AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation

What AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation does

AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation is a Bahraini non-profit organization founded in 2011 by Shaikha Zain bint Khalid Al Khalifa and registered with the Kingdom of Bahrain's Ministry of Labour and Social Development. The foundation's purpose is to empower Bahraini youth through education, training, and community service, operating a tiered lifecycle of programs that cover participants from middle childhood through postgraduate education. Its primary programs are Rayaat (university scholarships with development benefits), the Ithra series of youth enrichment tiers (Ithra Buds ages 10-12, Ithra Seniors ages 13-14, Ithra Youth ages 15-16), the Watheq university preparatory program (ages 16-18), the H.H. Shaikha Moza bint Hamad AlKhalifa Fund (medical scholarships and charitable initiatives), and Al Tamyoz postgraduate scholarships for gifted students. A new cultural and marketing arm, MKF Connect WLL, was launched in January 2025 as a wholly-owned subsidiary. The foundation also opened a new eco-friendly headquarters in Riffa in 2025, integrating rooftop solar generation (93,000+ kWh annually), smart HVAC, IoT energy monitoring, and EV charging readiness, achieving a 20% reduction in energy consumption and earning two Arabian Property Awards.

The foundation reports 4,673+ total beneficiaries, 494+ scholarships awarded, and 11 graduating Rayaat batches since inception. Its technology stack is operational and facility-oriented rather than product-oriented: smart building controls, an energy dashboard with IoT smart meters, and digital workflow tools under a "Go Paperless" initiative. There is no proprietary software platform, mobile app, or API.

The foundation is funded primarily through charitable donations, corporate sponsorships, and government/institutional grants, with National Bank of Bahrain identified as the primary sponsor of the Watheq program and a long-term supporter of Rayaat. The only direct program fee disclosed is a 30 Bahraini Dinar (~USD 80) non-refundable registration fee for the Watheq program; Rayaat, Ithra, and H.H. Moza Fund services are provided free of charge. Distribution is entirely domestic (Kingdom of Bahrain), delivered through the foundation's Riffa headquarters, an online registration portal (mkfbh.org), 25+ partner universities (University of Bahrain, Bahrain Polytechnic, RCSI Bahrain, AUBH, Arabian Gulf University, etc.), and recurring events such as the annual "The Takeoff" career and university expo. Corporate and institutional partners include Tamkeen, UNDP, Batelco, Zain Bahrain, SICO, INOVEST, Al Salam Bank, and the Kooheji Foundation.

Name

AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation

Legal name

AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation

Website

https://mkfbh.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation is a Bahraini non-profit founded in 2011 that empowers Bahraini youth ages 10-22 through university scholarships, tiered enrichment programs, and university preparation, serving over 4,600 beneficiaries via corporate and government partner support.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development and Education Foundation

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDADAHAC

Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts

Education/Education Administration, Accreditation & Policy/Education Funding, Grants & Financial Aid Administration

SECONDARYEDAIAOAH

Foundation/NGO & Philanthropic Scholarships

Education/International Education & Study Abroad/Scholarships, Funding & Financial Aid for International Study

SECONDARYEDAIAOAE

Degree-Level Scholarships (Undergrad/Masters/PhD/Postdoc)

Education/International Education & Study Abroad/Scholarships, Funding & Financial Aid for International Study

Keywords

• Youth Development Programs
• University Scholarship Programs
• Youth Enrichment Workshops
• Charitable Education Services
• University Preparation Programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Raffa

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Charitable Donations and Sponsorships: The foundation operates as a non-profit entity funded through donations from individuals, corporate sponsors, and government grants. Revenue supports scholarship programs, youth enrichment initiatives, and community development activities.
2. MKF Connect Commercial Activities: MKF Connect WLL generates revenue through artistic and cultural experiences including dynamic workshops, engaging events, prestigious auctions, and curated exhibitions. Revenue directly supports the charitable efforts of AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation.
3. Program Registration Fees: Watheq program charges 30 Bahraini Dinar registration fee for university preparatory program participation

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation is a Bahraini non-profit that empowers Bahraini youth through a tiered portfolio of educational and developmental offerings. Its core services are the Rayaat Scholarship Program (full university tuition plus skills and career development), the Ithra age-segmented youth enrichment series (Buds 10-12, Seniors 13-14, Youth 15-16), the Watheq university preparatory program (ages 16-18), the H.H. Shaikha Moza bint Hamad AlKhalifa Fund (medical scholarships and community aid), Al Tamyoz postgraduate scholarships, and MKF Connect cultural experiences. These are delivered free or at nominal cost to individual beneficiaries.

