Mazad
Mazad is Bahrain's sovereign-backed digital auction platform, founded in 2017 and owned by Mumtalakat. It runs online auctions and a Buy Now marketplace across vehicle plates, real estate, vehicles, luxury goods, collectibles, and industrial assets for government entities, enterprises, and individual buyers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersManama, Bahrain
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What Mazad does
Mazad B.S.C. (Closed) is Bahrain's sovereign-backed digital auction platform, founded in April 2017 and operating as a portfolio company of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the Kingdom's sovereign wealth fund. The company runs timed online auctions and a Buy Now marketplace across 13+ asset categories, including distinguished vehicle license plates, court-ordered and government real estate, vehicles, industrial machinery, luxury watches, gold and jewelry, natural Bahraini pearls, antiques, and racehorses. Its technology stack centers on a web platform (mazad.app) and native iOS/Android applications supporting live virtual auctions, self-service seller onboarding via a dedicated Seller Portal, and verified buyer/seller workflows.
Revenue is generated primarily through transaction commissions (e.g., 2.5% of gross proceeds on horse auctions), non-refundable seller registration fees, and buyer participation deposits, with pricing negotiated per engagement and specified in acceptance forms. The go-to-market combines a sales-led direct approach for institutional and government counterparties (Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs, Edamah, Alba, ASRY, Bahrain Development Bank, REHC) with a self-service consumer channel reaching individuals via app stores and active social media presence. Strategic distribution partnerships — notably Al Salam Bank for property auction financing and Kanoo Real Estate for Gulf-region expansion — extend reach into adjacent buyer pools.
The customer base spans government asset disposal, corporate asset liquidation, SMEs, and individual collectors, with the firm operating from a single headquarters in Bahrain Bay, Manama. Leadership transitioned in July 2025 with the appointment of Nezar Hasan Habib as CEO, and the platform has progressively diversified into adjacent verticals (luxury goods, equestrian, medical, antiques) under the regulatory and financial backing of Mumtalakat.
Mazad firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Mazad
- Legal name
- Mazad B.S.C. (Closed)
- Website
- https://mazad.bh
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Mazad is Bahrain's sovereign-backed digital auction platform, founded in 2017 and owned by Mumtalakat. It runs online auctions and a Buy Now marketplace across vehicle plates, real estate, vehicles, luxury goods, collectibles, and industrial assets for government entities, enterprises, and individual buyers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Mazad industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Online Auction Marketplace
- akta.pro primary industry
- Auction-based Generalist Marketplaces (CRAFAAAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Online/Virtual Real Estate Auctions (Marketplace Platforms) (BPAJAEAJ), Auction Houses (Luxury Watches & Jewelry) (CRAKAKAF), Luxury & High-Value Property Auctions (BPAJAEAE)
Keywords
Where Mazad is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Manama
- HQ country
- Bahrain
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices2 records
Markets served
Mazad business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Auction Commission: Mazad charges a percentage commission on sale proceeds from auctions. For horse auctions, commission is 2.5% of gross proceeds plus VAT. The commission is deducted directly from sale proceeds and transferred to seller within 30 business days after deducting fees.
- Buyer Participation Deposits: Mazad collects participation fees (deposit amounts) from auction participants, refundable upon auction completion except for successful bidders.
- Seller Registration Fees: Non-refundable registration fees charged to sellers. For horse auctions, registration fee is 20 BHD per registered horse.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Auction Commission |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Horse Auction Registration |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Three-Digit Plate Auction Deposits |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels4 records
Mazad product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Mazad operates a digital auction and marketplace platform enabling timed online auctions, virtual live auctions, and Buy Now transactions across diverse asset categories including vehicle license plates, pre-owned vehicles, real estate, machinery, luxury watches, jewellery, horses, and general items. The platform serves government entities, corporates, and individual collectors, charging commission on sale proceeds and ancillary registration/deposit fees.
