The British Embassy Dubai

When: Tuesday 25 June
Where: Gulf Hotel
Time: Registration and networking from 12pm
Speaker presentation and lunch from 12:45pm
Costs: BD17 members and BD20 for guests (inclusive of VAT)
Includes a 3-course meal with selected beverages sponsored by Gulf Brands International

Warmest greetings to all our members and followers on the occasion of Eid Al Adha.

The Future of Fintech: Growth Strategies in Bahrain & the GCC

Join us for our next networking lunch, a Fireside Chat with Suzy Al Zeerah, COO of Bahrain FinTech Bay; Sam Yearsley, Head of Venture Building of Spring Studios; Fawaz Ghazal, Chief Executive Officer of FLOOSS and Cassie McGoldrick, Regional Director for Financial Services of The British Embassy Dubai

When: Tuesday 25 June
Where: Gulf Hotel
Time: Registration from 12pm
Speaker presentation and lunch from 12:45pm
Costs: BD17 members and BD20 for guests (inclusive of VAT)
Includes a 3-course meal with selected beverages sponsored by Gulf Brands International
Register here: https://tr.ee/AM8Tj9KZl_

GCC network collaboration:

On a quarterly basis, we host a call with all the British Chambers and equivalents across the Gulf region - including: Abu Dhabi, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait.

These meetings provide invaluable opportunities to exchange ideas and insights, discuss best practices, and address any challenges. Crucially, they also allow us to leverage timely synergies and identify collaborative opportunities to enhance our collective impact for British business in the region.

By staying closely connected and aligned, we ensure that our efforts are more coordinated and effective, ultimately benefiting the communities we serve.

The BCCD can facilitate introductions across the GCC and the globe through the British Chambers of Commerce International Network.

British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi
British Business Forum Oman
Qatar British Business Forum QBBF
British Chamber of Commerce Bahrain
The Riyadh Group for British Business
British Business Forum Kuwait

The friendships and collaboration remain strong between Bahrain and UK. Many former and current residents and members recently attended the Bahrain Society Summer Reception at the House of Commons in London.

Our thanks and appreciation to Noora Jamsheer, CEO of Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones (DANAT) for a very interesting and enlightening presentation on DANAT and the national plan to revive the pearl sector.

Natural pearls were once the most popular gem used by societies throughout history as a symbol of eternal love and uniqueness; Bahrain was the capital of the pearl trade. The presentation took us through the history of the natural pearl trade, with a focus on Bahrain’s role in the development of the industry.

Our Executive Committee member Omar Khalifa Shaheen met with Anne-Marie Martin FCMI, Director of Membership at British Chambers of Commerce in London, to discuss bilateral ways of cooperation with Bahrain and the rest of the GCC.

Reminder: Please join us for our next business networking lunch with guest speaker Noora Jamsheer, CEO of Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones (DANAT) Register here: https://tr.ee/rHJ_9r_QUO

When: Tuesday 21st May 2024, 12:00 - 14.30
Where:InterContinental Bahrain, an IHG Hotel, Rifaa ballroom
Costs: members BD 17 and guests BD 20

Topic: DANAT & The National Plan to Revive the Pearl Sector
Natural pearls were once the most popular gem used by societies throughout history as a symbol of eternal love and uniqueness; Bahrain was the capital of the pearl trade. The presentation is a walk through the history of the natural pearl trade, with a focus on Bahrain’s role in the development of the industry.

About our speaker: Noora Jamsheer is the CEO of the Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT)
Noora Jamsheer graduated with honors from Babson College in the United States of America in 1997 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance, Investments, and Economics. She began her professional journey as a financial analyst at TAIB Bank and HSBC Financial Services. In 2002, Noora joined the recently formed Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre and was responsible for executing the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in the UAE. In 2004, Noora was designated as the first CEO of the Dubai Diamond Exchange. During that period, Noora actively contributed to the KPCS Secretariat and participated in review missions to other KP participant countries.

In 2009, Noora joined the United Nations Security Council Group of Experts as an expert on diamonds to monitor the effectiveness of sanctions related to finance and natural resources.

After returning to Bahrain, Noora assumed the position of CEO of DANAT in 2019.

Noora holds a Bachelor’s degree as well as a Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice from Boston University. Furthermore, she obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Transformation from both MIT and Columbia University. Mrs. Jamsheer is a qualified specialist in rough diamonds and a trained professional in diamond grading, having received training from GIA and HRD.

Read the interviews of our esteemed Chairman Khalid Rashid Al Zayani OBE and Paula Boast MBE in Bahrain This Month's UK special supplement where both shed light our conversion to a chamber and more!

British Chamber of Commerce Bahrain - A Historic Move After years of providing essential services and networking opportunities for the Kingdom’s local business community, the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) has transitioned into the British Chamber of Commerce Bahrain (BCOCB). Kristian Harrison spoke with the BCOCB’s Chairman, Khalid Rashid A...

Please join us for our next business networking lunch with guest speaker Noora Jamsheer, CEO of Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones (DANAT)

When: Tuesday 21st May 2024, 12:00 - 14.30
Where:InterContinental Bahrain, an IHG Hotel, Rifaa ballroom
Costs: members BD 17 and guests BD 20
Register here: https://tr.ee/rHJ_9r_QUO

Topic: DANAT & The National Plan to Revive the Pearl Sector
Natural pearls were once the most popular gem used by societies throughout history as a symbol of eternal love and uniqueness; Bahrain was the capital of the pearl trade. The presentation is a walk through the history of the natural pearl trade, with a focus on Bahrain’s in the development of the industry.

