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Ms. Sahira Ebrahim developed a passion for cooking since her youth. Later on in life, she turned her passion into a business. After graduation from school, she started a food processing (cooking) business and sold her food among friends and family.

Sahira is now widely known among the Bahraini community because of her unique tasteful cooking. She is also the owner of the social media account: Rashat_Bharr which promotes popular cuisine.

To develop her business further, Sahira borrowed BD 600 from Ebdaa Bahrain to purchase necessary equipment for cooking. In doing so, she was able to practice her passion further and reach more of her clients.

Mohammed Maher Abbas is a young Bahraini with high ambition to continuously improve his financial situation. To achieve that goal, he considered creating a unique business to support his main salary from his job at a private sector company.

In 2016, Mohammed’s business came to life when he began selling shoes and bags in the commercial markets. Mohammed knew that in order for a business to grow there are expansions needed -- which could only be possible with a steady cash flow. Thus, he obtained three loans from Ebdaa Bahrain at different time intervals ranging between 300 dinars and 600 dinars.

These loans allowed him to keep his business evolving and expanding. Moreover, Mohammed's commitment to repaying his loans on time have greatly increased his credibility with Ebdaa. His relationship transformed from being just a client to now a continuously evolving and successful partnership.

Ahmed Ghanem Jawhar is a young Bahraini who made a benefit out of his passion to sports. He did this through the opening of a gym at his home in Hamad Town, where he trains people on boxing and bodybuilding.

Ahmed welcomes various age groups, especially youth, and believes that contribution and promotion of public health is very important.

Ahmad business has proven its success, and now he is seeking to develop this project from various aspects, while Ebdaa Bahrain is always ready to support its outstanding customers.

Successful businesses are never stagnant - they require constant evolving and the development of tools and equipment. Issa Naji Mohammed, who owns a garage in Al Hamala area for car and motorcycle repairs, understands this. He has over five years of experience in repairing and programming car computers but wanted to expand his business by adding new types of equipment related to the Hyundai cars.

He was able to finance this expansion by obtaining loans from Ebdaa Bahrain. He received a loan in the amount of BD 2000 which he is now paying back in convenient instalments and with full commitment.

Do you think that all kinds of businesses require creative ideas, plans of action, big capital, employees, captives, and ...?! Of course not.

Hameed Hassan Ali Eid is a client at Ebdaa Bahrain who breeds birds for a living -- hatching and selling them. This was a hobby that Hameed realized doesn’t only have to be fun, but can also be profitable. Working with pets is a wonderful profession, and Hassan is an example of a person who was able to turn their hobby into a job. He was aware that he needed some extra money in order to expand his business to buy more birds. That’s when he applied for a loan at Ebdaa Bahrain, and with the necessary funding, was able to achieve his dream job.

Hamad Abbas Shabib lives in AAli and owns a farm to rent horses and livestock in the area of Karana. Within the field of horses, he specifically trains children on horseback riding and provides them with necessary and basic instructions.

Recently, Hassan wanted to expand his business by adding a new experience -- raising sheep. He reached out to Ebdaa Bahrain and is now grateful for our support in helping to enable his business expand.

Since 01/04/2014, Dr. Khaled Walid Al-Gazawi is serving as the CEO of Ebdaa Microfinance in Bahrain. He came in with over 19 years of experience in microfinance and more than eight years of experience in the financial and banking sector.

Dr. Al-Gazawi holds an Occupational PhD in International Business from the United States and a Master's and Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Finance from Jordan. He is a certified trainer in several areas of Microfinance, such as Business Planning, Impairment Management, Interest Rate setting, Accounting, Operational Risk Management And financial analysis.

Prior to joining the Family of Ebdaa Bahrain, Dr. Al-Gazawi served as the General Manager of Grameen-Jameel for Microfinance in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Prior to that, he served as a resident advisor to the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) in Lebanon, where he led efforts to launch Ebdaa Company for Microfinance in Lebanon and managed to train and build the capacity of employees and launch the Bank's financing activities for the poor in less than 90 days.

Between 2009 and 2012, Khaled served as CEO of the First Microfinance Foundation in Egypt, which is affiliated to the Aga Khan Microfinance Agency in Geneva, Switzerland, and a consultant to the Quality Finance International, which operated out of Cairo between 2007 and 2009.

