Bahrain has long been renowned as a destination for pearl divers owing to its sprawling pearl industry in the yesteryears. The marine environs have thus become an intrinsic part of Bahraini culture symbolising the country’s vitality and forward drive. In this article, read about a Dawoodi Bohra teenager’s passion for sustainability and her contribution to a unique product inspired by Bahrain’s marine environment and culture.
Ruqaiya Qaidjohar Shafiq, an 18-year-old architecture student from the Dawoodi Bohra community of Bahrain, is a key member of the team developing a product named Enara—a seawater-powered lamp. The product is commissioned by Maris, a youth-led Bahraini company that merges technology with tradition.
Enara uses ionization and electrolysis processes to generate electricity and also functions as a charging port and Bluetooth speaker, reflecting a practical approach to renewable energy.
Merging Tradition with Modernity
Ruqaiya explains, “I've always been fascinated by Islamic architecture—its intricate geometric patterns, calligraphy, and seamless blend of function and beauty. Growing up in Bahrain, where heritage meets contemporary design, I was always a fan of Islamic art.
She was also inspired by Bahrain’s natural environment. “Living in an island nation surrounded by water made us realize the potential of harnessing natural resources like seawater for sustainability. Bahrain’s unique position as an island nation was naturally the most relatable source of inspiration,” she adds. This interest in resource efficiency laid the groundwork for Enara—a product designed to transform an abundant natural resource into a clean energy asset.
Powering Life from the Sea
Her team’s rigorous research uncovered that applying the principles of ionization and electrolysis to seawater could efficiently generate electricity. “Enara utilizes these processes to harness seawater for electricity generation,” she elaborates.
Enara is a multifunctional device. “We decided to incorporate features like a charging port and a Bluetooth speaker to create a product that goes beyond simple energy generation,” Ruqaiya said. “By combining these functions, Enara becomes not only a source of sustainable energy but also a practical companion for everyday life.”
Her architectural studies have also influenced the design. “My education helped me blend traditional Islamic geometric patterns with modern technology. We drew inspiration from the fanoos, a traditional lamp, to craft a product that honors our cultural heritage while embracing innovative energy solutions.”
Overcoming Challenges Through Teamwork
Developing Enara was a collaborative journey. “One of the biggest hurdles was optimizing the efficiency of the ionization and electrolysis processes,” she recalls. “Balancing ion concentration with the applied voltage required extensive testing and iterative prototyping,” she explains.
Working alongside a multidisciplinary team—including experts from law, cybertech, and computer science—was crucial to the process. “Our diverse backgrounds allowed us to approach challenges from different angles. Collaboration was key in refining the product and ensuring every feature was seamlessly integrated.”
Waleed Alkooheji, the COO of Maris, said, "I have the privilege of leading a dynamic team and overseeing its various departments to drive continuous improvement. My vision for improving employee performance revolves around fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and innovation.
"I am committed to empowering team members through mentorship, hands-on learning, and skill-building initiatives that encourage both personal and professional development. By cultivating an environment where employees feel valued and motivated, we can collectively drive Maris toward excellence."
The Enara project was developed as part of a program run by INJAZ Bahrain, a non-profit organization under JA Worldwide, one of the world’s largest youth-serving networks delivering hands-on, immersive learning in entrepreneurship.
Samika Hemant, the CEO, said, "INJAZ is an experience I wholeheartedly recommend to the youth. It has been instrumental in shaping my growth both as an individual and an entrepreneur. The Company Program fosters leadership and collaboration. It teaches us the key elements to business success through mindset, strategy and innovation."
A Catalyst for Community Empowerment
Ruqaiya’s journey—and that of her entire team—is a celebration of community values and innovation. “I see Enara as a practical solution to reduce our dependence on traditional energy sources,” she says. “It’s a product that raises awareness about sustainable practices and could pave the way for more renewable energy initiatives in Bahrain.”
As Ruqaiya looks ahead, she intends to make gains in both the theoretical and practical aspects of life.
“Academically, I plan to deepen my knowledge in sustainable design and renewable energy. Professionally, I aim to contribute to developing accessible solutions that integrate technology with our cultural heritage,” she shares. Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? “Stay curious, take risks, and always keep learning. Innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about its impact on people and the environment. Perseverance is key.”
