Despite the twin shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and declining oil prices, 2020 has proven an encouraging year for Bahrain, underscoring the Kingdom’s agility, resilience and innovative spirit even in times of crisis. As we move forwards into 2021, we look back over some of the exciting developments, successes and new entrants into the Bahrain ecosystem during 2020. We are delighted to present some of the highlights for you below.
Tap Payments
Tap now supports over 20000 customers and has a digital hand in securing tens of thousands of transactions easily and efficiently for consumers all around the world. If you’re running a business of any kind and need a simple, powerful way to start selling online and accept payments using goSell and the possibility to bill clients and collect online payments using goCollect, Tap was built specifically for you.
Aion Digital
With a modern tech stack, Aion creates exceptional user experience for banks to engage customers across any platform. Aion works with banks to solve the most critical challenges, whether it is the cost to change to a digital business model, revenue attrition or dislocated profit pools. Aion built the first unified, virtual banking market for 34 million GCC nationals that altogether changed the basis of competition.
Amalfi Foods
Amalfi Foods specializes in manufacturing Japanese specialty baked goods and confectionery. Their journey began in 2015, and in 2020 Amalfi launched its first product under the “Fluffy” brand name, which consists of Japanese pancakes in various flavors, and is supplied to various supermarkets and hypermarkets in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Amalfi is currently undergoing an expansion via a USD 2.08 Mn investment in new production lines for the manufacturing of Japanese-style waffles as well as new baked product lines that will be announced in due course.
IREC
As a pioneer company in the field of renewable energy, IREC has been offering complete renewable solutions, tailored to individual customer requirements. IREC’s recommendations are based on a thorough understanding of the renewable energy market and the bottom-line financial considerations governing their customer’s investment.
With years of experience in designing, engineering and building customized renewable products and over 500 solar sites so far, IREC prides itself on delivering the most technically appropriate product to ensure it provides efficient and measurable outcomes.
LiveMe
LiveMe creates authentic connections between people as one of the world’s most popular live video broadcasting platforms. The China-based app connects creators — musicians, singers, actors, DJs, storytellers and comedians — with an authentic fanbase. Established in 2016, the highest-grossing live broadcasting platform gained over 110 million downloads across 230 countries, with over 20 million downloads and half a million daily active users in the MENA region alone. LiveMe established their regional HQ in Bahrain, with plans to expand their active presence in the region.
LiveMe was listed as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2018 and was ranked No. 1 live video streaming app in the US (Google Store) and No. 5 free social platform globally (Apple App Store).
Data Direct
Data Direct Group is a UAE-based professional BPO service provider that provides outsourcing services ranging from Contact Centers, Customer Care, Document Management and IT Outsourcing Services across Middle East, Africa and Asia. With over seven hundred employees across countries, Data Direct Group offers customer centric solutions which help ease document and data processing, business processes, customer acquisition and retention. It intends to support the mission of comprehensive digital transformation across industries in the region. Data Direct Group is establishing Data Direct Bahrain as part of their back-office operations in Bahrain to focus on servicing the market through outsourcing call center operations and robust training programmes for local talent. In addition, Data Direct Bahrain aims to have over 50% women-centric workforce in the call center, providing opportunities for women to work in an empowering environment that will enhance their skills through training and career growth opportunities.
Ordable
Ordable, a software company based in Kuwait, launches a fully integrated e-commerce experience for small, medium and large enterprises. The white-label platform connects with multiple payment gateways and delivery companies to provide a seamless experience to business owners. Ordable chose Bahrain as its regional HQ and plans to be a key player in the national drive for e-commerce.
SINC
SINC is a mobile and web platform that streamlines communication and reporting amongst workers both in the field and at the office. With SINC, managers have access in real-time to time cards, location tracking, scheduling, job tracking, cost code tracking and more. The SaaS system enables users to run payroll efficiently, schedule workforce, record field notes and quickly generate applicable reports that help improve job profitability and reduce risk. Bahrain is set to be SINC’s global headquarters, with both co-founders having relocated to Bahrain. SINC is available worldwide for iOS, Android and web browsers.
From Japanese pancakes to borderless digital banking; from the streaming revolution to the renewables revolution, 2020, in spite of its challenges, has been a year of milestones met and progress made for Bahrain. Middle Eastern innovation was on display throughout one of the most challenging years for sectors across the board globally; the successes above are just some examples of the results. We look forward to an equally exciting 2021.