From early 2006 until the middle of 2007, Khaled operated out of Washington, DC as Director of the Greater Middle East Program at the World Village Banks (FINCA). Between 1999 and 2005, Dr. Al-Gazawi was one of the founders and the CEO of Jordan Microcredit Company (Tamweelcom), one of the leading microfinance companies in Jordan, fully owned by Queen Noor Al Hussein Foundation and funded by the US Agency for International Development. During his tenure, Tamweelcom became one of the leading providers of microfinance services in Jordan and has won prestigious international awards on various occasions for its transparency and dedication to poverty reduction and good governance.

Mr. Al-Munem has been working in microfinance since early 2011 when he joined Ebdaa Microfinance in Syria on April 1, 2011. He has held several positions until he became a Branch Manager in the beginning of 2016. He later moved to Ebdaa Bahrain.

Ghaith started his career in the bank as a loan officer and was soon promoted to a group leader in the bank's branch at Riyadat mall in the Aali area when it was still under construction. He then took charge of the Branch when it was officially launched late 2016, and finally took over the position of Regional Manager responsible for the Riyadat and Hamad Town branches in December of 2017, before he was finally promoted to the Operations Manager position Mid of 2018.

Ms. Hana Salman joined Ebdaa Bahrain in August 2016 as a Loan officer in Operations department. She has quickly settled herself to work with honesty and commitment. Hana started to move up into her journey to undertake the tasks of a group supervisor in May 2017, where she was characterized by mastering the leadership skills. She continued in moving up and doing her best in the same department until she reached a branch manager position in May 2018. Given her excellence and enthusiasm on realizing her goals, Hana, today, serves as a senior credit officer as she was appointed in this position since October 2019.

Hana is persistent and determined in her work. She has always aspired to realize her goals through her excellence and enthusiasm to be the best.

Ms. Hana holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the Arab Open University, Administration Systems specialization. She has also received many of training certificates, primary in the microfinance, customer services, management and leadership skills. Hana has participated in many of the international forums and various events that serve the company and the Bahrain society in whole.

Ahmed has extensive experience in risk management. Prior to joining Ebdaa Bahrain, he worked in S2M Transaction GCC as Risk and Corporate Governance Officer.

He also held the position of Risk Officer at Bahrain National Insurance Company (BNI) from 2015 until 2019.

Mr. Ahmed Al-Aradi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Banking finance from Bahrain Polytechnic. Ahmed is a Professional Risk Manager (PRM) candidate, Associate Professional Risk Manager and the Foundation of Financial Risk professional certificate holder.

Mr. Yousif Qambar has been a member of the Ebdaa team nearly since its establishment. He joined in July 2009 as an Administrative Coordinator in the Human Resources and Administrative Affairs Department. In July 2011, he was appointed as Executive Secretary of the CEO and Board of Directors. Mr. Yousif has demonstrated outstanding skills and continued to gradually upgrade in positions until he was appointed Senior Supervisor of Human Resources and Management at the Bank in April of 2016.

Mr. Yousif holds a specialized diploma from the Bahrain Training Institute and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Arab open University. He also attended several conferences and professional courses and received many certificates in microfinance and specialized certificates in human resources and administrative affairs.

Mr. Ali Mohamed has been working at the Ebdaa Bahrain since 2018. He holds the HNA from the Bahrain Training Institute, Information Systems specialization.

Before joining Ebdaa Bahrain as a technical support officer, Mr. Ali had worked in the Information Technology Department at Alloyed Contracting Company for nine years. He was promoted until he reached a senior technical support officer position. Mr. Ali attended many conferences and professional courses and awarded many international licenses in the field of the information technology.

Ms. Mashael holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Bahrain Polytechnic University. She worked for Citi Islamic Investment Bank for two years before joining Ebdaa Bahrain as an accountant. She was promoted to the position of chief accountant at Ebdaa as of the first quarter of 2018. Ms. Saleh attended several courses in banking, financial management and financial planning.

Mr. Hamzah Qtaishat has been working at Ebdaa Bahrain since March 2015, and has served in several positions until he became the senior first officer - collections at the beginning of 2018.

