No Poverty at Ahlia University (Bahrain)

Introduction: Commitment to No Poverty

Ahlia University, Bahrain’s first private university, is deeply committed to Sustainable Development Goal 1 (No Poverty). This commitment aligns with Bahrain’s national efforts to end poverty through social programs, subsidies, and job creation initiatives. Ahlia University’s strategy integrates poverty alleviation into its core mission, ensuring that education and opportunity are accessible regardless of economic background. The university’s contributions have earned international recognition – in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, Ahlia was ranked among the top 200 globally for SDG 1: No Poverty. The following report details Ahlia’s financial assistance programs, staff support measures, community engagement, strategic plans, research, and inclusive policies that together demonstrate a comprehensive approach to alleviating poverty and promoting social inclusion.

Financial Assistance Programs for Students

Ahlia University ensures that financial hardship is not a barrier to higher education. A wide range of assistance programs – scholarships, grants, discounts, and special funds – support students from low-income backgrounds:

Scholarships and Need-Based Grants

The university offers numerous merit and need-based scholarships that cover full or partial tuition. These include awards for academically outstanding students and those with demonstrated financial need. Each year, Ahlia provides a limited number of undergraduate scholarships specifically for students with no other means to finance their studies, awarded through a competitive process as a 50% grant and 50% interest-free loan. Notably, students who achieve exceptionally high secondary school scores (98% or above) and can show financial hardship may apply for the President’s Scholarship, a partial tuition waiver aimed at top-performing, low-income students.

Tuition Fee Discounts and Waivers

Ahlia allocates dedicated funds to reduce tuition for students from disadvantaged or special groups. High-achieving new entrants receive automatic tuition discounts based on secondary school results (e.g. 50% off for scores ≥95%, 25% for 90–94.9%). To retain these waivers, students must maintain a strong GPA, but those who falter can regain the discount once their grades improve. Additionally, current undergraduates who excel in their studies are eligible for a High Achievers Discount of 25% off the next semester’s fees. Other institutional waivers include a Sibling Discount (10% for students with a sibling at Ahlia) and an Alumni Graduate Scholarship (20% off master’s tuition for Ahlia bachelor’s alumni). These measures lighten the financial load on families and encourage continued education.

Targeted Support for Vulnerable Students

Ahlia has introduced special tuition waivers for students from particularly vulnerable socioeconomic groups. Orphans registered with recognized welfare organizations receive a 50% tuition fee discount. Likewise, students with disabilities (“people of determination”) are granted a 50% fee discount upon presenting a government disability card. These discounts for orphans and disabled students are part of Ahlia’s community engagement mandate to empower marginalized youth with education opportunities. In 2020, during the COVID-19 crisis, the university also announced a special “University of Champions” scholarship, offering 50% tuition scholarships as a gift to front-line health, safety, and security workers and their children. This emergency support during a national crisis exemplified Ahlia’s responsiveness to community needs.

Emergency and Ongoing Support Services

Beyond formal scholarships, Ahlia provides supportive services to help students in financial distress. The Student Counseling & Advising Directorate offers guidance to students facing economic or personal hardships, ensuring they are aware of resources like installment payment plans or budget counseling. The university’s culture of care means that students encountering sudden financial emergencies can seek confidential advice and assistance. For example, Ahlia has allowed flexible tuition payment schedules in some cases and organized charitable campaigns (such as donating technology or stipends) to help financially struggling students continue their studies. All students also benefit from free access to career counseling, internship placement programs, and skills workshops which enhance their employability. By boosting students’ job prospects, these programs help break the cycle of poverty after graduation.

Impact: Through these financial assistance initiatives, Ahlia University is making higher education accessible and affordable for low-income students. The combination of merit scholarships, need-based grants, and targeted waivers directly reduces economic barriers to entry and completion of degrees. As a result, Ahlia contributes to social mobility in Bahrain – talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds can attain quality education and better livelihoods. This aligns with SDG 1 and Bahrain’s goal that “no one is left behind” in education.

