Ahlia University is on track to open its new campus in the final quarter of 2026 in Salman City, marking a major milestone in the expansion of Bahrain’s private higher education sector.
The announcement was made during the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly meetings of the Arab Academy for Educational Services and Research, the owner of Ahlia University, Ahlia School and Bahrain Institute of Technology, which were attended by shareholders representing 89.5% of the academy’s capital.
Board chairwoman Hala Farooq Al-Moayyed said construction of the new campus was progressing according to schedule and expressed appreciation for the support provided by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Higher Education Council chaired by Education Minister Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, and the Bahrain Economic Development Board led by chief executive Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif.
Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Professor Abdulla Al-Hawaj, said the new campus had been designed as a modern educational landmark combining contemporary architecture, advanced learning technologies and sustainability with elements reflecting Bahrain’s national identity. He added that the university expects to complete its transition to the Salman City campus by September 2026.
Designed in line with green building principles, Shareholders approved an additional investment of BD5 million to complete the first phase of the project. The campus will include a 28,000sqm car park fitted with solar panels capable of generating a substantial proportion of the university’s electricity needs. The landscaping plan also includes the planting of 5,000 trees in co-operation with the Northern Municipality to enhance the environmental sustainability of the site. It will also feature advanced digital infrastructure and have the capacity to accommodate up to 5,000 students in its initial phase, with provision for future expansion in line with increasing demand for higher education.
During the meeting, shareholders also approved the appointment of Professor Abdullah Dahlan to the Academy’s Board of Directors in recognition of his extensive experience in higher education and institutional development.
The General Assembly endorsed the academy’s administrative and financial reports and reviewed Ahlia University’s recent achievements, including progress in international university rankings and quality assurance. Members also commended the strong performance of Ahlia School students in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), as well as the continued expansion of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes supporting the objectives of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.
Officials said the new campus is expected to strengthen Bahrain’s position as a regional centre for higher education while contributing to the city’s urban development and supporting the Kingdom’s long-term sustainability and knowledge economy goals.
