By Al-Istiqlal Secondary School Team Recognized at Future Sciences Challenge for Digital Wallet Solution
MANAMA: A team of three innovative students from Al-Istiqlal Secondary School for Girls has earned regional acclaim for their project, “Al-Durra Portfolio for Gulf Tourism.” The project, which offers a tech-driven vision to enhance the experience of Gulf tourists visiting Bahrain, was awarded the prestigious Jury Prize at the fifth season of the Future Sciences Challenge, organized by the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation in the United Arab Emirates.
The student team, consisting of Bushra Mahmoud Rayan, Sarah Salah Shamsan, and Zainab Ali Issa, developed an electronic wallet system specifically designed to attract and facilitate travel for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens, with a particular focus on tech-savvy youth. The system utilizes a points-based digital wallet, accessible via a card or mobile application, allowing tourists to pay seamlessly at various sites across the Kingdom. This innovation aims to eliminate common travel hurdles such as currency exchange fluctuations, high transfer fees, and the physical handling of cash.
Reflecting Bahrain’s rich maritime heritage, the project features a seashell-inspired design that integrates national identity with modern financial technology. The system functions by allowing users to register and pre-fill their accounts with points, which can then be used for instant payments at participating tourism and hospitality venues.
Project supervisor Marwa Ahmed Anas Mahmoud praised the collaborative spirit of the team, noting that each student brought a specialized skill set to the project. Bushra handled strategic planning and video production, Sarah managed data collection and card design, and Zainab led the technical programming and payment system development. This achievement highlights the high level of scientific and technical innovation fostered within Bahrain’s public education system.
The “Al-Durra” project was recognized within the Tourism and Hospitality track of the competition, underscoring how student-led technological solutions can directly support national economic development and the Kingdom’s comprehensive growth goals. The Ministry of Education continues to emphasize such initiatives as part of its commitment to developing future-ready talent in the fields of science and hospitality.