Supporting Low-Income and Vulnerable Staff

Ahlia University extends its poverty-alleviation ethos to its own employees by ensuring fair compensation and additional support for lower-income staff. The university recognizes that paying a living wage and providing benefits are critical to staff welfare. All employees – academic and administrative – receive fair, competitive salaries with benefits, in line with or exceeding Bahrain’s labor law requirements. According to Ahlia’s pay policy, salary scales for all job grades are set at or above the government-defined minimum wage, ensuring that even the lowest-paid staff earn a decent income. These scales are reviewed annually and adjusted to remain equitable and competitive in the local market. By policy, compensation is based on job grade and performance, with no discrimination by gender or background, which helps close wage gaps and uplift historically underpaid groups.

Financial Assistance and Benefits for Staff

In addition to salaries, Ahlia provides a robust benefits package and financial support options to improve staff well-being:

• Allowances and Insurance: Full-time employees receive allowances for housing and transportation as part of a fixed salary package, which helps cover living costs. All staff are covered by comprehensive medical insurance, with an option to include dependents on the plan. The university also provides life insurance (covering life and disability) and enrolls every employee in Bahrain’s national social insurance/pension scheme, contributing to their retirement security. These benefits, fully paid by the university after the probation period, reduce employees’ out-of-pocket expenses on healthcare and ensure financial protection against emergencies.
• Education and Professional Development: Ahlia invests in its employees’ growth and extends educational benefits to their families. Full-time staff and their spouses (or partners) and even siblings are offered a 50% tuition fee discount to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at Ahlia. The university also offers regular in-house training, workshops, and funding to attend conferences for faculty and staff. By supporting employees’ professional development, Ahlia helps them advance economically over the long term.
• Fair Work Policies: Ahlia maintains policies that promote decent working conditions for all employees, enforcing Bahrain’s fair labor practices – standard working hours, paid leave, and overtime compensation – to prevent exploitation. Workplace health and safety standards are upheld so that all staff have a safe, secure environment. The university has also established grievance mechanisms: employees can voice concerns about unfair treatment or financial difficulties without fear, and expect a confidential, fair review process.

Financial Relief Measures

Recognizing that staff may encounter personal financial hardships, Ahlia’s HR policies allow for salary advances or financial assistance loans to employees in need. Such assistance can be repaid via payroll deductions over time. This safety net is particularly helpful for lower-paid staff facing emergencies, as it provides immediate, interest-free funds (for example, to cover medical bills or unexpected expenses). Additionally, expatriate employees receive end-of-service benefits (leave indemnity and repatriation allowance) upon contract completion, which help them financially transition after their tenure. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the university also showed flexibility and compassion to its workers – for instance, by reducing on-campus duties, offering remote work options, and maintaining full salary payments – ensuring that no employee fell into poverty due to the crisis.

Impact: By implementing these fair wage and welfare policies, Ahlia University fosters economic security for its staff. Lower-income employees benefit from livable wages, broad insurance coverage, educational subsidies, and access to financial aid, which collectively improve their standard of living. The university’s commitment to pay equity and non-discrimination means female and expatriate staff are treated on par with others. In essence, Ahlia functions as a model “decent work” employer (supporting SDG 8 alongside SDG 1) by uplifting the livelihoods of all who work at the institution.

Community Engagement Initiatives for Poverty Reduction

Ahlia University actively extends its resources and expertise beyond campus through community engagement initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and uplifting the local community. Through volunteerism, outreach programs, partnerships with charities, and donations, the university seeks to improve the socio-economic well-being of Bahraini society – especially for low-income and marginalized groups. Key initiatives and collaborations include:

Empowering Productive Families

In partnership with Bahrain’s Ministry of Social Development, Ahlia’s Community Engagement Unit hosts programs to boost local entrepreneurship and income-generation. For example, the university organized a Bahraini Productive Families Exhibition featuring 15 low-income families who showcased homemade products (traditional crafts, food items, clothing) on campus. The exhibition provided these families a free platform to market their goods and develop their businesses. The goal was to encourage an entrepreneurial culture among disadvantaged households, enabling them to invest in small home enterprises and improve their income. Such events also help preserve Bahraini heritage skills while economically empowering families.

Volunteering and Charitable Partnerships

Ahlia University has opened its doors to civil society organizations and charities, fostering a culture of volunteerism among students and staff. The university regularly convenes meetings and forums with NGOs to identify community needs and coordinate support. In one high-profile gathering, Ahlia’s Founder, Prof. Abdullah Al-Hawaj, met with heads of various charitable societies (including the Janusan Charitable Society) to strengthen cooperation. He emphasized that “effective participation in serving the local community is no less important… than graduating qualified students”, pledging university resources to benefit the poor and vulnerable. As a result, Ahlia faculty now volunteer to provide free workshops and training courses for charity initiatives, and students engage in community service projects that aid low-income groups. For instance, Ahlia and the Janusan Society collaborated to train a number of underprivileged young people from the community, improving their skills and job prospects.

Donations and Funding for Social Causes

The university contributes financially to broader poverty-alleviation and educational causes in Bahrain. A notable example is Ahlia’s support for the Crown Prince’s International Scholarship Program (CPISP), which funds outstanding Bahraini students (many from modest backgrounds) to study abroad. Ahlia’s Chairman, Prof. Al-Hawaj, presented a donation of BHD 50,000 to the CPISP – part of a larger pledged support of BHD 250,000 as a silver sponsor of the program. During the check handover, he praised national leaders’ efforts in developing young talent through scholarships and reiterated Ahlia’s belief in equal educational opportunity. Moreover, every Ramadan, Ahlia endorses government appeals to bolster charitable giving: the university leadership has publicly praised directives by Bahrain’s Prime Minister to expedite charity work during the holy month and highlighted the role of charities in supporting “vulnerable segments such as low-income people, widows, orphans, and people with special needs”. The university often participates in Ramadan charity drives and other fundraisers, complementing the government’s social assistance with community donations.

Educational Outreach & Capacity Building

As an academic institution, Ahlia leverages education as a tool to combat poverty outside its campus. Through its Centre for Entrepreneurship and Professional Relations office, the university runs free or subsidized training programs for the public. For example, Ahlia launched a “Recycle and Donate” campaign that engaged students in collecting recyclables to fund wheelchairs for individuals with disabilities in need. This initiative not only met a mobility need (reducing financial burden on poor families of disabled persons) but also raised student awareness on environmental sustainability and social giving. Additionally, Ahlia’s faculty organize public lectures and forums on socio-economic issues; in 2024 the university hosted the Second Forum on Integrating Students with Special Needs in Higher Education, inviting government and civil society leaders to discuss inclusion strategies. By sharing knowledge and advocating inclusive policies (e.g. encouraging companies to hire people of determination), Ahlia helps shape a society where marginalized groups gain greater economic opportunity.

Impact: Ahlia University’s community engagement is producing tangible benefits in poverty reduction at the local level. By fostering entrepreneurship, the university helps families generate income and become self-reliant. Through volunteer efforts and free training, Ahlia transfers valuable skills to disadvantaged youth and supports the work of charities on the frontlines of poverty alleviation. Financial contributions to national scholarship and welfare programs amplify the reach of educational opportunities for low-income Bahrainis. Importantly, Ahlia’s approach creates a multiplier effect: students and staff not only assist communities directly, but also carry forward a pro-social mindset into their future workplaces and civic lives.