Hamza began his career with Ebdaa as a loan officer and was then transferred to the collection department as a Collection Officer. He showed outstanding skills and received a promotion to become the Collection Officer in the A’ali branch and then he was promoted to Senior First Officer - Collection. He has also attended numerous conferences and professional courses and has received many certificates in microfinance.

Manama, Feb. 24 (BNA): Ebdaa for Microfinance in Bahrain has participated in the Pre-Work Education and Training Expo, which was held under the patronage of Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan.

About 60 public and private sectors establishments working in the field of education, training and employment participated in the event.

Chief Executive Officer of Ebdaa Bahrain, Dr.Khalid Al Ghazzawi,stated that Ebdaa Bahrain offered a number of vacant positions in various departments and fields, during the exhibition. "We received several applications for employment, during the exhibition, which we are reviewing," he said.

"In addition, we are currently interviewing the applicants for inclusion in the training courses offered by the bank, so they have the opportunity to be potential employees," he added.

He stressed Ebdaa Bahrain interest in participating in such exhibitions and events in order to attract young Bahraini talent, while providing them with training opportunities and quality employment. "This is in line with Ebdaa Bahrain keen interest in raising the percentage of Bahrainis in all our departments, which has currently reached over 80%," he stated.

The bank’s participation in the event comes within the framework of its contribution to programs and activities aimed at supporting Bahraini youth in various fields including the training and employment sector. "This raises the efficiency and capabilities of the national human resources, in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. It supports our mission of providing advanced financing packages for low-income Bahrainis to help them launch micro-projects, which provides them with a decent livelihood," he explained.

Al Ghazzawi highlighted the importance of the Bahrain Training and Education Exhibition in relation to students expected to graduate from secondary school and university.

"Such events showcase educational, training and employment opportunities which are available to these students. It is important given the nature of the requirements of the labor market, apart from the scientific and functional skills required by each profession in different sectors," he concluded.

Ebdaa Bahrain for micro-financing said the Chief Executive of Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) has become a member of the Ebdaa Bahrain board of directors. BDB Chief Executive, Sanjeev Paul, is the successor of Dalal Ismail, who was a BDB representative in the board for over five years.

Ebdaa Bahrain Chairwoman, Mona Yousif Almoayyed, welcomed Paul, who has over 30 years of experience in the banking sector. “The membership will contribute to enhancing co-operation between the banks, both of which work to provide affordable loans for start-up projects and to support the national economy,” said Almoayyed.

Paul’s presence in the board will allow him the opportunity of being closely introduced to the best practices in micro-financing while associating them with the 17 sustainable development goals that are adopted by the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) through its banks existing in nine Arab and African countries.

“It will also help him adopt concepts of development in banking during his service as BDB chief executive,” she said. Almoayyed said Ebdaa Bahrain is keen to coordinate with BDB through Paul. “This is especially to transfer Ebdaa Bahrain clients who expand their projects, and require loans that are higher than the bank loans’ ceiling of BD5000, to BDB,” she stated.

Bahrain hosted a workshop, organized by the Arab Gulf Programme for Development-AGFUND, in the presence of 20 officials representing 10 Arab microfinance institutions representing the branches of AGFUND in Lebanon, Mauritania, Sudan, Syria and Bahrain, as well as officials representing Microfinance institutions from Jordan and Iraq.

The 11-day workshop, facilitated by Dr. Khalid Al Ghazzawi,CEO of Ebdaa Bahrain. The workshop aimed to help microfinance in the Arab region prepare financial and operational management plans for five years, how to strategically plan for MFIs, transform the strategy into operational plans that include measurable numbers, auditing, evaluation and performance correction, and finding on the necessary funding sources and conditions.

The workshop reviewed the methods of advanced financial analysis, including effective measurement of the loan portfolio and financial performance, and finally how to price the loan products in a way that the institution achieves the required sustainability.

During the workshop, participants practiced to develop and update their organizations’ strategy, vision, values and mission, developing operational plans based on new data, identifying strengths and weakness of their organizations and designing new products that meets borrower’s needs.

This workshop comes within the framework of the AGFUND's keenness to strengthen the microfinance industry in the Arab region within its branches and various MFIs, building capacities in this vital field, keeping abreast of national plans to support a wider segment of low-income people, encouraging the emerging SMEs and supporting the national economy.

