Mr Baqer RMJ Al-Lawati is a highly accomplished finance professional and economist, serving as Head of Strategic Initiatives for Bahrain at the Mayfair Programme and concurrently as Head of Finance at Mehdi Store, Oman’s leading fabric retailer. His dual roles reflect a unique blend of strategic vision, operational finance, and educational innovation across the Gulf region.

Mr Al-Lawati holds an MPhil in Economics from the University of Oxford, where he specialised in advanced econometrics, macroeconomic policy, and institutional economics. His research focused on the institutional determinants of entrepreneurship, exploring policy frameworks across OECD economies. He graduated with First Class Honours in Economics from the University of Manchester, with a concentration in econometrics and mathematical economics, and was honoured on the Dean’s List.

He began his career at KPMG Lower Gulf, working on audits and consultancy projects within the financial services industry, before joining Mehdi Store. Rising through operational and financial leadership roles, he now oversees strategic financial planning, forecasting, and corporate performance for the retail giant.

At the Mayfair Programme, Mr Al-Lawati leads strategic development efforts in Bahrain, advancing the programme’s mission to deliver industry-relevant, OCN-accredited education and leadership development. His focus includes fostering regional partnerships, aligning educational content with Gulf economic priorities, and expanding access to employability-focused learning pathways.

Fluent in Arabic and English, Mr Al-Lawati brings deep expertise in economic analysis, institutional strategy, and GCC macroeconomic trends. He is a recognised thought leader committed to bridging economic insight with practical, impactful change across business and education in the region.