Manama: stc Bahrain, a digital enabler, has won the “Most Innovative Community Impact” award at the 2026 Middle East and North Africa Stevie Awards for its flagship talent development initiative, jeel ICT. This significant recognition highlights the program’s success and demonstrates stc Bahrain’s strategic contribution to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. The award acknowledges jeel ICT as a leading initiative in the region for creating a sustainable pipeline of digital-ready professionals.

The jeel ICT program is a transformative 12-month talent development initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and the demands of the digital economy. Delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Tamkeen, and the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), the program immerses graduates in a hands-on, project-based environment at stc Bahrain. This intensive approach has proven highly effective, culminating in the programme’s most significant achievement: a 100% employment rate for its graduates, who are equipped to become future leaders in the ICT sector.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this award, as it validates our deep-rooted commitment to Bahrain’s future. At stc Bahrain, we believe that investing in our youth is the most powerful investment we can make. jeel ICT is more than a program; it is a strategic pillar of our mission to cultivate the next generation of digital leaders who will drive the Kingdom’s success in the global digital economy and secure our nation’s prosperity for years to come,” Shaikh Zeyad Bin Faisal Al Khalifa, Chief Government Affairs Officer at stc Bahrain, commented on the achievement, said.

“stc Bahrain remains dedicated to pioneering impactful initiatives that not only advance the telecommunications sector but also contribute directly to building a brighter, more prosperous digital future for the Kingdom of Bahrain.”