Arabian Gulf University (AGU) and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain, have launched the first phase of an institutional benchmarking project within the framework of the strategic partnership between the two institutions in the field of health education development in the Gulf region.

The project was launched under the patronage of His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of AGU, and His Excellency Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI, and under the supervision of Dr Ghazi Abdulrahman Al Otaibi, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Scientific Research at AGU, and Dr Nichola McLarnon, Head of Quality and Academic Development at RCSI.

The project, which represents a qualitative step in the academic cooperation between the two institutions, aims to develop a system of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and employ them as a practical tool to support academic accreditation requirements and quality assurance.

His Excellency Dr Al Otaibi stated that the project represents a qualitative leap and a concrete beginning for activating academic cooperation between the two institutions, which enhances Bahrain's regional standing in the quality of medical education. For her part, Dr McLarnon clarified that this initiative establishes an institutional culture based on evidence and transparency, ensuring that data exchange adheres to the highest governance standards.

The project seeks to enhance the exchange of expertise between the two universities in the fields of medical and nursing education, scientific research, and strategic planning. Both universities affirm that benchmarking is no longer an option but a necessity to ensure excellence and innovation in higher education, thereby strengthening the position of the Gulf and the Kingdom of Bahrain as a leading regional hub for academic excellence and quality assurance.

This project is being implemented on the ground through the quality and accreditation teams at both universities, which are responsible for coordinating the various stages, managing the data exchange process, analysing indicators, and preparing reports. This underscores their pivotal role in ensuring that the agreement translates into tangible results that support academic accreditation and solidify a culture of institutional excellence.

It is worth noting that the preliminary phase of the project included two official meetings and two reciprocal visits between AGU and RCSI. During these visits, the strategic foundations for the project were laid, and a commitment to applying the best global practices in quality assurance and academic accreditation was affirmed.

At the conclusion of the last visit, the Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning Centre at AGU organised an introductory tour for the delegation from RCSI, covering the university's most prominent facilities, particularly the Medical Skills and Simulation Centre. During this tour, expertise was exchanged regarding the development of medical education and training environments.