Long-Term Strategy and Commitment to Alleviating Poverty

Alleviating poverty is not treated as a one-off initiative at Ahlia University – it is embedded in the institution’s long-term strategy, governance, and planning. The university has articulated explicit goals and created structures to sustain its impact on poverty reduction and social inclusion over time:

Strategic Planning with SDG Alignment

Ahlia’s current Strategic Plan (2021–2025) prioritizes community engagement and social responsibility alongside teaching and research. Building on the success of the previous “Empower” Plan (2016–2020), the university’s strategy explicitly calls for strengthening efforts to address societal needs in Bahrain. This includes targets related to expanding financial aid, enhancing community service, and contributing to national development goals. The integration of SDG 1 into strategic objectives ensures continuity of poverty-alleviation actions. For example, one strategic aim is “Access and Inclusion,” under which Ahlia committed to providing equal opportunities for all, including financial aid, scholarships, and support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Progress on these aims is reviewed annually by university leadership, demonstrating an ongoing commitment rather than short-term projects.

Institutional Leadership & Oversight

The responsibility for community impact is woven into Ahlia’s governance. A Community Engagement Committee (CEC) has been established to plan, coordinate, and monitor all outreach and poverty-related projects. Chaired by the President’s Assistant for Media & PR and comprising directors from key units (Entrepreneurship, Student Services, HR, etc.), this committee meets regularly to evaluate community needs, propose new initiatives, and ensure programs align with national poverty-reduction priorities. The presence of faculty representatives on the CEC also facilitates integration of academic expertise into community programs. Additionally, Ahlia’s top leadership publicly champions the poverty agenda: the University President, Prof. Mansour Al-Aali, has affirmed that “community service is one of the essential responsibilities of Ahlia University” and an “original function” of a prestigious university. This high-level endorsement creates a culture where long-term engagement is valued on par with academic excellence.

Continuous Improvement and Future Plans

Ahlia University continuously evaluates the effectiveness of its poverty-related programs and seeks to scale up successful interventions. The university tracks metrics such as the number of students from low-income families enrolled and graduating, the total financial aid disbursed annually, and community feedback on outreach activities. For instance, Ahlia aims to maintain a high graduation rate for scholarship recipients and underprivileged students – an internal goal in line with maximizing social impact. Learning from experience, the university has expanded certain programs: the Riyada Scholarship (initially a small partnership scheme) has grown to incorporate internship and training components to ensure scholars also gain employable skills. Likewise, after positive outcomes from local family entrepreneurship fairs, Ahlia plans to make them annual and possibly extend micro-grants or incubation support to standout participants. In terms of future initiatives, the university is exploring the creation of an “Ahlia Social Innovation Hub” that would bring students and community members together to design solutions for poverty and inequality challenges. Moreover, Ahlia intends to broaden its collaboration with government agencies – for example, supporting the Ministry of Labor’s programs by offering university resources for vocational training of unemployed youth. All these forward-looking plans underscore that Ahlia’s commitment to SDG 1 is enduring and evolving.

Embedding SDG 1 in Education and Research: To ensure the mission of poverty alleviation endures, Ahlia integrates these values into the curriculum (especially in business, economics, and social sciences courses), sensitizing each new student cohort. The university also holds high-profile events like the “No Poverty” awareness seminars and annual charity meetings to keep the conversation active on campus. By institutionalizing such events, Ahlia educates each generation of students about Bahrain’s poverty issues and the importance of civic action. This creates a pipeline of alumni who will continue supporting SDG 1 goals in their careers and communities, sustaining impact beyond the university.

Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation on Poverty and Inequality

As an academic institution, Ahlia University contributes to the fight against poverty not only through practical programs but also through research and knowledge creation. The university actively studies poverty, social inequality, and related issues, using data and evidence to inform policies (both its own and national) and to measure impact:

Academic Research on Poverty

Ahlia’s faculty and research centers engage in rigorous research addressing poverty alleviation, economic inclusion, and sustainable development. The university even hosts an academic journal – the Journal of Business and Socio-Economic Development – which disseminates research on development issues. Recent studies published (with Ahlia’s involvement) include an examination of the role of poverty reduction and social inclusion in achieving sustainable development (a case study of Nigeria), and an analysis of structural transformation and poverty alleviation in Sub-Saharan Africa. These peer-reviewed papers (published in 2023–2024) provide insights into effective poverty reduction strategies, such as how education and social inclusion can accelerate sustainable development. By contributing to global research, Ahlia’s scholars are helping to identify what policies work best to reduce poverty, both in Bahrain and internationally.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Initiatives

