The College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Arabian Gulf University is conducting personal interviews with applicants from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries seeking admission to its academic programs, which include the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services. These interviews are part of the admissions process designed to select students best prepared to pursue medical studies and to meet the profession’s future demands and challenges.
The interviews are conducted by specialized evaluation committees comprising university professors and a number of medical students in their final years, which helps enrich the interview experience and convey a realistic picture of the nature of study and academic life at the college. The interview provides an opportunity to get to know the applicant’s personality, abilities, and motivations, as well as to assess their suitability for the medical profession and its requirements—including commitment, responsibility, and the ability to handle various academic and medical challenges.
Dr. Aseel Al-Saleh, Dean of Student Affairs at Arabian Gulf University, said that the distinguished academic track record established by Arabian Gulf University throughout its history is clearly reflected in the level of trust that parents in the Gulf countries place in the university, as well as in their eagerness to enroll their children in the various medical programs offered by the college. She emphasized that admission interviews serve as a crucial step in getting to know the student’s personality and assessing their psychological and intellectual readiness to undertake the medical education experience.
She added: “We clearly saw the extent of this trust during our meetings with students and their parents while the English proficiency exam for admission was being administered; their participation and eagerness to enroll at the university demonstrated its academic standing and trust it enjoys in the Gulf countries.” She added: “The Arabian Gulf University has taken steady and determined steps toward improving education and enhancing its outcomes by adopting innovative approaches, and by introducing modern and unique majors that meet the needs of the Gulf job market, based on an ambitious strategic vision formulated by an integrated team, with the goal of establishing the university as a leading academic institution in innovation and medical education.”
Dr. Al-Saleh explained that the interviews aim to assess the student’s personality, their ability to communicate, think critically, and take responsibility, as well as their awareness of the nature of health professions and the humanitarian and professional challenges and responsibilities they entail. This enhances the university’s ability to select students who possess the qualities necessary for success in their future medical careers.
In this context, the assessment committees focus during the interviews on a set of fundamental criteria, foremost among which are intrinsic motivation and awareness, leadership qualities and a sense of responsibility, self-confidence and emotional stability, sound judgment in handling various questions and situations, as well as communication skills, active listening, and positive interaction with committee members.
These interviews serve as a crucial stage in the student selection process, in line with Arabian Gulf University’s commitment to attracting students who possess academic excellence, a well-rounded personality, a genuine motivation to learn, and the ability to communicate, work, and take on responsibility, which are qualities that will prepare them to continue their medical education and contribute to serving their communities in the future.
His Excellency Dr. Saad bin Saud Al-Fahaid, President of the Arabian Gulf University, signed a joint memorandum of understanding with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Chris Watling, in the Austrian capital of Vienna, marking a significant step toward enhancing academic and medical excellence at the university.
This memorandum is the first of its kind signed by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada with an academic institution based in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It aims to strengthen academic and professional cooperation and facilitate the exchange of expertise in the areas of faculty development, training programs, fellowship programs, as well as academic and professional accreditations.
In a statement following the signing, His Excellency Dr. Saad bin Saud Al-Fahaid, President of the Arabian Gulf University, emphasized that this partnership represents a significant milestone in the university’s journey toward enhancing academic and medical excellence. He added: “The signing of this memorandum with a long-standing institution such as the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada reflects the Arabian Gulf University’s ongoing commitment to providing the highest levels of medical education and clinical training, and to opening new horizons for faculty members and students to benefit from advanced global expertise, which will positively impact the efficiency of the healthcare sector in the region.”
For his part, Dr. Chris Watling, CEO of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, expressed his pride in this first-of-its-kind collaboration in the Kingdom of Bahrain, noting that this partnership represents an important step toward strengthening international cooperation in medical education. He said: “We are eager to work side by side with Arabian Gulf University to develop training programs and academic accreditation, and to implement best professional practices that help equip medical professionals with modern skills.”
It is worth noting that this agreement paves the way for both parties to implement joint initiatives aimed at raising the quality of medical training and developing curricula in accordance with the highest internationally recognized standards. This step builds on the remarkable progress that Arabian Gulf University has made in the field of medical education and crowns its track record of significant achievements. It is also worth noting that few days ago, the university was honored with the (ASPIRE) Award for Excellence in Medical Education in the “Excellence in Medical Simulation” category, during a special ceremony organized by the International Association for Health Professions Education (AMEE).