Bahrain, was selected by AGFUNF to host this workshop for its developed and diversified banking sector to encourage new ideas and new developments in this industry and develop its necessary legislation, led by the Central Bank of Bahrain.

Manama, Sept. 24(BNA): A statement of intent was signed between Ebdaa for Microfinance and the United Nations office of the Kingdom to work jointly on areas of mutual interest, especially the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UN office will work with other UN agencies, programmes, and specially UNDP to provide technical support in integrating the SDGs into the bank’s future strategic plans.

The UN office will provide the necessary knowledge and expertise in this area and will organize a number of workshops by international experts to align the bank’s strategy and services with the SDGs. On the other hand, the bank is looking forward to present this experience in the Kingdom in aligning the strategy and activities with the SDGs during the AGFUND Development Forum and the AGFUND International Award, scheduled for mid-October in Geneva, Switzerland.

The signing ceremony was held at United Nations House in the presence of Dr. Khaled Al-Ghazawi, Chief Executive of Ebdaa Bahrain, and Amin Al-Sharkawi, United Nations Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative, in addition to officials from both sides.

Dr. Al-Ghazzawi expressed his contentment in working with the UN Office in Bahrain, which has an extensive experience in the fields of sustainable development. He explained that the statement of intent reflects the direction of the bank with its founding body, the Arab Gulf Development Program (AGFUND), which linked all its strategic objectives and various programs in development, microfinance, child support, women and education towards the sustainable development goals.

He added: “This statement of intent comes as part of the bank’s efforts to develop its new strategy, which is based on two main pillars: first, the strategy adopted by AGFUND under the guidance and blessing of His Royal Highness Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and second is the action plan adopted by Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain in achieving the SDGs”.

Algosaibi Holding Group has signed a grant agreement with Ebdaa Bahrain, as a nonprofit social financing, that seek to help low-income Bahraini make their way to business.

This grant of BD100, 000 will help enhancing bank’s financial solvency and to increase its ability to expand borrowers list which currently includes more than 2,500 borrowers.

The agreement was signed by Dr Khalid Al Ghazawi, CEO of Ebdaa Bahrain, and Mr Fawaz Algosaibi, CEO of Algosaibi Holding, at the headquarter of Ebdaa Bahrain in Sanabis.

“We grant five types of loans without guarantees to low-income Bahrainis in Ebdaa Bahrain, including Sayidati loan to finance projects run by housewives, in addition to other financing products that suits each borrowers’ project,”. Dr Al Ghazawi said.

“The total amount of one loan varies between five hundred and one thousand dinars, while the average of per loan is only 893 dinars. This support from Algosaibi Group can greatly improve our business, especially as we monitor high rates of sustainability and expansion of borrowed projects”. He added.

CEO of Ebdaa Bahrain welcomed Algosaibi Holding group as a new supporter to bank’s supporters group which including Ms Mona Almoayyed, Mr Khalid Kanoo, Mr Abdulhameed Dwani, AGFUND, Eskan Bank and Bahrain Development Bank. He praised Algosaibi Holding Group as one of the leading Bahraini institutions in the field of promoting the national economy and supporting the Bahraini society.

Mr. Fawaz Algosaibi, CEO of Algosaibi Holding Group, said “This support is a part group’s social responsibility towards Bahraini community, providing support to the the low income population and encouraging them to venture their business would contribute to provide job vacancies, reduce import invoices and support the national economy to achieve Bahrain 2030 vision.”

Mr. Algosaibi praised the efforts made by Ebdaa Bahrain to provide easy financing for low-incomers and prudent management practices implemented by the Bank, which contributed to its financial stability and the constant expansion of borrowers.

Expressing his full confidence in the ability of the bank to manage the amount of support and maximize the benefit from it.

Ebdaa for Microfinance, has launched two new loans “Al Najah” and “Altafawq”, offering more financial unguaranteed loans for Bahraini low-incomers.

The aim of the loans is to encourage low-incomers to venture their business to make the lives of the Bank’s customers better and improve the society.

“We are branding Ebdaa Bahrain as an integral part of the lives of our customers. By launching “Alnajah” and “Altafawq” loans we are expanding our borrowers list which currently has 2,500. The amount of loans between BD200 to 5000, while the average single loan outstanding amount is BD 89,” Said Dr Khalid Al Ghazawi, the CEO of Ebdaa Bahrain.

