Women in Bahrain have been outstanding contributors to the workforce for decades, having made many notable achievements, progressions and initiatives over the years such as the Supreme Council for Women chaired by HRH Sheikha Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a constant driver in ensuring the equality of men and women and their representation in various fields whilst establishing an active presence for women within the overall economy. In 2002, Bahrain’s constitution set women equal to men guaranteeing gender equality in, “political, social and economic spheres, without breaching the provisions of Islamic law.”
With that being said, the real estate industry is one that has shown massive growth for women with some exceptional pioneers leading the way for future generations. These exceptional women have shown great success in their careers over the years, as general managers, directors, founders and department heads, making a valuable impact in Bahrain’s real estate market through their contributions and leadership, here’s what they have to say:
Eman Almannai
Head of Sales
Infracorp BSC Closed
With 18 years of experience in the real estate market in Bahrain, Mrs Al-Mannai has achieved outstanding real estate success in several real estate projects in the Kingdom of Bahrain and pioneered 10 freehold projects, 17 towers and more than 6000 apartments and supported its professional life with its academic experience and obtained many specialized certificates in the field of real estate. Mrs Al-Mannai comes as the head of the project team for sales within the framework of the project & efforts to attract skilled and craft talents and to empower Bahraini women in leadership positions. She has excellent professional skills, high-level scientific qualifications, and extensive experience in the field of real estate, which allows her to contribute to the development of project work and strategic improvements: locally and globally. She has conducted several training courses for real estate education, and she’s the first Bahraini to obtain the certificate of a certified international real estate expert in 2015. She is a Writer and author, and she published her first book & Real Estate and Life in 60 days, educating People about life and real estate was on March 2019 she’s in the process of writing her second book this year 2023.
In her own words:
“Actually real estate chose me not the other way around I wasn’t planning for it it just happened accidentally that I chose to be trained in a private company. As part of completing my Bachelor’s degree certificate so I joined them as a trainer in selling freehold projects in 2005 with 0 experience and today I’m head of the sales team with 18 years of experience as A certified international property specialist, coach, trainer, writer, author, influencer, and an owner of properties. My message to the young women, you will have all the doors open to you if you have the right key for them to be opened and your keys should be knowledge, education, hard work, and never giving up. Goals and team, are the keys which open the hard doors for you; the more you invest in your self the more places you will reach. I did it from scratch and started with zero knowledge in real estate and zero capital and I’m sure you will too.”
Oksana Konyshevska
Managing Director
Impact Real Estate
With over 25 years of business experience specializing in the property industry, I have acquired an extensive knowledge of the Bahrain property market by developing excellent working relationships with clients, developers and owners. I have successfully managed the sale of a number of large-scale lands, and commercial and residential projects in Bahrain as well as internationally. In 2007 she established Impact Estate WLL which became a leading Bahrain-based real estate and property management company that provides a full range of services for tenants and owners including state-of-the-art software that offers financial reports, maintenance updates and online access and support at any time of the month. Since then Impact Estate became a sought-after solution for developers and property owners. Starting with the first property portfolio in Riffa views to the current portfolio of 45 projects with client’s revenue management of almost BD 3 million the company is the first one to offer a unique approach to property management industry services in Bahrain.