Ahlia University employs monitoring and evaluation (M&E) mechanisms to assess the outcomes of its poverty-related initiatives. Each major program – from student financial aid to community training workshops – is tracked for key performance indicators. For instance, the Office of the President requires annual reports on community engagement that include data on number of beneficiaries served, scholarships granted, volunteer hours contributed, and feedback from partners. The Community Engagement Committee reviews these reports to evaluate what impact is being achieved and where improvements are needed. As a result, Ahlia has evidence of success, such as the fact that over 300 students with disabilities (persons of determination) have graduated from Ahlia in the past 20 years – an inspiring outcome demonstrating long-term inclusion. Similarly, Ahlia monitors the socio-economic diversity of its student body; the university tracks enrollments of students from low-income regions and their academic progress. It aligns with Bahrain’s national indicators as well – for example, ensuring its lowest-paid workers’ salaries stay above the poverty line and reporting this in sustainability disclosures.

Collaborative and Policy-Oriented Research

In addition to academic studies, Ahlia engages in applied research and advisory work that supports policy-making on poverty and inequality. University experts have been involved in national discussions on topics such as minimum wage effects and social insurance. For example, an Ahlia economist co-authored a study on the employment impact of introducing a minimum wage in Mauritius, offering a gender perspective that can guide fair wage policies. Ahlia’s faculty have also examined the links between poverty and political stability in developing countries, highlighting how reducing poverty can lead to greater social peace. The university frequently invites government officials and NGO leaders to campus for knowledge-exchange seminars – one such seminar, “Understanding the Role of Charities in Bahrain,” connected students with the Royal Charity Organization to discuss how policy and charity can work together to combat poverty.

Impact: Ahlia University’s focus on research and evaluation amplifies its impact on SDG 1 in several ways. First, it contributes to the global body of knowledge on poverty alleviation. Second, internal monitoring allows Ahlia to demonstrate measurable progress. Third, by evaluating outcomes, the university can refine programs over time, focusing resources on what works best. Lastly, Ahlia’s evidence-based advocacy – grounded in research – can lead to wider systemic change when shared with government committees or through public discourse.

Inclusive Policies for Equal Access

In line with SDG 1 and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), Ahlia University has instituted strong institutional policies to promote inclusion and equal access, particularly for economically disadvantaged and underrepresented groups. These policies create an enabling environment where all individuals – regardless of their financial means or social status – can participate in and benefit from the university’s educational offerings and employment opportunities:

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination

Ahlia upholds a comprehensive Equal Opportunity Policy to ensure fairness in admissions, hiring, and advancement. The university explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of socio-economic background, gender, nationality, or disability in its recruitment and admissions processes. Admission to Ahlia is purely merit-based, with needs-based support available, meaning talented students from poor families are welcomed and given support rather than excluded. On the staff side, recruitment is based on equity and diversity principles – applicants are judged on their qualifications and skills, and Ahlia actively encourages diversity through a non-discriminatory hiring system. To oversee these commitments, Ahlia established an Equal Opportunity Committee in line with national practices, and developed a multi-year Equal Opportunity Plan. The plan’s aims include integrating gender and inclusion considerations into all policies and serving as a model organization for equal opportunity nationally.

Inclusive Education Policies

The university has tailored policies to support students from disadvantaged groups in accessing and succeeding in higher education. Financial inclusion is a top priority – as detailed earlier, Ahlia ensures generous financial aid is available for those in need. Additionally, the Disability Support Policy ensures that students with special needs receive necessary accommodations and a discounted tuition rate. Ahlia’s admissions process for students with disabilities includes a Special Needs Admission Committee that evaluates how the university can accommodate each applicant’s needs; if they can be accommodated, the student is admitted and granted all benefits and support available to special needs students. This guarantees that physical or learning disabilities – which can intersect with poverty – do not bar someone from higher education at Ahlia. Furthermore, Ahlia’s Student Services Directorate assists economically disadvantaged international students with affordable accommodation and transport guidance. Even student activities are designed to be inclusive: all students have the right to participate in university clubs and events at no extra cost.