Dr. Al Ghazawi added: “We want to assure our objectives of contributing to the national economy development as per to the Bahrain National Economy Vision 2030 through expanding the middle class in Bahrain, improving life standards of the targeted group by investing in micro enterprises and promoting entrepreneurial spirit and a culture of self-reliance.”

“We at Ebdaa Bahrain are part of the economic system in the Kingdom of Bahrain. We must keep pace with the development of this system and be pioneers in our business of providing unguaranteed microcredit to support economic growth."

The “Al Najah” loan was designed for home entrepreneurs of both men and women to develop their projects into licensed businesses. This loan provides various amounts of financing to meet the needs of different clients starting from BD600 to BD1400 paid within 18 months.

“Tamaiuz” loan is more flexible in terms of repayment. It is targeting licensed commercial enterprises of both men and women. It is granted to roving entrepreneurs like delivery buses or taxis. It enables customers to repay their loan within 24 months.

With these two loans, Ebdaa Bahrain raises the number of loans it provides to seven, namely, “Sayidati” loan for housewives homemade projects, “Ebaa” loan to support men's home projects, “Al Amal” loan for commercial industrial or service entrepreneurs, “Tamaiuz” loan for CR projects and “Al Mawsimi” loan that is granted for domestic or commercial projects licensed by a commercial or non-licensed register, during holidays, the holy month of Ramadan and Back-to-schools season.

Ebdaa Bahrain for Microfinance will reopen its branch in Hamad Town after a comprehensive maintenance and development process, ensuring to improve convenience for existing customers of the bank and allow for serving additional residents seeking doing business with a local, community bank.

The development process included improvements to the building structure, re-furnishing, advanced lighting system, internal and external internet networks, with a special attention to the electronic system for customers and waiting areas.

“Decision to open a branch location in Hamad Town will improve convenience for existing customers of the bank and allow for serving 2000 residents at Hamad Town and the nearby villages” said Ebdaa Bahrain CEO Dr Khalid Waleed Al Ghazawi

“We are excited about becoming more involved in Hamad Town community and surrounding villages. What’s more, we understand that having involvement in the community means more than just presenting checks. We actively seek out opportunities and look forward to rolling up our sleeves in and around Hamad Town.”

Ebdaa Bahrain is planning to establish more branches in Bahrain’s governorates, with the aim of expanding the bank's clientele and staying close to them, allowing Ebdaa Bahrain to study the requirements of a greater number of microcredit needs in different regions.

Ebdaa Bahrain for Microfinance opened its doors to customers in 2009, currently serving them through three main offices; its headquarters at Sanabis, Riyadat Mall branch at A’ali and Hamad Town branch.

The bank plans to establish two more branches in Muharraq and Sitra as part of an ambitious plan to expand its branches in the Kingdom to five fully integrated branches.

Ebdaa Bahrain for Microfinance celebrated its staff in a special meeting. Attended the ceremony, Ebdaa CEO Dr Khalid Al Ghazawi and staff from all bank’s departments. The meeting included entertainment activities organised by bank’s employees in a family atmosphere that stimulates the continuation of productivity and giving.

Dr. Khalid Waleed Al Ghazawi, CEO of Ebdaa Bahrain, partook in “Middle East Investment Conference” in Cairo, Egypt where international thought leaders, policymakers and key market participants are gathered to discuss trends shaping the Middle East and North Africa region, as well as its role in the global economy.

Dr. Khalid Waleed Al Ghazawi, CEO of Ebdaa Bahrain, called for greater integration of microfinance industry in the Arab world and to enhance its development which provides funding and training for SMEs in the region, especially in countries such as Egypt, Sudan, Mauritania and Jordan.

During a session in “Middle East Investment Conference 2018” hosted by CFA Society Egypt, Dr. Khalid stressed that greater attention is paid by governments and decision makers to microenterprises which contribute significantly to self-sufficiency in goods and services.

“Without underestimating the importance of attracting large foreign investment, we should also be mindful of stimulating and encouraging what can be called local small investors through the provision of affordable financing and training opportunities.” Said Dr. Khalid

Dr. Al-Ghazawi reviewed aspects of the Kingdom's advanced experience in supporting SMEs through enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship by institutions such as the Economic Development Board, Tamkeen, the Bahrain Development Bank, the Supreme Council for Women and others.