In her own words:
“Real estate was always my passion. And when I had a chance to start my own company in 2007 I took it and never regretted it. Being a woman in a men driven environment it was challenging to build a name and reputation in the real estate industry, however, through my competence, hard work and support from the team the company is now recognized as one of the leading Owners Association, Property Management and brokerage firms in Bahrain. Moreover, we have been invited to expand our services to KSA and UAE. I went to Riyadh a few days ago where I met an amazing lady Sarah, who is working as a taxi driver. Sarah is a Saudi national, smart, educated and simply amazing. While she was helping me and showing me around the city, I asked her “why did you choose this job?” she simply replied, “Women need women to help each other”. And, you know, I wouldn’t find better words to encourage graduates and women entrepreneurs who are looking to launch their careers, to never give up, to put the right objectives, and then to make a plan and follow it. If there is a will there is always a way to keep going. “
May Marzooq
GM Marketing & Business Development
Kooheji Development
May Marzooq is a senior marketing strategist with 25 years of experience in diverse sectors, including Financial, Retail, Hospitality, Education, Aviation, and Real Estate across Bahrain, Qatar, and Dubai. With a people-focused and performance-driven approach. May’s passion for marketing stems from its ability to drive business revenue. Recently, May developed a modern marketing framework using an Omni-Channel strategy, enabling authentic Omni-Channel experiences from CRM operations to customer/employee communications, resulting in successful business transactions. She is a highly skilled and experienced marketing executive, with over 25 years of experience in the Financial, Retail, Hospitality, Education, Aviation, and Real Estate sectors across multiple markets. She is a strategic thinker, able to develop high-level strategies based on market research, customer focus groups, and business Marobjectives. May has managed budgets ranging from BD 100,000 in Bahrain up to QR 35 million in Qatar, achieving a cost-effective approach while maintaining the highest standards and achieving solid sales ROI. She is also an excellent presenter, presenting full-year marketing strategies and calendar plans to various stakeholders, including board members, executive management, and senior managers.
In her own words:
“I’ve always been fascinated by the real estate industry and how it constantly evolves with new technologies and changing consumer behaviours. My experience in marketing has given me a holistic perspective on market discipline that I‘ve been able to apply to the dynamic real estate industry. In particular, I’ve seen how marketing in real estate has integrated many different channels, from traditional advertising to digital marketing, while also refining my knowledge of CRM, lead generation, and the customer journey. Ultimately, these marketing activities translate into real business revenue, and it’s been exciting to see how our marketing efforts have contributed to the growth and success of the business. To all the young women aspiring to work in real estate, I encourage you to pursue your passion with dedication and perseverance. Real estate is a dynamic and exciting industry that requires a diverse range of skills and perspectives. Believe in yourself, keep learning and growing, and don’t be afraid to take on new challenges. With hard work and determination, you can achieve your goals and make a meaningful impact in this rewarding field”
Lina Sabrawi
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
HighBridge Co. W.L.L
Lina has rich experience in various sectors, especially in Banking & Real Estate, and holds a master’s degree in business administration. Her ambition and dedication have helped her to pioneer HighBridge into a highly focused real estate boutique in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with a clear vision and strategy. Her personal attributes coupled with her rich international experience, allow her to create real and unique real estate opportunities for her clients across the GCC and Europe. Under her management, HighBridge won the “Outstanding Sales Performance Award 2021” and “Top Performing Broker 2022” from Eagle Hills – Marassi Al Bahrain.
In her own words:
“I co-founded HighBridge in 2017 as a boutique real estate advisor, based on basic principles and ethics, namely trust, honesty, kindness and transparency. Founding your own company is very challenging, it needs hard work, patience and persistence, but when you succeed it is highly rewarding and it is worth the hassle. As a woman working in the real estate sector is a big challenge but if you have the belief, dedication, knowledge and skills, you will surely succeed and make a difference. If you are a woman and face a challenge, it is an opportunity. With challenges, we strive for higher grounds, without challenges we stagnate on the same ground. Happy International Women’s Day!”
Anastasia Ageeva
Managing Director
RMR Real Estate
Anastasia started her Real Estate career in St Petersburg, Russia, working with IKEA-MEGA as a Leasing Manager on a multi-million dollar project. Having relocated to Bahrain, in 2007, she joined Impact Estate as a Sales and Marketing Manager and Special Projects Manager and after 11 years of experience in the GCC market, she founded the boutique Real Estate Company RmR, based in Amwaj Islands. In addition to a degree in Sales and Marketing and a Master’s Degree in Education, Anastasia is an R.S.C.I Certified Life Coach and a semi-professional long-distance triathlete.
