by ashokaib | Dec 22, 2024 | Uncategorized
His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of the Arab Gulf University (AGU), met with Dr Alireza Haghighi, Director of the International Centre for Genetic Diseases at Harvard University, to discuss avenues for scientific and research collaboration between the university and the centre in the field of genomics. The meeting focused on a partnership to leverage genomics in the discovery of genetic diseases, aiming to find cures for complex and rare diseases.
The meeting highlighted the importance of joint research in discovering genetic diseases and utilising modern genomic technologies to find effective treatments for complex and rare diseases, which represent a significant challenge in medicine. The discussion also covered the potential for developing academic and research programmes to enhance the exchange of knowledge and technology between both parties.
Dr Al Fuhaid expressed his eagerness to strengthen the partnership with Harvard University, emphasising the importance of international collaboration in developing innovative medical solutions to improve patients' lives. He noted that this step is part of AGU's vision for academic and research excellence in the field of medical sciences.
Dr Alireza Haghighi welcomed the collaboration with AGU, noting that Harvard's International Centre for Genetic Diseases continuously seeks to expand its collaboration network with prestigious universities and leading research institutions in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf. He explained that collaboration with AGU, with its medical, academic, and research expertise, will contribute to significant progress in understanding and treating genetic diseases.
The meeting also discussed undertaking joint research projects focusing on using genomics for early detection of genetic diseases, as well as developing innovative treatment methods for rare and complex diseases.
Dr Haghighi stressed that genomics enhances the understanding of complex diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases by identifying mutations and genetic variations.
He highlighted the widespread adoption of genomics thanks to sequencing technologies, the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the availability of a larger base of researchers and physicians utilising this effective tool.
He stated: "In the coming years, we have witnessed an increase in investment and interest in genomics, with various countries today striving to build genomic research capabilities and establishing national genomics programmes."
He explained that the significant efforts made in the Kingdom of Bahrain and other Gulf countries confirm their diligent pursuit of a qualitative leap.
by ashokaib | Dec 22, 2024 | Uncategorized
His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of Arabian Gulf University (AGU), issued a decision to promote Dr Wid Hussain Daghustani to the rank of Associate Professor, in appreciation of her scientific and professional contributions in the field of special education and developmental disabilities.
Dr Wid Daghustani holds the position of Coordinator of the Learning and Developmental Disabilities Programme at AGU’s College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences. She obtained a PhD in Education with a specialisation in Autism and Social Justice from the University of Glasgow in 2017, and a Master's degree in Intellectual Disability and Autism from AGU in 2011.
Dr Wid Daghustani began her career by teaching English at the College of Medicine at Umm Al Qura University and the Gifted Programme at Saudi Aramco, in addition to teaching at several other colleges and institutes. She also participated in advanced training programmes such as the Strategic Leadership Programme at Oxford University in the United Kingdom.
In addition, Dr Wid Daghustani has significant research contributions that addressed urgent societal and educational issues. The most prominent of these is a study entitled “Victims of Sexual Abuse and the Role of Educational Institutions in Providing Protection: A Retrospective Study,” which addressed the role of educational institutions in protecting children from abuse. She also presented research on “Bullying Towards Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” which focused on the assessments of parents and teachers about the phenomenon. At the international level, she presented a research on the challenges of distance learning for children with autism from the perspective of teachers in Bahrain.
She also contributed to teaching in the Innovative Developmental Diploma in Autism Spectrum Disorder, and contributed to the arbitration of research papers for publication in prestigious peer-reviewed scientific journals, including the Sultan Qaboos University Journal. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Al Amal Al Manshood Charity Association for Individuals with Disabilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where she works to support and empower people with special needs through various educational and awareness initiatives.
Commenting on this, Dr Wid Daghustani expressed her gratitude for this promotion, stressing that this achievement enhances her responsibilities towards serving the Gulf community. She stated: "I thank His Excellency the President of the University for his continuous support, and I vow to exert more effort to serve the Gulf community through knowledge and research that addresses urgent educational and social issues."
This promotion highlights the great efforts made by Dr Wid Daghustani in the fields of scientific research and community service, which reflects AGU’s vision in enhancing academic leadership and addressing societal and developmental challenges.
by ashokaib | Dec 22, 2024 | Uncategorized
The Professional Diploma in Waste Management programme at Arabian Gulf University (AGU) organised field visits to several recycling sites in Bahrain, with the aim of enhancing the practical application of theoretical concepts learned by the students. The visits included recycling factories for plastics, metals, medical and hazardous waste, electronic devices, in addition to the Askar landfill for municipal waste.
During the visits, students of the fourth batch of the programme learned about the stages of waste treatment and its conversion into raw materials that can be used in sustainable ways. They also learned about the technologies used in the Askar landfill to prevent pollutants from leaking into soil and water, including insulating layers and gas drainage systems.