“SMEs make up more than 80% of private enterprises in most countries of the region, but do not contribute more than 40% of GDP, so we are constantly challenging how to finance and develop these institutions and increase their activities and competitiveness.” Said Dr. Khalid

Dr. Al Ghazawi, with more than 20 years of experience in microfinance around the world, pointed out the difference between sustainable microfinance provided by financial institutions operating according to clear administrative standards and donations provided by charities, stressing the confusion of the two concepts continued to affect development efforts.

“Although the capital of the SMEs is mainly from donors, our work requires lending to those in need and ensuring the success of their projects and retrieving the loan to grant it to another needy person. This is, of course, different from grants, zakat or charitable giving.” Said CEO of Ebdaa Bahrain Dr. Al Ghazawi

On a related level, Dr. Al Ghazawi stressed the importance of SMEs to ensure their sustainability and cope with advanced banking methods in legislation and risk management such as Blockchain and Fentech and others, in addition to innovating in providing loans and be their partners in their success through consultations and support in commensurate with the nature of business in Arab countries.

He considered that SMEs’ success shouldn’t be measured through the number of loans or beneficiaries, however in loans returns and profit and in measuring the number of projects that have already been able to grow bigger without external support.

This success will contribute to the expansion of financial services to micro-enterprises; reduce the funding gap in this sector, encourage the establishment and licensing of microfinance companies and the availability of funding resources.

Ebdaa Bahrain announced its exclusive sponsorship of the campaign “N3een N3awen” –a social marketing campaign by Public Relations Majors-initiated by a number of students of University of Bahrain (UOB) under the auspices of the president of UOB Dr. Riyadh Hamza.

“N3een N3awen” aims to encourage individuals to positively contribute and actively participate to activate the principle of social solidarity among students of UOB.

Dr. Khalid Waleed Al Ghazawi, CEO of Ebdaa Bahrain, stressed the bank’s keenness to fulfill its social responsibility towards Bahraini society through encouraging volunteerism and increase community partnership and solidarity among all members of society.

CEO of Ebdaa Bahrain praised such voluntary initiatives of Bahraini youth, which reflect their keenness to develop their society, adopt positive attitudes and develop their lifestyles in a modern manner without abandoning their traditions and values.

He pointed out that the Bank is keen to communicate effectively with society, especially undergraduates who are ready towards employability and to venture their ideas into existing projects, stressing that bank is always there to serve and support them through providing easy financing, Micro-development as well as qualitative guidance to ensure the success and development of microenterprises.

Dr. Khalid Al Ghazawi, CEO of Ebdaa Bahrain - Bahrain said that the bank is currently fully reviewing its new strategy to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to support services of Bahrain’s society and economy.

Dr Al Ghazawi assured that the new strategy is based largely on two axes: AGFUND’s adopted strategy under the guidance and blessing of His Highness Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and the national plan to achieve SDGs adopted by the Kingdom of Bahrain.

“Despite the narrow legislative framework through which Ebdaa Bahrain operates, the bank will seek to develop and adjust its strategy in lending products, loan procedures and policies, customer selection, and marketing campaign through social media to achieve the 17 SDGs 2030 approved by the United Nations and adopted by the Kingdom of Bahrain.” Said Dr Al Ghazawi

“Ebdaa Bahrain is achieving a number of SDGs even before this comprehensive review, the bank backs the neediest in Bahrain through providing loans without guarantees and guidance services towards achieving the 17 SDGs. Our commitment to achieve these goals is a voluntary commitment stemming from a high sense of responsibility to be an active part of the national, regional and global efforts.” Said Dr Al Ghazawi

He added: “Since the bank’s establishment, it has been providing loans to more than nine thousand borrowers and currently serves more than 2300 borrowers, meaning we contribute to the establishment of a large number of micro enterprises in the Kingdom of Bahrain. We are working to achieve development conducive to a comprehensive, environment-friendly economic prosperity, ensuring peace and prosperity, and making science, technology and innovation available to all in order to achieve development with a human dimension.”

Dr Al Ghazawi stressed that achieving the fifth goal of the SDGs aimed at “Gender Equality” is reflected in the prudent practices of the bank internally through non-discrimination between employees of both sexes in employment, salaries, allowances, and promotions. It is also evident in the non-discrimination among borrowers on the basis of sex, religion, color, or race.

