Afnan Al-Zayani

Afnan Rashid Al Zayani, a Bahraini national, married with four children. Holding a BS in food technology from Texas Tech University – USA.

In 1977, she joined Bahrain Flour Mills Company as a quality control and research supervisor. In 1982, she moved to the private sector. Presently, she is the owner and president of Al Zayani Commercial Services WLL.

She is also a partner in Martinizing Laundry.

She sat on the boards of Al Zayani Investments, Al Ayam Publishing, Bahrain Bourse, Bahrain Flour Mills Company.

From 2002 – 2018, Mrs. Al Zayani was a board member of Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society, and was the president from 2002-2004.

She was a founding member and secretary to the board of Bahrain Businessmen’s Association from 2001- 2011.

In 2006, she was appointed as UINIDO Ambassador for the Bahraini Entrepreneurs.

In 2009, she became the first president of MENA Businesswomen’s Network. From 2006- 2018, she was elected as a board member of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and head The Businesswomen’s Committee.

In addition to being a businesswoman, Afnan Al Zayani has also published from 1983-2016 seven cookery books in Arabic and English. Starting with Al Soofrah Al Khaleejiah, the first cookery book published in Bahrain, followed by (A Taste of the Arabian Gulf) published in 1988, the first dedicated Gulf cookery book in English.

In 1992, she received Bahrain National Achievement Award in recognition of her efforts in preserving the heritage of the Arabian Gulf cuisine.

In 1986, she started her cookery programmes from Bahrain TV with (Al Soofrah Al Khaleejiah) followed by many programmes one of which was (Gulf Delights) in English.  In 2007, she presented (Ramadan Attyab) on MBC TV.  She has also presented three programmes on Qatar TV.

From 2012 until 2022, she has been presenting (Let’s Cook with Afnan) on Bahrain TV, shining on Bahraini food entrepreneurs.

On 26 January 2023, Afnan R. Al Zayani was elected as President of the Middle East and North Africa Businesswomen’s Network (MENA BWN) comprising ten businesswomen’s societies/councils in the Mena region.

Throughout her career, Afnan has also received many awards in recognition of her business achievements.

In 2010, Afnan won the Gourmand World Cookbook Award for publishing (Afnaniyat), selected as the Best Arabic / English Cookbook published in 2009.

In 2010, she also received the Vital Voices Leadership in Public Life Award.

In 2013, Afnan was awarded the Medal of Efficiency by His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain.