Goal 17 / 17.2 / 17.2.5
University Collaboration with NGOs and Businesses on SDGs
Ahlia University’s SDG Collaborations (2020–2025)
Ahlia University in Bahrain has actively partnered with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses, and international institutions from 2020 to 2025 to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These collaborations span student volunteer initiatives, joint research and innovation programs, and global partnerships that align with sustainability, health, education, equality and other SDG themes. Below is an overview of key initiatives in each category.
1. Student Volunteering Programs
Bahrain Red Crescent trainers conducting a CPR demonstration for Ahlia University students (2025). As part of its community engagement, Ahlia University has encouraged students to volunteer with local NGOs and civil society, aligning these efforts with relevant SDGs. Notable examples include:
- COVID-19 National Campaign (2020):
At the onset of the pandemic, Ahlia’s leadership and community responded to Bahrain’s call for help. Professor Abdulla Al-Hawaj (Founding President) volunteered in the national COVID-19 combat campaign and urged faculty, staff, students, and alumni to join as a patriotic duty. Many from Ahlia quickly registered as volunteers to assist health authorities ahlia.edu.bh. This wide participation in emergency response aligned with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, supporting national health efforts during a crisis.
’Al-Ahlia’ expresses its readiness to volunteer in the national campaign to combat Corona
Professor Al-Hawaj, Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, announced eligibility for his application to volunteer to work in the national campaign against Corona virus, expressing confidence that a large number of teachers and employees, the students and graduates of the Ahlia University were also quick to do so, and that the university. It encourages all its members to do so, of course, as affiliation
This country and loyalty to its wise leadership are two main pillars of the foundations of education and character building, whether in the private university or in our various universities and other national institutions. He added: We are proud that a large number of our professors and employees hurriedly demanded that we progress to volunteer to work in the national campaign to combat the Corona virus, it is a duty compelled by our belonging to this dear homeland and our loyalty to its leadership.
The university with all its professors, staff and students are available to serve this dear country in this exceptional circumstance during what the whole world is going through.
- Life-Saving Training with Red Crescent (2025):
In October 2025, Ahlia partnered with the Bahrain Red Crescent Society to host a “With Your Hands, Lives Saved” workshop on World CPR Day ahlia.edu.bh. Red Crescent experts (including the Head of Disaster Management) provided hands-on cardiopulmonary resuscitation training to students ahlia.edu.bh. This initiative enhanced students’ first-aid and disaster-response skills, reflecting Ahlia’s commitment to SDG 3 (Health) and SDG 11 (Community Resilience) by fostering a safety-conscious, socially responsible student body ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh.
Ahlia University and Bahrain Red Crescent Hold Life-Saving Workshop
As part of its commitment to raising awareness and equipping students with essential emergency response skill, Ahlia University partnered with the Bahrain Red Crescent Society to host a life-saving workshop titled “With your hands, Lives saved,” coinciding with World Cardiopulmonary Resus-citation (CPR) Day. The interactive session brought together health experts, Red Crescent trainers, and students, reinforcing Ahlia’s commitment to fostering a socially responsible and safety-conscious academic community.
Dr. Faisal Al Showaikh, Dean of Student Affairs, said the collaboration reflected Ahlia’s mission to build a more aware and compassionate generation. “We are not simply conducting a training session, we are drawing a roadmap for a more humane and responsible society,” he said.
For his part, Prof. Mohamed Elissawi, Dean of the College of Medical and Health Sciences, stated that workshop is a “living proof of Ahlia’s commitment to preparing a generation capable of making a difference when a human life is at stake.”
Fatima Abdullah, Head of the First Aid Committee at Bahrain Red Crescent Society, highlighted the value of youth participation. “We strive to ignite the flame of knowledge in the hearts of young people. This partnership sets an exemplary model for purposeful institutional collaboration.” She said.
The workshop featured practical CPR demonstrations led by Fatheya Al-Tublani, Head of the Disaster Management Team at the Bahrain Red Crescent, and volunteers Afaf Abdulla and Salman Isa. Participants engaged in intensive, hands-on training, transitioning from theoretical instruction to real-world application.
“It’s not your academic degree that defines your ability to save a life, but your human courage and social responsibility. Every second counts, each moment could make you a hero in someone’s life.” Trainers stated.
This initiative forms part of Ahlia University’s broader effort to build a safe, resilient, and proactive learning environment while strengthening partnerships with national institutions to enhance students’ life skills and community readiness.
- Health and Charity Volunteering:
Ahlia students regularly engage in community health campaigns. For example, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2023, the Student Services Department organized a campus “Think Pink” charity event. Students and staff sold goods on campus to raise funds, with all proceeds donated to the Bahrain Cancer Society ahlia.edu.bh. Such volunteering and fundraising activities not only build civic responsibility but also support SDG 3 and SDG 17 (Partnerships) by collaborating with health NGOs to promote well-being and solidarity in the community.
Think Pink Cancer Awareness
We are pleased to inform you that the Directorate of student services and activities will be hosting Think Pink Awareness Event on Sunday 29 of October 2023, October Cancer Awareness Month to promote cancer awareness within the university and support and solidarity with all the affected cases. Ahlia University core goal is to give back to community, so as part of our community service we will be selling items and all the money raised will be donated to the Bahrain Cancer Society. Ahlia university students, staff and faculty members are invited to this Awareness/Fundraising event.
Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday.
These student volunteer programs have instilled values of global citizenship and civic duty. By working with organizations like the Red Crescent and health charities, Ahlia’s students contribute directly to SDG themes such as health, emergency response, and social welfare, while gaining practical experience in humanitarian service.