Prioritizing Underrepresented Groups

In its outreach and scholarships, Ahlia puts special focus on underrepresented and economically disadvantaged groups. The university’s scholarship outreach extends beyond Bahrain to students in developing countries who lack means – Ahlia offered 50 international scholarships for overseas students regardless of nationality, specifically aiming to attract talented youth who could not otherwise afford a Bahrain education. Domestically, the university collaborates with the Bahrain government to identify students from low-income households and recruit them with financial support. Ahlia also reserves slots in certain programs for students coming from less-represented schools or regions, as part of its social responsibility admissions initiatives. On the staffing side, the Human Resources policies encourage hiring of qualified individuals from various backgrounds, including those who may have faced economic or social barriers. Internally, once students or staff are part of Ahlia, additional mentorship is provided: first-generation university students are given extra academic advising, and junior employees from underprivileged backgrounds are paired with mentors to guide their career progression.

Policy Influence and Advocacy

Ahlia uses its influence to promote inclusion and equal access beyond its campus. University leaders actively participate in national forums on social development, where they advocate for policies that benefit the disadvantaged. For instance, Ahlia representatives in the National SDG Committee highlight the importance of higher education access for low-income students, sharing Ahlia’s best practices as a model for other institutions. The Founding President of Ahlia has publicly urged acceleration of procedures that empower charities and social associations to serve vulnerable populations, reinforcing the legal and policy framework for poverty alleviation in Bahrain. The university also partners with the Supreme Council for Women and other bodies to advance gender equality in education and employment, which is closely tied to poverty reduction for women.

Impact: Ahlia University’s institutional policies create a culture of inclusion that benefits economically disadvantaged groups at every touchpoint. These policies have led to tangible outcomes such as a diverse student body – Ahlia enrolls students from various socio-economic strata, and its graduates include many who were the first in their family to attend college, breaking cycles of poverty. The university’s 50% tuition policy for orphans and persons with disabilities has enabled numerous youth from the most vulnerable segments to earn degrees who might otherwise have been unable to afford it. Likewise, equal opportunity hiring means the university’s staff includes people who have risen from modest means to stable employment.

Conclusion

Ahlia University’s multifaceted approach to SDG 1: No Poverty demonstrates a deep and sustained commitment to social impact. Through generous student financial aid programs, the university breaks financial barriers to education, enabling low-income youth to attain degrees and better livelihoods. By supporting its employees with fair wages, benefits, and development opportunities, Ahlia ensures dignified work and economic security within its own community. Its extensive community engagement – from empowering small family businesses to volunteering with charities – directly addresses local poverty and embeds a culture of volunteerism in students. Strategic planning and leadership oversight guarantee that these efforts are not sporadic, but part of a long-term mission continuously adapted to emerging needs. Moreover, Ahlia leverages research and data to guide and refine its initiatives, contributing valuable knowledge to the global fight against poverty. Finally, the university’s strong inclusion policies ensure that the doors of opportunity remain open to the most disadvantaged, aligning campus practices with the principle of “leaving no one behind”.

As Bahrain works towards its national poverty reduction goals, Ahlia University stands as a key partner – educating future leaders from all backgrounds, uplifting vulnerable segments, and acting as an agent of positive change. The university’s alignment with SDG 1 is evident in outcomes: financially needy students graduating by the hundreds, community members gaining skills and income, and staff families improving their quality of life. In summary, Ahlia University’s comprehensive efforts – financial assistance, fair employment, community service, strategic commitment, research, and inclusive policy – collectively advance the eradication of poverty and affirm the university’s role as a catalyst for sustainable development in Bahrain and beyond. These sustained actions and their demonstrable impacts strongly position Ahlia University in its THE Impact Rankings submission for SDG 1, showcasing it as an institution where academic excellence and social responsibility unite to combat poverty.