About our speaker: Noora Jamsheer is the CEO of the Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT)

Noora Jamsheer graduated with honors from Babson College in the United States of America in 1997 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance, Investments, and Economics. She began her professional journey as a financial analyst at TAIB Bank and HSBC Financial Services. In 2002, Noora joined the recently formed Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre and was responsible for executing the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in the UAE. In 2004, Noora was designated as the first CEO of the Dubai Diamond Exchange. During that period, Noora actively contributed to the KPCS Secretariat and participated in review missions to other KP participant countries.

In 2009, Noora joined the United Nations Security Council Group of Experts as an expert on diamonds to monitor the effectiveness of sanctions related to finance and natural resources.

After returning to Bahrain, Noora assumed the position of CEO of DANAT in 2019.

Noora holds a Bachelor’s degree as well as a Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice from Boston University. Furthermore, she obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Transformation from both MIT and Columbia University. Mrs. Jamsheer is a qualified specialist in rough diamonds and a trained professional in diamond grading, having received training from GIA and HRD.

Thank you to Sandi Rhys Jones, OBE, FCIOB, the current President of The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) who joined us for a Fireside Chat recently to discuss the topic of future proofing the construction industry.

We had an interesting discussion with her on all things related to construction including:
- Bahrain skill gaps and talent development
- Industry challenges locally, regionally and globally
- Equity diversity and inclusion in construction
- Better construction for our society and communities
- Diversity of her project experiences to avoid conflict and reach consensus

MEET ME @ THE HUB
Our Hub guest is Mr Paris Rayman-Bacchus. He is the Deputy to the Chief Negotiator of the UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Following our recent FTA updates at the AGM we would like to invite you to a Q&A session on Monday 6 May. This will be an opportunity to hear updates on the negotiation process from him directly and also a chance to share your views and to ask questions around the FTA generally.

When: May 6, 2024, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Where: Servcorp offices 22nd floor, Bahrain Financial Harbour West Tower
Register here: https://tr.ee/kSjJitB3cV

Members complimentary, Non-members BD 5.
Places are limited for this event and preference will be given to members.

Thank you to all who attended the AGM meeting, helping us to reach our quorum. We are happy to report that after the AGM formalities, we are in the final steps on our journey to complete our conversion from the BBBF to the British Chamber of Commerce Bahrain. We have many exciting things planned for the future and we look forward to having you share our journey.

One of our key objectives is to enhance correlations and synergies for business, trade and investment between:
British Embassy Bahrain
Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
UK Export Finance (UKEF)
Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB)
Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI)
Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC)

We will keep you posted on our future plans, services to be provided and of course our upcoming events, with many new things in the pipeline.

Last chance to register! Few seats remaining on our next event in partnership with The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Join us for a Fireside Chat with renowned and formidable industry leader - Sandi Rhys Jones, OBE, FCIOB Register here: https://tr.ee/pHzHoGleRA

When: April 28, 2024 from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Where: Servcorp offices 22nd floor, Bahrain Financial Harbour West Tower
Cost: Members complimentary and guests BD 5

Topic: Future proofing the construction industry
Sandi is the current President of The Chartered Institute of Building. As an industry champion we look forward to a diverse discussion with her on all things construction including:
- Bahrain skill gaps and talent development
- Industry challenges locally, regionally and globally
- Equity diversity and inclusion in construction
- Better construction for our society and communities
- Diversity of her project experiences to avoid conflict and reach consensus

BCCB in partnership with The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) invites you to join us for a Fireside Chat with renowned and formidable industry leader - Sandi Rhys Jones OBE FCIOB

When: April 28, 2024 from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Where: Servcorp offices 22nd floor, Bahrain Financial Harbour West Tower
Cost: Members complimentary and guests BD 5
Register here: https://tr.ee/pHzHoGleRA

This event is on a first come first served basis with members given priority so please do register early.

Topic: Future proofing the construction industry
Sandi is the current President of The Chartered Institute of Building. As an industry champion we look forward to a diverse discussion with her on all things construction including:
- Bahrain skill gaps and talent development
- Industry challenges locally, regionally and globally
- Equity diversity and inclusion in construction
- Better construction for our society and communities
- Diversity of her project experiences to avoid conflict and reach consensus

Dear members, we need you to attend the AGM to reach our quorum! If you haven't registered yet, please do so today here: https://tr.ee/iFSZ_nxf27

Business Networking Meeting and AGM - Tuesday 23 April from 5 - 7.30 pm. Complimentary for members!

Join us for our next networking meeting and the final BBBF AGM. It's been quite a journey over the last almost 30 years. So, to all of our members, old and new, your AGM attendance and participation are more vital than ever before. We must reach our required quorum as a priority. Moreover, at this meeting we will be presenting and voting on the final resolutions required for our transition to the British Chamber of Commerce Bahrain.

Where: InterContinental Bahrain
Time: Registration from 5pm
Meeting: 5:30pm to 6:30pm followed by networking
Costs: Members complimentary
and non-members / guests BD12 incl. VAT
Includes selected beverages, light snacks and a raffle draw

Reminder! Business Networking Meeting and AGM - Tuesday 23 April from 5 - 7.30 pm. Complimentary for members!

Dear member,

Join us for our next networking meeting and the final BBBF AGM. It's been quite a journey over the last almost 30 years. So, to all of our members, old and new, your AGM attendance and participation are more vital than ever before. We must reach our required quorum as a priority. Moreover, at this meeting we will be presenting and voting on the final resolutions required for our transition to the British Chamber of Commerce Bahrain.

Where: InterContinental Bahrain
Time: Registration from 5pm
Meeting: 5:30pm to 6:30pm followed by networking
Costs: Members complimentary
and non-members / guests BD12 incl. VAT
Includes selected beverages, light snacks and a raffle draw
Register here: https://tr.ee/iFSZ_nxf27