His Excellency Dr. Saad bin Saud Al-Fahaid, President of Arabian Gulf University, received the ASPIRE Award for Excellence in Medical Education in the category of Medical Simulation Education at a ceremony organized by the International Association for Health Professions Education (AMEE), the award’s sponsor, as part of the organization’s annual conference, held in the Austrian capital of Vienna from August 22 to 26, in the presence of a select group of global institutions and leaders.
Arabian Gulf University received this international award in recognition of its efforts to develop simulation-based learning environments and enhance the quality of training for medical students and health practitioners, following a comprehensive evaluation of educational practices and innovations in the field of medical simulation.
The initiatives of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences have demonstrated a high level of integration of simulation into the medical curriculum and the use of modern technologies to provide realistic and safe learning experiences.
On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Saad bin Saud Al-Fahaid, President of the Arabian Gulf University, extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC), for the support they provide to the university and its educational mission, enabling it to fulfill its mission and objectives. He emphasized that this achievement by the university’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences embodies the university’s commitment to excellence and innovation in education, strengthens its presence at the regional and international levels, and reflects the status it has attained in the field of medical education through the adoption of modern teaching methods that focus on building clinical competencies, developing decision-making skills, and enhancing patient safety through practical training in advanced simulation environments.
His Excellency said: “The university will continue to invest in the development of medical education, support a culture of innovation, and strengthen its regional and international partnerships, thereby contributing to the preparation of physicians who possess the knowledge, skills, and professional values needed to meet the healthcare needs of the future.”
For his part, the Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Mohamed bin Saleh Madadin, expressed his delight that the university had received this award, which is considered one of the most prestigious international awards in the field of medical education. He noted that the award is subject to rigorous, high-level criteria and extended his thanks to the university administration for its continued support, as well as to the members of the nomination team who successfully highlighted the university’s outstanding efforts and capabilities. He also commended the efforts of all university staff—including members of the academic and administrative bodies—who contributed to this achievement.
In the same context, the Director of the Medical Skills and Simulation Center, Dr. Reem Jassim Al-Ansari, explained that this achievement is the culmination of years of work and development in the field of medical simulation, and the intensive efforts made by the center’s team in preparing the award nomination dossier, which highlighted the Arabian Gulf University’s experience in utilizing medical simulation in accordance with the highest international standards.
She added: “This award represents the highest form of international recognition for excellence in simulation in medical education, a category directly linked to the Center’s mission and daily work". She said that preparing the nomination was a long journey involving the collection of evidence, analysis of practices, and documentation of educational impact, in which the Center’s team participated alongside partners from various colleges and departments at the university.”
She emphasized that what set the Arabian Gulf University’s experience apart was its institutional culture based on collaboration and teamwork, noting that winning this global award represents a success story to which outstanding individuals and various units across the university contributed, and therefore this achievement belongs to the entire university. She expressed pride in what the Medical Skills and Simulation Center has represented on the global stage in such a distinguished manner.
The ASPIRE TO EXCELLENCE AWARD is considered the most prestigious global award in the field of medical education. It is awarded to educational institutions that achieve exceptional levels of excellence and innovation in the fields of medical education and training and represents international recognition of the quality of academic practices and educational leadership.
The College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Arabian Gulf University held in-person written exams for 83 students from the GCC countries—all of whom are in their sixth and final year at the college and are pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree—with a 100% attendance rate. His Excellency the University President, Dr. Saad bin Saud Al-Fuhaid, accompanied by the Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Mohammed Maddin, inspected the progress of the exams.
The Dean of the College of Medicine explained that the sixth-year exams were designed to suit the circumstances and needs of the students, emphasizing that organizational measures ensured the exams proceeded smoothly, thanks to the appropriate environment that allowed students to take the exams without significant obstacles. He expressed his pride and appreciation for the medical graduates of the Arabian Gulf University over the past decades.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mona Erekat, Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs at the College of Medicine, confirmed that the written exams for sixth-year students proceeded smoothly and with a high level of efficiency and organization, without any significant challenges, noting that the clinical exams will be held in the coming days. She attributed this success to the concerted efforts of the staff, their teamwork, and the continuous support from the university administration.
Erekat emphasized that the college is committed to motivating medical students to continue their perseverance and diligence so that they may successfully complete their medical studies and pursue their specialty and graduate studies in the near future, becoming a source of pride for their home university and the countries of the GCC, and return to their home countries with the highest levels of competence in various medical specialties, thereby contributing to raising the standard of medical services there. She emphasized the Arabian Gulf University’s commitment to graduating trained and competent professionals who meet the requirements for advancing the medical sector in the GCC countries and address its growing needs, in line with its strategic mission to supply the Gulf market with highly competent medical professionals who contribute to raising development rates.
