26/10/2025
🚀 Alumni Spotlight 🚀 Manal AlBayat | Class of 1991 |
A Bahrain School graduate from the Class of 1990, Manal AlBayat has spent the last 25+ years building an extraordinary career as a transformational leader and strategist, with international experience across real estate, business development, and large-scale event management.
Currently serving as the COO at Edamah, the real estate arm of the sovereign wealth fund of Bahrain, Manal is responsible for driving the commercial and operational success of the company’s diverse real estate portfolio.
Before joining Edamah, Manal held key leadership roles in Dubai, including Chief Commercial & Engagement Officer at Expo City Dubai. She was responsible for attracting local and international businesses, and leading strategic programmes to drive business and revenue growth, enhancing the City’s position as a hub for sustainability, innovation, and culture.
Prior to Expo City Dubai, Manal played a pivotal role at Expo 2020 Dubai where she spearheaded the feasibility study, secured Dubai’s candidacy and subsequent victory, and served as a prominent senior member of the team responsible for planning and delivering a successful World Expo - the first mega event in the region.
Her international experience also includes senior management roles at Gulf International Bank in Bahrain, and Bank One in the US, as well as serving as the Group Chief Executive Officer at Falcon and Associates.
Manal currently sits on the Board of Directors for Bahrain Development Bank as well as the University of Wollongong in Dubai. She is a Doctorate Candidate at SDA Bocconi in Italy, and holds an MBA from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University in Organizational Behavior and Leadership.
Manal had this to say of her time at Bahrain School:
“Bahrain School played a defining role in shaping who I am today. It instilled in us a strong drive to excel, and produced generations of graduates who are now proudly leading industries in Bahrain and beyond. A big thank you to Bahrain School. The friendships and experiences we gained continue to guide us in our personal and professional journey.”
