Tamkeen, M42 partner to expand healthcare initiatives in Bahrain

The Labour Fund (Tamkeen) of Bahrain and M42, a global health company specialising in artificial intelligence, advanced technology and genomics, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand healthcare initiatives in the Kingdom. The partnership will establish the Amana Academy — a simulation-based training centre at Amana Healthcare Bahrain — introduce digital healthcare tools including an AI-powered clinical assistant and a patient application, and roll out targeted training and employment programmes to boost Bahrainisation in the sector. Amana Academy is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.

"Through our collaboration with M42, we aim to empower Bahrainis in the healthcare sector with the specialised skills required to succeed, while supporting their employment and career progression in a way that contributes to developing qualified national talent capable of keeping pace with the sector’s advancement," said H.E. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of the Labour Fund Tamkeen. "This also reflects Tamkeen’s commitment to working with strategic partners to deliver high-quality opportunities that contribute to sustainable growth and enhance the competitiveness of national talent, in line with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s direction to develop the healthcare sector and enhance its efficiency."

Partnership scope and initial offerings

The MoU sets out a phased programme beginning with upskilling Amana Healthcare Bahrain staff and then expanding to specialised and allied healthcare professionals across Bahrain. The Amana Academy will feature an auditorium, multiple classrooms and a simulation wing to provide structured, hands-on medical training. Initial activity will focus on developing capabilities of Amana Healthcare employees before widening enrollment.

• Establishment of Amana Academy as a simulation-based training centre (opening Q4 2026).
• Introduction of digital healthcare initiatives across the public sector, including an AI-powered clinical assistant and a dedicated patient application.
• Training and career progression programmes for doctors, particularly general practitioners, and allied health professionals.
• Efforts to increase Bahrainisation at Amana Healthcare Bahrain and create new employment pathways for nationals.

Dr. Mohamed Ameen Al Saati, Chief Executive Officer of M42 Bahrain, framed the initiative as an extension of the company’s regional expertise: "This announcement reflects the importance of public-private partnership in creating sustainable institutional impact and embodies the shared commitment of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UAE to advancing the healthcare sector, developing national talent, and achieving lasting regional outcomes. Through the Amana Academy, we aim to transfer the proven healthcare expertise that M42 has developed over years in Abu Dhabi, to create a platform that places national capacity building at the core of its priorities."

Context and background

The partnership builds on existing collaboration between Tamkeen and M42, including support for Amana Healthcare Bahrain — the Kingdom’s first long-term care and post-acute rehabilitation hospital developed through a strategic partnership between Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat) and M42. That facility has already created more than 300 employment opportunities for Bahrainis and strengthened specialist healthcare services in the country.

Outlook

Amana Academy is described as the first of several planned initiatives under the Tamkeen–M42 partnership aimed at strengthening Bahrain’s healthcare workforce and supporting long-term sector development. Future programmes will pursue higher Bahrainisation levels, further professional development for doctors and allied staff, and additional technology-led interventions intended to improve care quality and accessibility across public and private healthcare providers.