Product overview
Mazad operates as a unified digital auction and marketplace platform with multiple product categories and transaction methods. The core Mazad Auction Platform enables timed online auctions across diverse asset categories, complemented by a Buy Now feature for immediate purchases. The Seller Portal empowers users to independently list and manage product listings. Key auction categories include Car Plates (special license numbers), Vehicles (cars, boats), Court Properties (government-real estate), Properties (residential/commercial real estate), Machinery (industrial equipment), Watches (luxury timepieces), Jewellery (gold, pearls), Luxury Bags, Football Memorabilia, and General Items. The platform is accessible via website and mobile apps (iOS/Android).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Mazad Auction Platform Unified digital auction and marketplace platform enabling timed online auctions, virtual live auctions, and Buy Now fixed-price transactions across multiple asset categories including special vehicle license plates, pre-owned vehicles, residential and commercial real estate, machinery, luxury watches, jewellery, gold, natural Bahraini pearls, antiques, horses, and sports memorabilia. Accessible via web and native iOS/Android mobile apps, it serves government entities, corporates, and individual buyers and sellers in Bahrain.
- Online Horse Auctions Online horse auction service delivered in partnership with Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC), following Tattersalls' international standards, enabling sale of racehorses in training through Mazad's digital auction platform with verified buyer ecosystem.
Quantifiable outcome
- 59% above valuation achieved for Edamah land auction
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Mazad
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Mazad technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Mazad partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA)coreExploratory discussions between Mazad and NHRA to collaborate on digitizing transparent exchange of assets including surplus medical goods. Both parties aligned on importance of trusted markets and transparent asset exchange.
- Al Salam BankflagshipStrategic partnership marking one year since launch of financing solutions for property purchases through public auctions. Al Salam Bank is the first bank in Bahrain to offer dedicated financing for auction property purchases, targeting individuals, SMEs, and corporate entities. Partnership includes special discounted financing offers for Mazad customers.
- Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC)flagshipFourth edition of REHC Horse Auction, exclusive digital delivery via Mazad's platform. First digital horse auction in Bahrain. 2025 edition: 66 horses entered, 49 sold (74.2% sell-through), BD 81,320 total turnover. Partnership includes Tattersalls for international standards.
- ProcuralcoreStrategic MOU signed at GITEX GLOBAL 2025. Procural will provide Mazad with access to its B2B cloud procurement platform for efficient tender management, bid evaluation, contract oversight, and performance analytics. Partnership aims to optimize Mazad's procurement processes and enhance transparency.
- Bahrain International Circuit (BIC)minorCharity auction partnership for F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025 memorabilia. Proceeds benefit Royal Humanitarian Foundation. Includes signed items from F1 drivers and darts players.
- Bahrain Development Bank (BDB)coreStrategic partnership to facilitate asset sales through live biddings. BDB leverages Mazad's advanced capabilities to create fair, reliable, and accessible bidding ecosystem for investors. Focus on SME asset management.
- MKF ConnectminorNahj initiative for nurturing local talents in sports and arts. Mazad's platform showcases artworks and sports memorabilia from Gulf Cup 26' donated by national team players. Proceeds fund university scholarships.
- Ministry of LabourminorCollaboration to connect talented job seekers with available roles at Mazad. Part of commitment to hiring skilled Bahrainis.
- Bahrain Red Crescent SocietyminorFirst aid training session conducted for Mazad employees under expert guidance of Dr. Mohammed Ashoer. Part of workplace safety and community investment initiatives.
- Kanoo Real EstatecoreStrategic partnership providing Kanoo Real Estate access to Mazad's diverse portfolio and high-value assets. Aims to expand auction industry's reach in Bahrain and wider Gulf region.
- ASRY (Arab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard)coreStrategic partnership to bolster maritime industry through innovative auctioning solutions. ASRY assets to be auctioned through Mazad's digital platform, ensuring transparent and efficient asset management with environmental sustainability focus.
- EdamahflagshipStrategic partnership for auction and sale of land plots. Multiple successful auctions including 12 Edamah properties exceeding valuations by 59%. Long-standing collaboration since 2020.
- Alba (Aluminium Bahrain)coreAgreement to dismantle and sell two power stations (Riffa Power Station Phase 1) through Mazad's digital platform. Includes turbines, generators, spare parts and equipment. Supports circular economy initiatives.
