More than 100 young people in Bahrain will have the opportunity to develop future-focused skills, including artificial intelligence, innovation, entrepreneurship, critical thinking, communication and leadership, through the AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation (MKF) 2026 Ithra Summer Programmes.
Held under the theme ‘Skills of the Future’, the initiative reflects the foundation’s ongoing commitment to equipping Bahraini youth with meaningful educational and developmental opportunities aligned with the evolving demands of the labour market.
Running from Monday to August 23, the programmes will be delivered in collaboration with specialised organisations and certified trainers and are divided into four categories tailored to different age groups.
These include Ithra Buds for children aged 10 to 12, focused on building essential life skills; Ithra Young Leaders for ages 13 to 14, aimed at strengthening personal and leadership capabilities; and Ithra Youth for participants aged 15 to 16, designed to enhance academic and career readiness.
Participants aged 13 to 16 will have the chance to explore professional environments through the Job Experience Programme, giving them early practical exposure to the workplace.
The Ithra Buds programme centres on instilling core values, building social skills and strengthening self-confidence through interactive educational activities. Ithra Young Leaders focuses on leadership, communication, critical thinking, initiative and responsibility.
Meanwhile, the Ithra Youth programme is geared towards developing future-ready capabilities through AI workshops, an entrepreneurship track and opportunities to explore university majors and career pathways. The Job Experience Programme complements this by immersing participants in real workplace settings to provide a clearer understanding of future career opportunities.
All programmes will also include sports activities, field experiences and practical challenges, in line with Bahrain’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
MKF board of trustees chairperson Shaikha Zain bint Khalid Al Khalifa said that investing in youth is an investment in the nation’s future, as it keeps pace with global trends in future skills development while preserving national values and authentic Bahraini identity.
“Through our enrichment programmes, we are committed to providing high-quality educational and training experiences that contribute to character building, skills development, and the enhancement of participants’ readiness for their academic and professional futures,” she added.
n Those interested in registering or learning more about MKF’s 2026 Ithra Summer Programmes can visit the foundation’s website at www.mkfbh.com or follow its official social media channels.
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