Product overview

AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation operates a multi-tiered youth empowerment ecosystem centered around scholarship and development programs. The core offering consists of the Rayaat Scholarship Program (university scholarships with development benefits), the Ithra tiered youth development series (Ithra Buds ages 10-12, Ithra Seniors ages 13-14, and Ithra Youth ages 15-16), and the Watheq university preparatory program (ages 16-18). Supporting these is the H.H. Shaikha Moza bint Hamad AlKhalifa Fund for medical and charitable initiatives, the Al Tamyoz postgraduate scholarship for gifted students, and MKF Connect as the foundation's cultural/marketing arm. The programs are designed as a progressive pipeline from childhood through higher education, with Ithra feeding into Watheq which prepares students for Rayaat scholarships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Rayaat: University scholarship program offering scholarships and development opportunities for Bahraini youth
• Ithra
• Watheq
• H.H. Sh. Moza bint Hamad AlKhalifa Fund
• MKF Connect
• Al Tamyoz

Products and services

• Rayaat Scholarship Program University scholarship program offering comprehensive benefits and development opportunities for Bahraini students aged 18 and above, including tuition coverage, skills development courses, mentoring, and community service requirements. Delivered free of charge through 25+ partner universities.
• Ithra Buds (إثراء البراعم) Educational training program for children ages 10-12 focusing on basic life skills through workshops, field visits, challenges, camps, sports days, and arts and crafts activities. Delivered free of charge as part of the tiered Ithra youth enrichment series.
• Ithra Seniors (إثراء الناشئين) Educational and developmental program for youth ages 13-14 providing scientific and practical experiences to build future-ready skills, with engaging training opportunities across life skills and personal development.
• Ithra Youth (إثراء الشباب) Comprehensive training platform for youth ages 15-16 focusing on advanced skill building, leadership, AI concepts, confidence building, and practical knowledge application to prepare participants for the next stage of life.
• Watheq Program University preparatory program bridging the gap between high school graduates and university requirements, targeting ages 16-18 with self-development, motivation, academic preparation, and professional exploration. Annual July-August intake with a 30 BHD registration fee.
• H.H. Shaikha Moza bint Hamad AlKhalifa Fund Charitable fund providing medical scholarships (including the H.H. Shaikha Moza bint Hamad medical scholarship at RCSI Bahrain), insulin pumps, hearing implant surgeries, mosque construction, and food bank support.
• Al Tamyoz Scholarship Distinguished postgraduate scholarship under the Rayaat program for academic advancement, targeting gifted Bahraini students for rare specializations at Master's or Doctorate level, covering full tuition fees.
• MKF Connect Marketing and cultural arm of the foundation curating artistic and cultural experiences including dynamic workshops, engaging events, prestigious auctions, and curated exhibitions, with revenue directly supporting the foundation's charitable activities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4673 total beneficiaries served across all programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• University of BahraincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership for Rayaat scholarship program. Foundation has renewed scholarship agreements with the university for multiple years. University serves as primary host institution for scholarship recipients pursuing various bachelor's degree programs.
• National Bank of Bahrain (NBB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary sponsor of Watheq university preparatory program and supporter of Rayaat scholarships. Partnership renewed annually since 2019. NBB provides financial support and participates in program delivery through workshops and mentoring.
• Bahrain PolytechniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner institution for Rayaat scholarship program, hosting students in technical and professional degree programs. Foundation organizes fitness days and activities for scholarship recipients at the polytechnic.
• Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Bahrain (RCSI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration since 2017 for H.H. Shaikha Moza bint Hamad medical scholarships. First batch of medical graduates celebrated in 2023. Partnership provides full scholarships for medical degrees.
• American University of Bahrain (AUBH)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership announced November 2023 to offer two scholarships for bachelor's degrees under the Rayaat program. Collaborates on student recruitment and academic support.
• Euro University of BahrainmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgreement signed August 2023 to provide scholarships for bachelor's degrees. Partnership expands educational opportunities for Bahraini students.
• TamkeencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRenewed partnership to support Bahraini youth through training and empowerment programs. Collaboration includes workshops, courses, and summer training programs for Ithra participants.
• Bangor University (via BIBF)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with SICO and BIBF to provide graduate program scholarships at Bangor University. Agreement signed February 2020 for postgraduate scholarship opportunities.
• Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business SchoolmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgreement signed April 2020 to provide the first scholarship at Vatel for hotel and tourism studies. Expands scholarship offerings to hospitality sector.
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgreement signed May 2021 for development cooperation. Partnership aligns foundation programs with UN Sustainable Development Goals and international development frameworks.
• British University of Bahrain (BUOB)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoU signed August 2020 to provide scholarships for British degree programs. Partnership offers alternative academic pathway for Bahraini students.
• Bahrain Institute for Banking and Finance (BIBF)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation agreement signed February 2020 for professional development and training programs. BIBF provides certification courses for scholarship recipients.
• Zain BahrainminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSecond collaboration with Zain for Rayaat program, providing training opportunities for graduates. Partnership supports student development through telecommunications industry exposure.
• Al Ahlia UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner for scholarship programs offering various degree pathways for Bahraini students.
• Kingdom of Bahrain Ministry of Labour and Social DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation received development grants from Ministry for youth development projects. Registered and licensed by the Ministry as a non-profit organization.
• Isa Cultural CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoU signed September 2022 for cultural collaboration and joint initiatives supporting arts and cultural development.
• TRACCSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoU signed July 2016 for career development and recruitment support. TRACCS provides HR consulting services for foundation programs.
• Royal Bahrain HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoU signed March 2018 for healthcare support and medical programs for beneficiaries.
• Al Abdulrahim AlKooheji FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoU signed April 2018 for collaborative youth development initiatives and shared resources.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Tamkeen (Bahrain): Bahrain's national labor fund/employment authority, also a strategic partner of MKF, supporting training and youth empowerment programs. Comparable mission around Bahraini youth employability and enterprise.

