BAB Announces Winners of Second Digital Innovation Awards
October 8, 2026
The Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB) hosted its annual reception for Bahraini banks at Dusit Thani Bangkok, attended by H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy; H.E. Khalid Ebrahim Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain; and H.E. Khalil Yaqoob AlKhayat, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Kingdom of Thailand. The reception took place alongside the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, held in the Thailand capital from 12 to 18 October 2026.
The reception convened representatives of Bahrain’s banking and financial sector alongside their international counterparts for discussions on the evolving global economic landscape and prospects for cross-border partnerships. It underscored BAB’s commitment to advancing the international reach of Bahraini banks, highlighting the depth of the sector’s expertise and institutional capabilities, and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional financial hub.
The reception was supported by a distinguished group of financial institutions. Platinum Sponsors include Bahrain Bourse, National Bank of Bahrain, BBK, SICO Bank, and Investcorp. Gold Sponsors include Bank ABC, Gulf International Bank, and Khaleeji Bank, while Silver Sponsors include AlSalam Bank, GFH Bank, and National Bank of Kuwait.
Mr. Yaser Alsharifi, Chairman of the Bahrain Association of Banks, said: “The Bahrain Banks Reception comes at a time when changes in the global economy are reshaping priorities across the financial sector. Dialogue among industry leaders is essential to identifying new avenues for growth and addressing shared challenges. This gathering provides an opportunity to strengthen the trust that underpins banking and develop relationships built on mutual interests and a long-term perspective."
“Bahrain’s banking sector draws on a wealth of expertise and a highly skilled workforce to help shape the future of financial services. We are committed to translating these strengths into new opportunities for business and investment, strengthening the sector’s competitiveness and its contribution to the Kingdom’s economic development.”
Mrs. Zeeba Askar, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Association of Banks, said: “We extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors, supporting institutions and member banks for their contribution to the success of the Bahrain Banks Reception. Their support reflects a shared commitment to advancing the sector’s interests through collective collaboration."
"The reception provides a valuable setting for banking leaders to discuss strategic priorities, exchange insights and identify areas where their institutions’ expertise and capabilities can support mutually beneficial partnerships. “Through this annual gathering, BAB supports its members’ strategic priorities by creating opportunities for dialogue that can develop into lasting institutional relationships. The active involvement of Bahraini banks is instrumental to the reception’s success, bringing valuable expertise and perspective to discussions with the international financial community.”