CEO of Ebdaa Bahrain highlighted the eighth goal “Decent Work and Economic Growth”, stressing the keenness of the bank to provide conducive environment to suit employees competencies and aspiration. It also contributes in national economy development through granting loans to microenterprises.

Dr Al Ghazawi affirmed his keenness to consult with all civil society actors, the private sector and local authorities in order to ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals as effectively as possible.

Dr. Khalid Waleed Al Ghazawi, CEO of Ebdaa Bahrain, talks to the chairman of Iraq Private Banks League Mr. Waleed Al Handal about Bahrain’s experience in Microfinance represented by Ebdaa Bahrain.

A meeting was held at the headquarters of Ebdaa Bahrain, during which Dr Al Ghazawi discussed Bank’s experience over the past nine years and its success during the last three years which allow the bank to provide a working guide in MFIs.

CEO of Ebdaa Bahrain stressed the keenness of the bank to provide the needed experiences and consultations to back MFIs in Iraq, where its need to overcome economic difficulties and increase their contribution to provide loans for citizens.

He pointed that launching more MFIs in Iraq aims to provide citizens with loans and consultations to use their loans to venture and develop their enterprises to SMEs thus to prevent poverty issues in Iraq.

For his part, Mr. Waleed Al Handal stressed the keenness of IPBL to hold meetings and seminars with financial institutions and stakeholders interested in Microfinance at the aim of introducing them to Bahrain’s experience in Microfinance, due to the decreased number of MFIs in Iraq, increased demand for loans provided by MFIs and the urgent need to develop and ensure their sustainable work.

Chairman of Iraq Private Banks League stressed the importance of sharing MFIs experience due to its benefit for the whole banking sector in Iraq. It is to encourage low-incomers to venture their projects at time where Iraq is witnessing decrease of official financial accounts owners.

IPBL delegation visited Ebdaa Bahrain branches to be introduced to its experience with loaners’ projects.

Ebdaa Bahrain has agreed with a proposal to microfinance project adopted by charities due to its sustainability to develop their financial resources thus to achieve their objectives to support low-income families. At a time that donations are very less compared to the people needs.

CEO of Ebdaa Bahrain Dr Waleed Al Ghazawi welcomed Almajdouie Group, stressing the need of GCC to adopt microfinance due to its benefit for charity donations.

This concept would help more citizens to launch their business venture through which national private sector can provide local market needs of services and products and would provide job vacancies.

Dr Al Ghazawi stressed the keenness of Ebdaa Bahrain to provide institutions and charities with necessary expertise which would develop their business. The success of Microfinance experience is considered a leading model for charity institutions to develop their business to advanced levels.

CEO of Ebdaa Bahrain said, “Microfinance policy is based on a simple concept referred to a proverb that says “do not feed a fish to hungry, he would ask for more however teach him how to be fisher.” Microfinance is based on exploring actual needs of people to launch their own business through giving advice, consultation, training and follow-up until he can take charge of his project himself.”

Almajdouie Group visits Bahrain to share ideas and experience through which it would develop their sustainable charity projects. Addressing poverty through Microfinance would support the new project of Almajdouie Group “Basta”, where six booths were launched in KSA distributed in Dammam and Al Khobar.

This project aims to support Kiosks to develop their projects. It is applied in many developing countries and has had a major impact on addressing poverty.

Dr Khalid Waleed Al Ghazawi, CEO of Ebdaa Bahrain, honored a number of employees who were distinguished for their outstanding performance in recent years as a part of Bank’s staff motivation program to encourage them for an enhanced performance and productivity.

Mrs. Maryam Hassan Sultan from Hamad Town branch and Ali Al Kamil from Riyadat Mall were awarded for achieving the highest productivity whilst the most productive branch award was honored to the Banks’ branch staff at Riyadat.

During the ceremony, Dr Khalid Al Ghazawi praised the outstanding role played by the Bank’s creative staff to achieve the best results at all levels. He stressed the efficiency of operations and resources managements at a time where worldwide banks recording general revenue declines and raised operating expenses.

He pointed that this celebration is to thank Ebdaa Bahrain staff for their distinguished productivity due to achieve further upgraded work relying on Bank’s human capital.