Direct peers

• INJAZ Bahrain: Bahraini nonprofit delivering youth work-readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy programs to students aged 10-24. Directly comparable on youth workforce-development mission and corporate-sponsored operating model.
• Royal Charity Organization (Bahrain): Bahraini royal-affiliated charitable foundation providing humanitarian, educational, and medical assistance domestically and abroad. Closest direct peer as a Bahrain-registered charitable foundation under royal patronage.

Broad incumbents

• Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development: Large Gulf royal-affiliated foundation operating Education City and multi-tier scholarship and youth programs. Comparable as a much larger scale analogue in the regional foundation-driven scholarship space.
• Education Above All Foundation (Qatar): Qatari foundation running large-scale scholarship programs for out-of-school children and youth globally. Comparable as a major regional scholarship-focused foundation, though with a more international/development focus.
• Jameel Foundation (Community Jameel): Regional philanthropic organization funding youth education, livelihoods, and Arabic-language programs across MENA. Comparable as a Gulf foundation with a multi-country youth scholarship and skills portfolio.
• King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) (Saudi Arabia): Saudi foundation identifying and nurturing gifted youth through enrichment programs and scholarships. Comparable as a Gulf foundation running tiered talent development + scholarship pipelines.
• Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF): UAE-based royal-affiliated foundation focused on knowledge, youth development, and Arabic-language scholarship programs. Comparable regional peer in royal-patronage youth scholarship model.

Others

• UNICEF Gulf Area Office: UN agency operating regional youth development and education programs; MKF has a UNDP partnership, so UNICEF functions as an adjacent enabling/comparator in the international youth-development ecosystem.

Emerging players

• AlMabarrah AlKhalifia - Rotana Youth (peer benchmark) - Al Ansar Foundation: Bahraini charitable foundation supporting youth and community welfare; smaller in scale but operates similar scholarship and youth programs domestically.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/MKFBH
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/almabarrah-alkhalifia
• Instagraminstagram.com/mkfbh
• Xx.com/MKFbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation