by ashokaib | Dec 3, 2025 | Uncategorized
His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of Arabian Gulf University (AGU), has extended his heartfelt congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and to its people on the occasion of the 54th National Day, wishing the UAE continued progress and prosperity under its wise leadership.
His Excellency expressed his appreciation for the substantial support the university has received from the UAE since its founding, which has played a significant role in strengthening its shared Gulf mission in higher education and scientific research. He also commended the strong academic and scientific ties that have connected the university to its students and graduates from the UAE since its establishment in 1980.
Furthermore, His Excellency conveyed his pride that one of the university's endowed chairs is named after His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a leader of great legacy and one of the architects of regional development. Specialising in environmental sciences and hosted by the university since 1997-1998, the chair has become a prominent scientific platform for the study of desert and arid land sciences, as well as the protection of biodiversity and wildlife. This initiative reflects the environmental preservation approach championed by the late Sheikh Zayed, ensuring sustainability of resources and promotion of the role of science across various fields.
His Excellency reaffirmed the university’s ongoing efforts to achieve Gulf integration in education and higher learning while strengthening partnerships with Emirati students pursuing academics across diverse disciplines and graduate levels. He prayed to Almighty God to perpetuate security and prosperity for the UAE, returning this national occasion with continued achievements under the guidance of its wise leadership.
by ashokaib | Dec 3, 2025 | Uncategorized
The International Forum on Developing University Education Programmes in Arab Countries in Light of Future Skills and Professions has convened, organised by Arabian Gulf University (AGU) in collaboration with the UNESCO Regional Centre for Quality and Excellence in Education (RCQE). The forum gathered a distinguished group of Arab and international experts and academics with the objective of formulating shared visions for advancing university education across Arab nations and to establish modern frameworks aligned with the skills and competencies needed for future economies. It also witnessed the announcement of a joint chair between AGU and UNESCO-RCQE.
The forum was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Dr Mohamed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Higher Education Council. In his opening address, he underscored the significance of this international gathering which serves as a vital platform for exchanging experiences and discussing the latest trends in higher education development.
The Minister explained that such meetings offer an invaluable opportunity for universities and educational institutions to develop innovative visions and strategies that enhance the quality of education, ensuring it meets future needs. These efforts are essential for fostering students’ abilities in lifelong learning, innovation, and problem-solving, thereby qualifying them to contribute effectively to their societies’ sustainable development. The Minister also stressed the importance of regional and international cooperation, leveraging best practices and expertise to advance scientific research, curriculum development, and academic programmes. This will cultivate a generation equipped with the knowledge and skills to tackle contemporary challenges and build a promising future for the region.
For his part, His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of AGU, expressed profound gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their generous patronage and ongoing support. He also extended heartfelt thanks to the leaders of GCC countries for their support and commitment to higher education, reaffirming their belief that knowledge is the cornerstone of sustainable development and civilizational progress.
This comprehensive Arab event, he stated, reflects a deep understanding of higher education’s vital role in human development as a platform to address one of the most pressing issues of our time: the capacity of higher education institutions to anticipate future trends and adapt to rapid changes in the labour market with all the opportunities and challenges It poses to upcoming generations.
Meanwhile, Dr Abdulrahman Al-Medaires, Director-General of the UNESCO-RCQE, highlighted the importance of aligning university programmes with future skills and evolving labour market demands. In his remarks, he stated, "This international gathering brings together a select group of decision-makers and experts from across the Arab world to activate the framework for developing university education programmes in light of future skills and professions. This framework was adopted by the 19th Conference of Arab Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research held in Abu Dhabi in 2024. Together, we aim to chart a shared roadmap to strengthen the future of higher education in our region."
The opening session, moderated by Dr Abdulrahman Al-Medaires, featured high-level participation from Arab Ministers of Higher Education. Discussions centred on the future of university education in the Arab world, strategies for aligning academic programmes with labour market needs, the role of regional frameworks in supporting higher education advancement, and the importance of scientific research, digital transformation, modern skills, and AI in enhancing educational quality.
Participants addressed key questions regarding future policies, funding challenges, youth empowerment, technological integration in higher education, and expanding opportunities for students to acquire future-ready skills. The discussion reviewed the model university of the future, showcasing Arab experiences in modernising academic curricula, which included practical workshops on sustainability, soft skills, and innovation in university programmes.
An accompanying exhibition showcased the latest initiatives from sixteen universities across various countries, highlighting advancements in higher education and links to future skills and professions. The exhibition facilitated experience exchange and fostered connections among Arab and international academic institutions, emphasising innovative practices. The event coincided with the announcement of the joint chair between the university and the centre, supporting the formulation of modern visions for university education that meet the demands of future economies.
by ashokaib | Dec 1, 2025 | Uncategorized
The Arabian Gulf University (AGU) and the Regional Centre for Quality and Excellence in Education (RCQE UNESCO) announced, during a joint press conference held today, Sunday, at the University’s headquarters in Manama, the details of the International Forum for the Development of University Education in Arab States in Light of Future Skills and Professions, scheduled to be held on December 2–3, 2025.
His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), stated: "The University is proud to host this international event, which brings together ministers, university leaders, international organisations, and global experts to design a practical roadmap to drive university education in Arab countries toward a more innovative and sustainable future."
He added that the forum reflects the objectives of the University, which was established to serve strategic issues for the future of the Arab Gulf states, and confirms the Kingdom of Bahrain's regional role in leading pioneering educational projects.
