2025 Laureate
Dr. Fatima
Albalooshi
Dr. Fatima Mohammed Albalooshi is a visionary leader in public service, innovation, and digital transformation. As a trailblazer in Bahrain’s government, she has combined empathy with technology to shape policies that improve lives and expand opportunity. Through her commitment to education, health, and digital inclusion, Fatima has become a driving force for progress across the Arab world, inspiring future generations to lead with both intellect and compassion.
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1992
Earns Doctor of Education from Columbia University
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2001
Appointed to the Supreme Council for Women by His Majesty King Hamad
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2005
Begins term as Minister of Social Development, Kingdom of Bahrain
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2011
Awarded the First-Class Order of Bahrain
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2025
Inducted into the Global Business Hall of Fame
Born in Bahrain, Dr. Fatima Mohammed Albalooshi’s career has been defined by a deep belief that technology should serve people, not the other way around. Early in her academic journey, she recognized how digital tools could make government services more accessible and efficient. That vision led her to earn a PhD in computer science from the University of London, where she developed a foundation in systems design and government frameworks that would later shape national policy. She also holds a master’s degree in instructional technology and media, a PhD in computing in education from Columbia University in New York, and a bachelor’s degree in science from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.
Dr. Albalooshi’s public career began in higher education, where she worked to strengthen Bahrain’s academic and digital capabilities. At the University of Bahrain, she served as a professor of educational technology, later becoming head of the Department of Educational Technology and dean of the College of Education. She helped establish the university’s Bachelor of Science in Educational Technology and Bachelor of Arts in Education programs; launched the school’s first online course in 2001, which led to the creation of its e-learning center; and developed computer labs, video studios, and digital recording facilities. She also oversaw the authorship of national computer-technology textbooks for secondary schools and founded the Women and Information Technology Committee at the Bahrain Information Technology Society.
She then transitioned into government, joining the Ministry of Social Development, where her technical expertise and leadership skills quickly distinguished her. In 2005, she was appointed Minister of Social Development, becoming one of the first women in Bahrain’s cabinet and marking a milestone for gender inclusion in leadership. She held that role until 2014—the longest tenure of any female minister in Bahrain—and between 2010 and 2012 was the first woman to head three ministries simultaneously: the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Human Rights.
During her nine years as minister, Dr. Albalooshi led initiatives to expand social services, promote digital accessibility, and strengthen community welfare programs. She played a key role in advancing Bahrain’s e-government infrastructure, enabling citizens to access essential resources online and promoting transparency in public administration. Her reforms helped position Bahrain as a regional leader in digital innovation and social equity. Among her most notable contributions were the creation of Bahrain’s first national social database, reengineering administrative processes to improve service delivery, and digital transformation projects that modernized social services.
Beyond her government service, Dr. Albalooshi has continued to advocate for digital inclusion and women’s leadership across the Middle East. She founded Family Bank (2010–2014), the world’s first Islamic microfinance bank, empowering low-income families and small entrepreneurs—particularly women—to achieve economic independence. She also founded ONEGCC, one of Bahrain’s earliest technology startups recognized by Forbes Middle East as one of the region’s most innovative ventures, and supported emerging technology companies such as Shafra, specializing in artificial intelligence and the metaverse.
As Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for the Bahrain Internet Society, she has championed technology education, cybersecurity awareness, and youth empowerment. She also chairs the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Trust Foundation, a humanitarian organization dedicated to education, creative economy, and community development. Under her leadership, the foundation launched initiatives such as Hospital Schools (providing education to children undergoing treatment), Space for All (safe community hubs for children and families), the Safia Kanoo Art Center (the first incubator for artists in Bahrain), and the Micro Schools Program, which expanded to Egypt, Morocco, India, and Zanzibar.
Throughout her career, Dr. Albalooshi has received numerous honors and awards, including the Order of Bahrain (First Class) from His Majesty the King in 2011; recognition from Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa on Bahraini Women’s Day 2019 for her contributions to higher education; and acknowledgments from Forbes Middle East, the Regional Network for Social Responsibility, and the Bahrain Youth Society.
Dr. Albalooshi’s efforts reflect a lifelong commitment to ensuring that the benefits of technology reach every member of society. She has contributed to key legislation, including the Child Protection Law, the Law for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities, the Law Against Begging and Homelessness, the Law for the Protection of the Elderly, and the Social Assistance Law. Her “Made in My Home” initiative supports productive home-based businesses.
Today, Dr. Albalooshi continues to mentor young professionals and support cross-sector initiatives that align with Bahrain’s Vision 2030 goals. Her leadership bridges policy, innovation, and compassion, proving that inclusive progress requires both vision and action.
A Global Force for Good
Dr. Fatima Mohammed Albalooshi’s impact is felt far beyond Bahrain. Her pioneering work in digital transformation and social development has helped modernize government services and improve the lives of countless citizens. By advancing women’s participation in leadership and promoting digital literacy, she has built pathways for sustainable progress and inspired a generation of changemakers across the region.
She continues to serve as a member of the Executive Committee of the Economic Development Board and the Advisory Council of the Supreme Council for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and she remains an advocate for sustainable development, emphasizing that progress begins with educated and creative individuals. She believes in investing in innovative education and modern technologies to empower women and youth and to build a society grounded in creativity, solidarity, and the values of giving that define Bahrain’s national spirit.
Her belief in technology as a tool for inclusion echoes the mission of Junior Achievement: preparing young people to navigate and shape the modern economy with confidence and purpose. Through her example, Dr. Albalooshi demonstrates that visionary leadership, grounded in service, can redefine what’s possible for communities and nations alike.
