Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain – 20 th Feb 2025:
The Labour Fund “Tamkeen” has announced the training of three Bahrainis in the field of video
game development at the renowned Japanese company, NatsumeAtari. This initiative is part of
the Global Ready Talent Program, aimed at empowering Bahrainis by enhancing their skills and
accelerating their professional growth in emerging fields through international training
experiences with leading global companies.
This support aligns with Tamkeen’s strategic priorities for 2025, which focuses on enhancing the
position and competitiveness of Bahrainis in the private sector, equipping Bahrainis with suitable
skills for career development in the private sector, and prioritizing enterprise growth, digitization,
and sustainability, and supporting the development of the ecosystem surrounding the labor
market and private sector.
On this occasion, Her Excellency Ms. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of the
Labour Fund (Tamkeen), stated: "At Tamkeen, we are committed to providing training
opportunities for Bahraini talent in innovative and globally in-demand fields. The initiative to train
Bahrainis at NatsumeAtari represents a significant step in enhancing their skills in the video
game industry, one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide. The gaming industry in the GCC
region alone is estimated to be worth around USD 821 million. The Global Ready Talent
Program aims to provide participants with hands-on experience at international companies,
accelerating their professional growth and supporting our strategic goals for 2025, which focus
on enhancing Bahraini competitiveness and fostering the growth and sustainability of local
enterprises."
Meanwhile, Mr. Hiro Koide, CEO of NatsumeAtari, expressed his delight in welcoming and
training Bahraini talent at the company. He stated: "We are fully prepared to welcome and train
young Bahraini professionals, as this represents a great opportunity to build fruitful ties between
Japan and the Kingdom of Bahrain. Through this year-long program, we hope to share the
knowledge and expertise we have gained in Japan with young Bahraini developers, contribute
to the growth of the gaming industry in the Kingdom, and serve as a bridge connecting the
gaming industries of Japan and the Middle East."
As part of the program, participants will gain hands-on experience in video game development
and project management based on Japanese methodologies. They will also learn the Japanese
language and culture, fostering cultural exchange between Japan and Bahrain. Additionally, the
trainees will work on projects that allow them to leverage their cultural understanding of the
Middle East’s market unique needs.
Founded in Osaka, Japan, NatsumeAtari has been a pioneering company in the video game
development industry for over three decades. The company is known for its innovative
contributions to both the local and global gaming sectors.
Tamkeen has introduced various programs designed to support employment and career
development for Bahraini professionals, ensuring they remain the first choice of employment in
the labor market. Additionally, Tamkeen offers multiple enterprise support programs to
strengthen the private sector, positioning it as the main driver of economic growth in the
Kingdom.