The forum will commence its activities with a high-level ministerial session featuring the participation of Ministers of Higher Education from several Arab countries to discuss the future of Arab university education.
This will be followed by a session for directors of international and regional organisations titled "The Role of Regional Organisations in Developing University Education," with the participation of the Association of Arab Universities, the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS), the UNESCO Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, and the UNESCO Institute for Early Childhood Development.
The forum brings together an elite group of speakers, alongside international experts, university presidents, scientists, and researchers, to review international and regional experiences in developing university programs and future skills.
For his part, His Excellency Dr Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al Medaires, Director General of the Regional Centre for Quality and Excellence in Education (RCQE UNESCO), affirmed that the forum aims to develop an Arab roadmap to activate the ministerially approved "Reference Framework Document for Developing University Education Programmes in Arab Countries in Light of Future Skills and Professions."
This aims to align university programmes with labour market needs, address the gap between education outcomes and future skills, and achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The document is based on a comparative analytical study of the reality of university programmes in Arab countries versus leading international experiences. It proposes an integrated framework consisting of five components: drivers of future professions, fields of future professions, future skills, policies and mechanisms for university development, and modern academic programme formats. It also includes a procedural guide to activate these strategies through enhancing competitiveness, supporting private university education, integrating future skills, lifelong learning, internationalising university education, and recognising prior learning experiences.
The forum aims to enhance dialogue, coordination, and the exchange of expertise among Arab universities, and to review successful global and regional models for developing university programmes, ensuring the preparation of youth who possess the skills required for the future.
The Organising Committee extended its highest expressions of thanks to Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for their continuous support for the journey of developing university education, their deep belief in the importance of investing in knowledge and innovation, and their keenness to enhance Arab integration in the field of higher education.
The committee affirmed that the forum represents one of the most prominent international educational events of 2025, and that the AGU and the UNESCO Regional Centre seek to make it a launching point for a comprehensive Arab transformation in university education.
by ashokaib | Nov 26, 2025 | Uncategorized
The College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Arabian Gulf University (AGU) organised "Physiology Week 2025: A Celebration of the Science of Life" attended by faculty members, students, and health sciences enthusiasts. The event aimed to introduce the university community, including students, researchers, and interested stakeholders, to the vital role of physiology in public health, highlighting the importance of physiological research in medicine and showcasing its contributions to human well-being. The event was accredited for 2 Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours by the National Health Regulatory Authority of Bahrain
In his opening remarks, Dr Yahya Mohammed Najib, Associate Professor, Head of the Physiology Department, and Head of the Animal Facility and Care Unit, discussed the integral connection between physiology and all branches of basic and clinical medicine. He noted that the Nobel Prize's designation as the "Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine" underscores the fundamental role this science plays in advancing human health.
The event agenda featured a series of scientific lectures delivered by several specialists in the field. Professor Rima Abdul Razzaq, Dean of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, delivered a lecture titled "The Key to Hunger: Unlocking the Secrets of Appetite Control" reviewing the latest concepts related to regulating hunger and satiety. Associate Professor Tarik Al Shaibani presented a lecture on "The Physiological Effects of Climate Change" discussing the impact of climate shifts on human health and vital functions.
Dr Yahya Mohamed Naguib, Professor of Clinical Physiology and Department Head, presented "Beyond Longevity: The Physiology of Staying Younger" delving into biological mechanisms that slow aging and promote health. Dr Mohammad Alqudah, Associate Professor, spoke on "The Physiology of the Love Hormone in the Digestive System" exploring oxytocin's role in gastrointestinal functions. The event concluded with Dr Rai Khalid Farooq’s lecture "Behavioural Neuroscience: From Rodents to Humans" which reviewed key research developments linking behaviour to the nervous system.
by ashokaib | Nov 26, 2025 | Uncategorized
His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), participated in the Times Higher Education (THE) Arab Universities Summit 2025. The summit was hosted by Al Ahliyya Amman University in cooperation with the University of Jordan in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The event brought together an elite group of university presidents, policymakers, and researchers from over 20 Arab and international countries, convening to discuss the future of higher education and innovation in the Arab world.
During the summit, delegates explored strategies to address the region's economic, social, and environmental challenges through applied research, innovation, and modern technologies, while emphasising the importance of enhancing equity and equal opportunities for learners.
Dr Al Fuhaid’s participation, accompanied by Dr Ghazi Alotaibi, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Scientific Research, comes just weeks after AGU was ranked in THE World University Rankings 2025 for the second consecutive year. This achievement reflects the university's success in upholding international standards regarding the quality of education, scientific research, and academic innovation, based on metrics including research citations, international collaboration, and publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Commenting on the event, His Excellency Dr Al Fuhaid stated, "This summit, which gathers leading universities from across the globe, offers a strategic opportunity to deepen cooperation with international institutions, foster dialogue, and discuss strategic visions." He further emphasised the critical importance of scientific research and its role in developing leadership in innovation and creativity within the university environment.
Considered one of the most prominent regional platforms in higher education, the summit aimed to review the latest trends and innovations in university development and enhance the competitiveness of educational institutions in the region. It also addressed issues related to quality assurance, scientific research, and international partnerships.
The agenda featured specialised sessions covering the digital future, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academia, and integrity of examinations in the age of AI. These were followed by open dialogues on designing institutions for change and impact, university marketing, innovation and entrepreneurship, and mechanisms for building digital university strategies for digital transformation. Additionally, interactive panel discussions focused on building international partnerships and exchanging expertise between academic institutions.
