The Arabian Gulf University (AGU), in cooperation with the Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT), is launching a research project to study the impact of climate change on the distribution and abundance of pearl oysters and seaweed in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This comes within the framework of the proposed strategic plan for the Chair of His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The project aims to isolate and store these marine organisms, and research work is scheduled to officially begin this February.

His Excellency the President of AGU, Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, pays special attention to activating scientific chairs and adopts a strategy to encourage scientific innovation within the framework of the continuous effort to enhance the university's scientific and educational status. He also supports sustainable research projects that benefit society, emphasising the importance of scientific research chairs in developing research and enhancing the role of scientists and researchers in various fields, which contribute to solving global challenges.

His Excellency Dr Al Fuhaid explained that investing in scientific research chairs is an investment in the future, as they shape new generations of researchers who will play a prominent role in the development of science and future technologies. “The GIS Chair of His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani represents an important step towards enhancing relevant scientific research in a manner that reflects the university’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for innovation and development,” His Excellency stated.

For her part, Dr Sabah Al Jenaid, Head of the Research Team and Academic Supervisor of the Chair, stressed project’s importance in highlighting the impact of climate change on the marine environment, especially in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which is famous for the presence of pearl oysters. 

“The research will study the environment of pearl oysters and seaweeds in Bahrain within an integrated scientific plan which will contribute to a deeper understanding of this vital sector,” she stated. 

It's worth noting that the research team consists of a group of experts specialised in various scientific fields.

Dr Al Jenaid, Associate Professor of GIS and Environment at the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences, supervises the project, along with Mr  Khalil Al Wadaei, Environmental Expert in Land and Marine Biology, Dr Manaf Al Khuzai, Researcher in Artificial Intelligence Applications, Modelling and Programming Languages, Ms Ghadeer Kadhem, Researcher Specialising in GIS, Remote Sensing and Databases, in addition to Bioanalysis Specialist Dr Fadia Mohamed. 

The results of the project will contribute to developing strategies to protect Bahrain's marine environment and ensure the sustainability of the pearling industry, which is considered part of the cultural and economic heritage of the Kingdom.