Nassreen Alhamadah, the founder of Ideahub W.L.L., brings a unique blend of passion and vision to her role. She explains to Kristian Harrison how her journey into entrepreneurship was inspired by a need for dynamic, flexible learning spaces in Bahrain, catering to both children and adults.
Originally from Saudi Arabia and now residing in Bahrain, Nassreen’s diverse background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Air Transportation Management as an instructor and ongoing studies in NEBOSH Occupational Health and Safety. Nassreen’s early career was quite different from her current path. “On my way to being a pilot, I flew a plane when I was 17 years old,” she recalls. “Then life happened, including having my beautiful daughter Nashly, known as Amirah, who is now 14 and my biggest supporter, and I realigned myself in the oil and gas sector before eventually finding my calling in the fun and learning space. Ironically, after 10 years, I’m now working back through an airline company and managing Ideahub!”
Self-described as driven, God-fearing, smiley and friendly, Nassreen Alhamadah is dedicated to creating a nurturing space where creativity and learning thrive. The inspiration for Ideahub arose from a clear need for more engaging learning environments. Nassreen explains: “In today’s intricate world where roles and expectations are often predefined, we recognise that everyone has unique ideas craving expression. Ideahub is designed to be a sanctuary where these ideas can flourish without breaking the bank.”
Ideahub offers a variety of programmes, field trips and services aimed at integrating education with enjoyment. “We believe that learning should be an engaging, interactive process that captivates the imagination of both children and adults,” Nassreen emphasises. For instance, a simple activity like paper painting is elevated by using real painting stands and equipment, making the experience more dynamic and educational.
One of the standout features of Ideahub is its ‘Drop and Shop’ programme. “This initiative is designed for busy parents who need a safe and engaging place for their children while they attend to errands,” Nassreen divulges. Unlike typical play areas where children play independently, Ideahub ensures a dedicated host actively interacts with them, making their time both safe and enriching.
Moreover, Ideahub’s versatile space is available for various events, from birthday parties and family gatherings to educational workshops and community meetings. This flexibility allows the centre to cater to the specific needs of its clients, making each event unique.
Safety is paramount at Ideahub. “Our safety protocols include comprehensive staff training in emergency procedures and regular inspections to ensure all play areas and equipment meet safety standards,” Nassreen notes.
Nassreen’s philosophy in life is deeply rooted in positivity and respect. “Whatever you do, just do it from the heart. Never hurt anyone. Always keep going, don’t be depleted by others, and God will do the rest for you,” she says. This mindset extends to her work at Ideahub, where she fosters an inclusive and encouraging environment for all visitors.
The impact of Ideahub is evident in the success stories of its participants. Nassreen shares: “Our monthly care programme has been particularly beneficial for young participants who initially struggled with communication. We’ve seen remarkable progress in their language skills in less than a month.” For adults, workshops like ‘Coffee and Paint’ provide a creative and social environment that helps build friendships and establish a supportive community network.
Looking ahead, Nassreen envisions expanding Ideahub to make it more accessible to a broader audience. “Our long-term goal is to maintain the high quality of our current activities and services while opening new branches to ensure more families can benefit from our unique approach,” she concludes.