In her own words:
“Real Estate is not my job, it’s a Lifestyle! It is a constant flow and exchange of love and energy between me and people/clients, keeping the relationship going and empowering my clients with all the knowledge I have to date: be that about the real estate market, lifestyle choices, nutrition, fitness advice or sometimes even a life coaching session, if required. My advice to the strong and unique women out there: Love what you do! Constantly educate yourself, Embrace changes and grow, as that’s the only satisfactory way forward! Smile and be grateful for challenges, and always remember: Life is a journey, enjoy the ride!”
Shatha Judeh
Managing Director
Affinity Property Management
MBA Graduate from the Swiss business school and a Bachelors’s from the American University of Sharjah, who established multiple businesses in Real Estate & Digital Marketing Transformations for real estate companies and developers. 20+ years experience in the GCC based mostly in Bahrain as a great business centralized hub. Our business is focused on everything real estate! Our brokerage department is a one-stop shop for investors to invest, reside and build a life in Bahrain. Our Property Management department maintains high-value hospitality and marketing services in the GCC. Our Digital Marketing department makes sure developers and real estate projects have a strong digital presence on the web in terms of social media, rank and portals.
In her own words:
“I actually don’t see it as a male-dominant field at all! In fact, women excel over men, in reality, all over the world! Some of the biggest real estate companies in Bahrain are run by ambitious women! We love what we do! The biggest challenge we faced in previous years used to be in hiring legal agents to represent a company to reduce freelancers in the market. This was thankfully improved with the new RERA licence structure implemented in 2019. Where you had to belong to a specific agency to be a legal broker in Bahrain and you were registered by the agency as such. Bahrain is a very modern and equal opportunity country with no prejudice or sexism, If you work hard for many years you will become magnificent at it. When there is a will, there is a way!”
Leanne Lobo
Director Head of Transactional Services – Bahrain
Savills Middle East
Leanne heads up the Agency business at Savills. She is an experienced Tenant Advisor with extensive negotiation experience in office leasing transactions across Bahrain. She represents both local and international clients where she strives to exceed their needs and surpass their expectations. Leanne’s knowledge of the market, experience and reputation has led her in being able to offer her clients the highest level of service. She is responsible for ensuring maximum occupancy throughout the property management stock and on exclusive projects. Leanne also works very closely with the strategic research team to advise on best-use studies and the design of commercial buildings to maximize lettings and sales potential. She also plans and implements marketing strategies that further support the net take-up on a property.
In her own words:
“I have been working in the industry for several years. I have had to learn and adapt very quickly as this industry is highly competitive and I realized that with the right attitude and positive mindset, one can achieve their goals. I also attribute my success to a great team who have always believed in me and helped me navigate different aspects of the real estate market offering sound advice. The real estate industry has remained male dominant for many generations; it is fast growing to become a more organised sector, creating opportunities for women to play integral senior roles. The real estate sector is very demanding and often requires a great deal of commitment; late-night viewings, long hours, and weekends are all a part of the job. However, a major part of success is standing out, and one way to do that is to highlight the qualities women bring to the table where we tend to be strong communicators, thoughtful strategists and highly organised – all of which are desirable and advantageous in any organisation and industry. To all aspiring young women wanting to join real estate, build your personal brand. Your personal brand is going to transcend any brokerage that you join. You may end up switching brokerages and you may switch one or more times. So don’t just rely on the brokerage brand. You must create your own personal brand as a professional.”
Sheila Mcewan
General Manager
Property Locators
Sheila relocated to Bahrain over 15 years ago and almost immediately fell into real estate, she has been working for Property Locators for 15 years having joined as an agent and working her way up to General Manager.
In her own words:
“Real Estate is my job and my passion. The ever-changing climate can be challenging (and I am not talking weather..) and there have been many over the years but if you really believe in your job and yourself then, with the right knowledge, team and company your challenges become easier. My advice to any woman starting a career be clear without being aggressive, apply your skills to tasks and never shy away from a more challenging request, always be courageous it will win in the end – you deserve to feel confident, strong and empowered”
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