- Ministry of Justice and Islamic AffairsflagshipFramework agreement for online vehicle auctions. Inaugural auction of 56 vehicles conducted with Copart Middle East. Represents government's interest in strategic partnerships with private sector.
- Copart Middle EastcoreEstablished auto auction company partnered for vehicle auction operations. 56 vehicles available for viewing at Copart grounds in Saar.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights3 records
Mazad competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Copart: Global leader in online vehicle and remarketing auctions with strong Middle East presence. Directly comparable as Copart is already a Mazad partner for vehicle auctions in Bahrain, and both operate digital auction platforms for used vehicles and salvaged assets.
- Auction.com: Leading US-based online real estate auction marketplace specializing in foreclosure, REO, and bank-owned properties. Comparable as both operate digital platforms for property auctions targeting institutional sellers and individual buyers.
- BidX1: Digital auction house for property sales operating in the UK, Ireland, South Africa, and expanding across MENA. Directly comparable business model for online real estate auctions with similar institutional seller profiles.
- Tattersalls: World's oldest bloodstock auction house specializing in thoroughbred horse sales. Already a partner providing international standards for Mazad's REHC horse auctions, making it a directly comparable peer in the equestrian auction vertical.
Broad incumbents
- Sotheby's: Global luxury auction house with growing online auction capabilities covering watches, jewelry, art, and collectibles. Comparable for Mazad's luxury watches and jewelry auction vertical, though Sotheby's is far larger and operates primarily in physical plus hybrid formats.
- Christie's: Premier global auction house with significant online auction business for luxury items including watches, jewelry, and art. Comparable for Mazad's luxury and collectibles categories, operating at much larger scale and global reach.
- Bonhams: International auction house with strong presence in luxury watches, jewelry, art, and collectibles including motorsports memorabilia. Comparable for Mazad's luxury watches and F1 memorabilia verticals (Bahrain International Circuit partnership).
- eBay: Global generalist online marketplace with auction-format listings covering collectibles, vehicles, and consumer goods. Comparable as Mazad's Buy Now and Seller Portal features position it as a regional marketplace competitor to eBay's auction-style listings.
- Manheim (Cox Automotive): Global leader in vehicle remarketing and wholesale auto auctions. Comparable for Mazad's vehicle auction category and government vehicle disposal partnerships, though Manheim operates at vastly larger scale with physical infrastructure.
Regional players
- Dubicars: UAE-based online car marketplace with auction and listing capabilities across the Middle East. Comparable as a regional peer in online vehicle and asset sales targeting the Gulf consumer market, with similar Gulf-region geographic focus.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Mazad social profiles
Digital presenceMazad compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Mazad financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Mazad leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Mazad funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Mazad M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Mazad
What does Mazad do?
Mazad operates a digital auction and marketplace platform enabling timed online auctions, virtual live auctions, and Buy Now transactions across diverse asset categories including vehicle license plates, pre-owned vehicles, real estate, machinery, luxury watches, jewellery, horses, and general items. The platform serves government entities, corporates, and individual collectors, charging commission on sale proceeds and ancillary registration/deposit fees.
Is Mazad a public or private company?
Mazad is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Mazad founded?
Mazad was founded in 2017. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Mazad based?
Mazad is headquartered in Manama, Bahrain, in the Middle East region.
How does Mazad make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Auction Commission is the primary driver. The others are buyer Participation Deposits and seller Registration Fees.
Who are Mazad's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Copart, Auction.com, BidX1 and Tattersalls. Broad incumbents are Sotheby's, Christie's, Bonhams, eBay and Manheim (Cox Automotive). Dubicars is listed as a regional player.
Does Mazad have an API?
No public API is recorded for Mazad.
What industry is Mazad in?
Mazad's product category is Online Auction Marketplace. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAFAAAC, Auction-based Generalist Marketplaces, with a secondary code of BPAJAEAJ, Online/Virtual Real Estate Auctions (Marketplace Platforms).