The programme coordinator, Dr Sumaya Yusuf, confirmed that these visits enrich students’ knowledge and introduces them to the importance of sustainable waste management. She pointed out that waste management is one of the most prominent environmental challenges in urban cities, which requires a shift to sustainable methodologies that focus on source reduction, reuse, and recycling. Landfilling is the last and least sustainable option within the waste management pyramid, she added.
Dr Sumaya detailed the visits' focus on the circular economy, emphasising its approach of treating waste as a valuable resource to be recovered and repurposed. This, she explained, contributes to environmental protection and fosters both economic and social sustainability.
It’s worth noting that the Professional Diploma in Waste Management Programme is the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf, accredited by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM). The programme is offered through a flexible educational system that combines online and in-person attendance, and attracts participants from various GCC countries and multiple sectors including municipalities, industry, trade, and health.
To date, the programme has graduated 56 specialists who have contributed to promoting sustainable practices in the Gulf. The programme is supported by the UN Environment Programme, West Asia Office, and aims to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable waste management to achieve sustainable development goals in the region.
by ashokaib | Dec 12, 2024 | Uncategorized
Prof. Waleed Zubari, Dean of the College of Education, Science and Technology and Professor of Water Resources at the Arabian Gulf University, participated in the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to combat desertification held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The conference brought together high-level officials, policymakers, international organisations, companies, and non-governmental organisations to accelerate global initiatives to restore soil fertility, enhance capacity to face drought and promote global water governance.
Prof. Zubari presented a discussion session organised by UNESCO’s Doha Office, where he reviewed the process of groundwater management and its resilience, highlighting the challenges posed by climate change and sustainable water management. He also presented the International Hydrological Programme’s 9th Water Plan, which aims to address future challenges.
Furthermore, Prof. Zubari stressed the importance of sustainable groundwater management and its impact on climate change mitigation. He emphasised that sustainability standards are based on social, economic and political factors, as groundwater reserves are a vital component of national water security. He also highlighted the opportunities for using Artificial Intelligence in groundwater management, including predicting future scenarios using mathematical models and integrating data from various sources to ensure a deeper understanding of groundwater systems.
The conference featured several prominent sessions, ministerial dialogues and announcements of new initiatives aimed at addressing the pressing challenges related to land degradation and drought.
The event is considered one of the largest international gatherings focused on protecting land and combating desertification. It discussed innovative solutions to address environmental challenges resulting from climate change.
In a related development, according to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, land degradation affects around 40 percent of the world’s land area, affecting more than 3.2 billion people every year. Since 2000, droughts have increased by 29%, mainly due to climate change and unsustainable land management.
by ashokaib | Dec 12, 2024 | Uncategorized
The Arabian Gulf University (AGU) celebrated Bahrain’s National Day with a wide range of GCC-inspired festivities, attended by the university’s top management, academic and administrative staff, and students.
The event, which took place amidst a festive atmosphere, featured a traditional Bahraini food festival, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of traditional dishes that reflect the kingdom’s rich heritage. The celebration also included a remarkable musical performance of the traditional “Ardha”, one of the GCC’s most iconic cultural symbols.
In his speech on this occasion, Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of AGU, said: “The National Day of the Kingdom of Bahrain represents a cherished occasion for all of us, and an opportunity to recall the rich history of Bahrain, abundant in blessings, and its vibrant present, thriving with development and achievements, which has earned the kingdom a prestigious reputation regionally and internationally, thanks to its wise leadership and the endeavours of its loyal children. It is an honour for me to take advantage of this special occasion to extend greetings to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with the highest greetings, and I pray to Allah the Almighty that this occasion may be repeated in Bahrain, at the levels of its leadership and people, having achieved all it aspires to in terms of development and prosperity.”
Dr Al Fuhaid added: “Our university, established in the Kingdom of Bahrain, is one of the oldest and most prominent Gulf cooperation projects in education. The kingdom has played a crucial role in supporting our university, providing us with the necessary resources for success. With the blessing of Allah the Almighty and the support of the wise leaders in the GCC countries, we have become one of the leading institutions in education and scientific research in the region.”
The celebration also featured a speech by student Ms. Zainab Al Ali, which was filled with national spirit and phrases that conveyed a sense of belonging and loyalty to the Kingdom of Bahrain. The speech was delivered in a poetic tone that inspired young generations to move forward with confidence in building a bright future for their country.
The event also included recitations of national poetry that reflected pride and respect for this special day. Dr Tareq Al Shaibani presented a poem filled with vivid descriptions that evoked Bahrain’s rich past and its bright present. Meanwhile, student Ms. Zainab Sayed Shubbar impressed everyone with her colourful poem that embodied love for the homeland with warmth and sensitivity.
It is worth noting that the event was coordinated by student Ms. Najla Al Buflah under the supervision of the Student Activities Unit and the Public Relations Department.
