Citibank, NA, Bahrain Branch (Citi Bahrain) has announced the expansion of its Global Technology Hub in Manama with the addition of a new state-of-the-art floor. This milestone supports Citi’s plan to hire 1,000 coding professionals over the next decade, enhancing the hub’s capacity to develop digital solutions for Citi’s global business lines.
Established in 2021 through a strategic partnership with Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), and Tamkeen, Citi Bahrain’s tech hub is the region’s first of its kind. The expansion aims to strengthen Bahrain’s growing reputation as a regional technology and financial center, with capabilities spanning Electronic Trading, E-Commerce, Big Data, and AI.
The inauguration of the expanded premises was attended by key officials including Bahrain’s Minister of Sustainable Development Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, CBB Governor Khalid Humaidan, Citi Bahrain CEO Michel Sawaya, and Citi Markets CIO Nikhil Joshi.
Minister Alkhulaif highlighted Citi’s growing impact in Bahrain’s tech ecosystem, emphasizing the country’s skilled talent pool, agile regulations, and strong public-private collaboration driving job creation and skill development. Tamkeen CEO Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez stressed the importance of strategic partnerships like Citi’s in empowering Bahraini nationals with digital skills to contribute to sustainable growth.
Michel Sawaya expressed pride in the hub’s progress since 2021, calling the expansion a strategic step toward achieving hiring targets. Nikhil Joshi noted the opportunity to enhance digital service development in Bahrain to support global clients.
Citi selected Bahrain for its tech hub due to its diverse talent base, supportive regulatory environment, and proactive government backing, positioning the island as a hub for digital innovation.
