Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain – 1 December 2024 – The Central Bank of Bahrain organized a celebration of Bahraini Women’s Day, in the presence of HE the Governor Khalid Humaidan, Executive Management and female employees. This year, the celebration is under the theme “Women, worthy partner in nation building”, which was carried by the National Strategy for the Advancement of Bahraini Women endorsed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in 2005.

HE the Governor praised the importance of celebrating this day, noting that the CBB is proud of the contribution and distinctive role of Bahraini women in all sectors, and their valuable and equal participation thanks to the continuous support they receive, which reflects the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and efforts of the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in enhancing women’s role as a key partner in building the country. He also praised the efforts of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), led by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King of Bahrain and President of the Supreme Council for Women, in supporting the advancement of women and realizing the principle of equal opportunities to enhance their contributions to national development.

Sh. Mai bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, was the guest of honor and speaker at the ceremony, in her capacity as CBB Board member. Sh. Mai shared her valuable experience gained through her membership on the Board of Directors and in the field of financial investigation. Sh. Mai is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Center for Financial Intelligence at the Ministry of Interior and has more than fifteen years of experience in serving justice, law and order.  She is the first Arab woman in the Middle East and North Africa to hold the position of Director of Financial Investigation Directorate and serves as the regional representative of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units and the first woman to hold the position of Board Member of the Central Bank of Bahrain.

It is worth noting that women in CBB constitute 48% of total employees, with 45% in management positions. In addition, women constitute 43% of the Board of Directors.