The Professional Diploma in Waste Management, offered by the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), has received renewed international accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Waste Management (CIWM) in the UK until 2027. This makes it the first programme of its kind in the GCC and the Arab region to obtain this prestigious international accreditation from the institute.  

Dr Sumaya Yusuf, Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering, and Founder and Coordinator of the Professional Diploma in Waste Management, stated that the renewal of accreditation by the CIWM in the UK, which is recognised as the highest authority for resource and waste management programmes in leading British and global universities, reflects the university’s standing as a distinguished academic and scientific institution for quality higher education. 

She underscored that this achievement is a result of academic excellence and dedication to serving the Gulf community and its important issues, aligning with efforts to achieve sustainable development goals and innovate effective solutions to various environmental challenges.  

Furthermore, Dr Yusuf noted that the programme’s attainment of this accreditation is a testament to its meeting the highest international standards in this field, which is a significant accomplishment for the university in enhancing its stature on both regional and international fronts. She emphasised that obtaining accreditation for postgraduate programmes and training at the Arabian Gulf University from prominent international institutions is an added motivation to continue striving for excellence and to elevate the university’s higher education credentials to compete effectively on both regional and international levels.  

Additionally, she explained that this diploma is offered with direct support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – West Asia Office and has been delivered through a combined learning approach (both virtually and in person) since October 2021, and has attracted the interest of various sectors across the GCC countries, including municipal, industrial and health sectors.  

“Waste management has become one of the most significant challenges facing urban cities around the world. Understanding environmental pollution and managing waste sustainably has become essential. The idea of designing the Professional Diploma in Waste Management emerged in response to the lack of adequate awareness and necessary knowledge regarding the importance of sustainable waste management, as well as raising awareness about the significance of sustainable production and consumption in our region,” Dr Yusuf said.   

It is noteworthy that the programme has so far graduated 56 individuals who represent elite experts working in various sectors across the GCC countries, contributing to enriching the communities of the Council with the necessary knowledge and skills. The programme is conducted in the evening with a flexible dual learning approach (virtual and in-person), featuring participation from a selection of international professors and experts, with the current cohort comprising 36 participants from three countries: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.  

It is important to mention that the Professional Diploma in Waste Management at the Arabian Gulf University enjoys direct support from the UNEP – West Asia Office, as well as accreditation from the CIWM.