A student delegation from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Arabian Gulf University participated in the 10th Health Profession Conference, recently hosted by King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in the capital city of Riyadh, under the patronage of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and the supervision of the Dean of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Prof. Rima Lutfi Abdulrazaq.
The students’ participation was part of Arabian Gulf University’s efforts to strengthen its academic and research presence in regional scientific forums; as students were given the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the fields of health professions, participate in scientific sessions and specialized workshops, and interact with a select group of academics, experts, and students from various educational institutions in the region.
The delegation included 15 students who presented a variety of academic contributions reflecting the university students’ academic and research excellence; nine students participated in the clinical skills competition as part of three teams. The first team consisted of: Anas Abdulmoneim, Abdullah Al-Haraasi, and Nizar Al-Balushi, while the second team included Fatima Al-Koufi, Fatima Al-Mualim, and Elaf Baladi, and the third team consisted of Ariam Al-Atwi, Sisban Saleh, and Dala Al-Baz.
Additionally, Abdulaziz Qaed and Zainab Salman delivered oral research presentations that demonstrated advanced skills in presenting and discussing scientific research before a panel of experts, while three students participated in presenting research posters: Jalnar Al-Balushi, Aryam Al-Atwi, and Sara Al-Sabzali, addressing modern and innovative health topics.
Regarding research opportunities, a number of students presented their projects and future research ideas, while university alumni Dr. Saad Al-Saleh stood out for his outstanding participation in this track. Graduate student Ranim Al-Otaibi also participated in the “Thesis in Three Minutes” competition, delivering a concise scientific presentation in a professional manner within a specified time limit.
For her part, the Dean of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Rima Lutfi Abdulrazaq, emphasized that student participation is part of the university’s commitment to providing quality opportunities for its students, given the pivotal role such opportunities play in enhancing their academic and research expertise, shaping their professional identities, and expanding their scientific networks, all of which positively impact their future careers.
The conference serves as a scientific platform that contributes to developing students’ capabilities and refining their skills, as well as strengthening their academic presence at the regional and international levels, while opening avenues for scientific collaboration and the exchange of expertise, in line with the latest trends in the health sector.
His Excellency Dr. Saad bin Saud Al-Fahaid, President of Arabian Gulf University, inspected the in-person final written exams held by the university’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences for the second consecutive day. The exams were taken by 84 sixth year and final-year students enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine program.
The exams were conducted using reliable computer software compliant with international standards, which was configured to meet the needs of students. Precise organizational procedures ensured the exams proceeded with high efficiency, and the appropriate atmosphere enabled students to take their exams smoothly and orderly.
During his visit to check on the students, accompanied by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Scientific Research, Dr. Ghazi bin Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi, and the President’s Advisor, Associate Professor of Public Health Dr. Salman Hamad Al-Zayani, the President expressed his pride and appreciation for the achievements of Arabian Gulf University’s medical students over the past decades, emphasizing the university’s commitment to creating a supportive exam environment that takes into account the academic and psychological well-being of students.
His Excellency explained that the university places particular importance on student safety and their psychological and academic preparedness during the exam period, emphasizing that this phase represents a pivotal milestone in the academic and professional journey of medical students and requires a stable exam environment that enables them to perform to the best of their ability in accordance with established academic standards. He noted that the university’s commitment to these standards has contributed to solidifying its academic standing and enhancing the credibility of its graduates among health authorities.
The university president explained that the College of Medicine adopts an innovative educational approach that has contributed to developing students’ clinical and research skills and fostering a comprehensive approach to managing various medical cases, thereby equipping them to effectively pursue their future professional and specialized careers.
For his part, the Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences explained that the sixth-year students’ exams proceeded as planned for the second day, without any significant disruptions, confirming that the clinical exams will be held over the next few days according to the approved schedule. He noted the college’s commitment to motivating students to continue their perseverance and diligence until they successfully complete their medical studies and pursue their future specialty and graduate studies, so that they may become qualified medical professionals who contribute to the health sector in the GCC countries.
It is worth noting that Arabian Gulf University, since the launch of its academic journey in 1980, has continued its commitment to graduating trained and competent medical professionals who meet the requirements for advancing the medical sector in the GCC countries and address its growing needs, within the framework of its strategic mission aimed at supporting health development in the region.
