The 10 most critical skills that employers in Bahrain prioritise when selecting candidates for employment have been identified in a new study.
Employers, job-seekers, trainers, trainees and graduates were interviewed for the research which revealed that communication proficiency, alongside fluency in both Arabic and English, were the foremost competencies employers in the kingdom sought.
Other skills highlighted were teamwork and collaboration, digital literacy, adaptability and flexibility, problem-solving and critical thinking, customer relationship management, leadership and initiative, innovation and creativity, emotional intelligence, and, finally, entrepreneurial mindset.
Quality Code Consultancy, in collaboration with the Bahrain Society of Private Training Institutes (BSPTI), spoke to 309 respondents, underscoring the kingdom’s efforts to integrating local talent in the labour market.
“This study represents a key component of the society’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the integration of Bahraini talent into the labour market through the identification and promotion of emerging, in-demand skills,” said BSPTI chairman Nawaf Al Jishi.
“Empowering individuals with this comprehensive skill set not only strengthens their competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic employment landscape, but also advances wider national priorities, notably Bahrain’s transition towards a diversified and knowledge-based economy,” he added.
Dr Chris Coutts, lead researcher at Quality Code Consultancy, which caters to educational and training institutions to improve the quality of their services, said that the study monitored labour market recovery trends across 17 sectors, including services, trade, banking and tourism.
She added that the organisations participating in the study represented a broad spectrum, ranging from well-established institutions to those navigating challenges or actively pursuing growth and diversification strategies.
“It is essential to recognise the considerable interconnection among these skills. For instance, effective communication not only facilitates teamwork but also reinforces leadership qualities. In Bahrain’s evolving employment landscape, employers are increasingly seeking well-rounded professionals who demonstrate a balanced integration of technical competencies and soft skills,” she added.
The research further highlighted that teamwork and collaboration skills were also highly valued, particularly given the increasing reliance on multidisciplinary teams within Bahrain’s service, finance and technology sectors, noting that the ability to collaborate effectively is essential for enhancing problem-solving capabilities and executing projects across diverse groups.
The study underscored the importance of ‘digital literacy’, highlighting the need for efficiency in utilising digital platforms and information technology tools.
In parallel, ‘adaptability and flexibility’ were identified as critical in navigating the rapid technological advancements and evolving market conditions.
‘Problem solving and critical thinking’ and ‘customer relationship management’ were also noted as vital, particularly within Bahrain’s thriving service and tourism industries.
Additionally, the study pointed to the growing significance of ‘leadership and initiative’ – attributes increasingly valued in organisations aiming to drive change and foster innovation in a globally competitive environment.
‘Innovation and creativity’ were spotlighted for their role in encouraging fresh ideas and novel approaches, while ‘emotional intelligence’ was cited as pivotal for cultivating positive workplace dynamics, especially under high-pressure conditions.
The study emphasised the importance of an ‘entrepreneurial mindset’, which enables individuals to identify opportunities for improvement and spearhead new initiatives, thereby supporting Bahrain’s broader efforts towards economic diversification.
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