Bahrain Islamic launches the “Innovation Studio” in cooperation with “Visa” and “Innovate for Bahrain”

Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB), the leading bank in providing innovative and simplified Islamic digital banking services in the Kingdom of Bahrain, announced the launch of the “Innovation Studio” initiative, a pioneering program developed in cooperation with Visa International and “Innovate for Bahrain”. This initiative aims to support emerging talents in the field of fashion and jewelry design in the Kingdom of Bahrain, by providing them with the tools and expertise necessary to transform their ideas into successful projects and brands.

Over a period of three months, the program will provide participants with practical workshops, guidance sessions and personal guidance from specialized experts, in addition to providing them with commercial banking solutions and financial advice from specialized employees from Bahrain Islamic Bank, to support the development of their projects and enable them to compete at the international level, noting that entries have been received starting from October 26, 2025.

During the program, ten designers will be selected to present their ideas before the judging panel, with six of them qualifying to present their designs in the grand final show. At the conclusion of the programme, the six finalists will present their designs during the final presentation, in front of a judging panel composed of experts, industry leaders and potential partners. The two winners will receive major prizes, including an all-expenses-paid trip to New York to meet international designer Reem Acra for the Best Fashion Designer award, and a mentorship and training experience at the Van Cleef & Arpels factory in the United Kingdom for the Best Jewelry Designer award.

Participants will be evaluated based on creativity, originality and sustainability, as well as business vision and their ability to develop brands capable of competing in local and international markets.

In this regard, Mrs. Fatima Al Alawi, CEO of Bahrain Islamic Bank, said: “We are proud to support emerging talents and creative entrepreneurs in the Kingdom of Bahrain by giving them practical opportunities that link innovation and actual growth in the market, as the “Innovation Studio” combines financial empowerment, professional guidance, and media exposure, which enhances the confidence of designers to implement their creativity on the ground. This partnership is in line with our vision to embrace and nurture local talent and enhance Bahrain’s position as a regional center for creative projects.

Ahmed Al-Qaffas, Regional Director of Visa in Bahrain, also commented: “Through the Innovation Studio, Visa works to support creative entrepreneurs in Bahrain, by providing an inspiring environment that helps them transform their ideas and creativity into real opportunities, and enables them to develop their businesses and grow in the local market, and move towards competition and shine globally.”

For his part, Bader Sater, CEO of Bahrain FinTech Bay, under whose umbrella the Create for Bahrain initiative falls, added: “The Innovation Studio initiative is a collaborative platform that aims to consolidate the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a center for creative industries and nurture the next generation of designers. By combining innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship, the program enables Bahrain’s fashion and jewelry designers to transform… Their ideas into sustainable projects.”

This initiative confirms Bahrain Islamic Bank’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, promoting innovation across various sectors, and contributing to advancing national economic development in the long term.

Bahrainis over the age of 21, who hold a valid Visa card from Bahrain Islamic Bank, can apply on the “Innovation Studio” platform by visiting the following link:[[