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​The UN Water Learning Center (UN WLC) at AGU is a partnership project between the United Nations University-Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) and the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), based on their common principles, complimentary objectives and a mutual interest in close cooperation in education and capacity development related to Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). The establishment of the regional center at AGU is made by the signing of the “Agreement of Cooperation between UNU/INWEH and AGU" for “The Establishing of a Regional Center of the UN WLC for the Arab Region", signed in 2007 by both parties. The funds for establishing the center were provided kindly by the Arab Fund for Social and Economic Development.

 

The AGU was selected to host the regional center for the Arab region due to its regional status (AGU is a regional university founded and funded by the six GCC countries), and due to its expertise and experience in post-graduate education, training, research, and contractual studies in the water-related fields (two specialized Masters Programs related to water: Hydrogeology & Groundwater Resources Management and Water Resources Management; three water-related Masters Programs: Desert Agriculture, Desert and Environment Resources, and Environmental Management), as well as its experience in distance-learning (The Distance Learning and Training Masters Program).

 

​Esra El-Hasan, Republic of Sudan, Eight Bath Participant.​ “​​From an organizational point of view, I liked that the program is very organized and the schedule went the way it was set from day one. As for the educational material, it was very useful and rich in many new and useful sciences. As for the trainers, I benefited from them to the fullest, in addition to my colleagues as well. The experience was unique and useful." Esra El-Hasan, Republic of Sudan, Eight Bath Participant.​

 


The objectives of the established Regional WLC at AGU are to improve water resources management and water services in the Arab Region and to improve training and education in the water sector. The Center offers a core curriculum in IWRM customized to the Arab Region water conditions and issues; train students, trainers and decision makers in water resources management within an IWRM framework and perspective; identify regional and country needs in water resources management; and establish regional electronic network of young water professionals.

 

The targeted participants of the program are water resources professionals working in the water-related agencies and private sector in the Arab Region. The launching of the program was made in November 2007 (soft launch), the official launching was made in March 2008, and the IWRM program started its first batch in 2008. Since its establishment, the Center has graduated eight batches (from 2008/2009 to 2021/22), with a total number of 107 participants​.





​Hamed Al-Mazidi, Kuwait  “Professional staff with deep technical/academic backgrounds and their availability and easy to reach with immediate response time. Different cultures and experiences were presented during the lectures and through Q&A discussions, and new information was added to my knowledge.”​