News & Press Releases
Gulf Hotels Group and Reach Partner to Advance Inclusive Vocational Opportunities in Bahrain
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain – 5 October 2026: Gulf Hotels Group (GHG), in collaboration with Reach Behavior and Development Center, has successfully completed an inclusive vocational placement aimed at creating meaningful training opportunities for people of determination and supporting their preparation for the workplace.
As part of the collaboration, Gulf Hotel, one of Gulf Hotels Group’s properties in Bahrain, hosted a supported summer internship within its Housekeeping Department for Abdulla, a participant in Reach Forward, Reach’s Teen and Young Adult Services program. The placement provided practical exposure to a professional hospitality environment while supporting the development of workplace skills, confidence, independence and community participation.
The initiative reflects Gulf Hotels Group’s commitment to supporting inclusive opportunities within the community, alongside Reach’s work to equip young people of determination with the skills and experience that support greater independence and participation in working life.
Throughout the placement, the Gulf Hotel team welcomed Abdulla into the workplace and provided practical guidance, encouragement and flexibility, enabling him to participate in day-to-day workplace routines and gain first-hand experience within the hospitality sector.
Reach provided individualized planning and ongoing clinical support throughout the internship, working closely with Abdulla, his family and the Gulf Hotel team to ensure the placement remained structured, safe and responsive to his individual needs.
“This partnership demonstrates what inclusion can look like when businesses and specialist service providers work together. Gulf Hotel did more than provide a placement; its team created an environment in which a young person could participate, learn and experience a genuine sense of belonging. We are incredibly grateful for their openness, patience and commitment to inclusion,” said Ms. Mona Tadayyon, Founder and CEO of Reach Behavior and Development Center.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Ahmed Janahi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Hotels Group, said: “At Gulf Hotels Group, we believe in creating opportunities that enable young people to develop their skills and gain meaningful, practical experience in the workplace. This initiative with Reach reflects our commitment to supporting greater inclusion within the community and providing opportunities for people of determination to demonstrate their capabilities and strengthen their participation in working life.”
During the summer internship, Abdulla developed practical hospitality skills and gained experience working alongside members of Gulf Hotel’s Housekeeping team. His successful completion of the placement was recognized during a graduation ceremony held on September 15, attended by his family and representatives of Gulf Hotels Group, Gulf Hotel and Reach.
Beyond the individual placement, the collaboration demonstrates how the private sector and specialist organizations can work together to create practical and sustainable pathways towards inclusion. Such initiatives depend on individualized support, close coordination, open communication and a shared commitment to creating workplace environments in which people of determination can develop their capabilities and gain meaningful professional experience.
Gulf Hotels Group and Reach hope the initiative will encourage more organizations across Bahrain to explore inclusive training, internship and employment opportunities for people of determination and contribute to expanding their participation in the workplace.
Building on the successful placement, Gulf Hotels Group and Reach look forward to exploring further opportunities for collaboration and supporting more young people as they prepare for greater independence, community participation and working life.
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About Gulf Hotels Group
Gulf Hotels Group BSC is a public limited liability company quoted on the Bahrain Stock Exchange incorporated in 1967, under the name of Bahrain Hotels Company. The Group is chaired by Mr. Fawzi Kanoo and is led by a Board of distinguished, well-established, and influential businessmen. The vision of the Bahrain Hotels Company was to provide a standard of hospitality unrivalled on the Island, which was duly delivered with the opening of Bahrain’s first 5-star property, the Gulf Hotel. 59 years later, this philosophy remains the same although the Group has continually expanded and upgraded its services to meet the modern-day demands. For more information, please visit www.gulfhotelsgroup.com.
About Reach Forward
Reach Forward is the Teen and Young Adult Services program of Reach Behavior and Development Center. Designed for individuals aged 12–22, the program supports the development of independent-living, communication, social, community-participation, and vocational skills.
Through individualized assessment, structured teaching, clinical supervision, family involvement, and supported community placements, Reach Forward helps young people build confidence, independence, and readiness for adult life.
About Reach Behavior and Development Center:
Reach Behavior and Development Center specializes in partnering with families to develop the skills and strategies that enable their children to be happy and independent. We offer a wide range of direct and consultative services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Reach offers in-home, center, school, and community-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Therapy and Occupational Therapy. . Our comprehensive programs strive to foster your child’s independence in areas including communication, social skills, behavior, cognitive functioning, and life skills.
For more information, please visit https://www.reachabatherapy.com/