2. Collaborative Research and Innovation Programs
Ahlia University has also pursued research collaborations and innovative projects with NGOs and private sector partners, focusing on sustainability, social impact, and public welfare. These partnerships have produced tangible outcomes – from new technologies to community initiatives – that advance SDG targets:
- Tech Innovation Hackathon (2022):
The Ahlia University Invention Centre, in cooperation with Brinc Batelco (a startup accelerator), organized the first “We Invent” hackathon in March 2022 gulfuniversities.org. Themed around smart solutions for societal needs, this 3-day event invited young innovators across Bahrain to develop tech prototypes. At least one notable outcome was a Smart Waste Management system utilizing IoT sensors to optimize trash collection (promoting sustainable cities) gulfuniversities.org. The hackathon’s goals were to “discover and enhance the talents of Bahraini innovators” and produce solutions aligned with global best practices gulfuniversities.org. This academia-industry collaboration addresses SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities, yielding innovative projects that benefit the community.
Bahrain (Ahlia University Bahrain) We Invent Hackathon (2022) The First Ahlia Invention Centre Hackathon
Ahlia University Invention Centre (AIC) in cooperation with Brinc Batelco, is organizing The first Ahlia Invention Centre hackathon all innovators in Bahrain, would love to invite all the Inventors and Innovators in Bahrain to participate in the “We invent” themed hackathon. which aims to:
· Discover and enhance the talents and abilities of Bahraini innovators and enable them to become professionals in the technical fields according to the best international standards.
· Motivate Bahraini innovators to join the field of software development and program design.
· Develop Bahraini innovators students’ technical skills to create smart solutions that simulate the latest events in the world.
· Deploy the field of designing and developing applications and inventions to benefit the Advancement of Bahraini innovators.
Hackathon Guidelines
· Teams must have a maximum of 4 members, one member at least should be an Ahlia Univesity student.
· All team members should be present at the event.
· Teams can of course gain advice and support from Ahlia University faculty team, and others.
· All work on a project should be done at the hackathon.
· Teams can work on ideas that have already been done.
· Adding new features to existing projects is allowed.
· Teams can use libraries, frameworks, or open-source code in their projects.
Important Dates
· Registration will start on Thursday 3 March 2022
· Submission will close on Thursday 10 march 2022
· Hackathon 3 days will start on 14 until 16 March 2022
· Final ceremony (winners announcement) 17 March 2022
- Industry–Academia MoU with E.K. Kanoo (2024):
On June 5, 2024, Ahlia University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo Company (EKK) – a leading Bahraini business conglomerate – to enhance cooperation between the two entities ahlia.edu.bh. The signing ceremony, led by Ahlia’s President and EKK’s CEO, affirmed a partnership to bridge academia and industry. “Through this agreement, we not only invest in [our employees’] educational future, but also strengthen the bridge between the academic sector and the business community,” said EKK CEO Mike Brightmore ahlia.edu.bh. This collaboration focuses on internships, employee training and joint projects, helping students gain workplace skills and supporting SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth (by aligning curricula with market needs and developing human capital for a knowledge economy) ahlia.edu.bh.
Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo Company and Ahlia University Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Enhance Cooperation
Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo Company and Ahlia University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation between the two entities. The signing ceremony took place during the visit of a delegation from Ahlia University to Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo’s headquarters. The delegation was led by Prof. Abdullah Al-Hawaj, the Founding President and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Mansoor Alaali, the President of Ahlia University, and Mr. Hussain Habib, the Director of Professional Relations.
The Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo team, including Mr. Mike Brightmore, the CEO of the company, and directors from various departments, welcomed the University delegation.
“This partnership with Ahlia University represents an important step in our ongoing commitment towards developing and enriching our team and their families,” said Mr. Mike Brightmore. He added:. “Through this agreement, we not only invest in their educational future, but also strengthen the bridge between the academic sector and the business community, ensuring a strong foundation for growth and mutual success.”
Professor Abdullah Al-Hawaj, the Founding President of Ahlia University, emphasised the importance of such joint cooperation between the educational sector and the labor market, stating that it will enable students to acquire the necessary skills for the workplace.
- Disability Support and Research Initiative (2023):
Ahlia has worked with NGOs to promote social inclusion. In April 2023, the university signed an MoU with the Bahraini Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled ahlia.edu.bh. This partnership centers on empowering students with disabilities and supporting the NGO’s projects. For example, Ahlia agreed to host plastic recycling collection points on campus, with proceeds used by the Association to purchase wheelchairs for persons with disabilities ahlia.edu.bh. The university also offers 50% tuition scholarships for disabled students, making Ahlia “the most attractive…to this segment of society”, according to President Mansoor Alaali ahlia.edu.bh. By jointly organizing awareness events and improving accessibility in education, this program advances SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 4 (inclusive education). It shows how academic-NGO research and outreach can drive policy and practical support for vulnerable groups.
Ahlia University Signs an MoU with the Bahraini Association for Parents of the Disabled
The President of Ahlia University, Professor Mansour Al-Aali, noted that disabled people receive special care and attention the academic and administrative bodies of the university. They also receive partial scholarships of 50% of the tuition fees, which is what made Ahlia university the most attractive among universities to this segment of society.
prof. Al-Aali praised the campaign launched by the Bahraini Association for Parents of the Disabled, which included collecting and recycling of plastics to benefit from its revenue in providing special chairs for the disabled.
For his part, the President of the Bahraini Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled affirmed his pride in the prestigious status of Ahlia University and the role played by the university in supporting and assisting the disabled and their families, noting the successes achieved by the university in graduating dozens of students with disabilities in the past years, expressing the association’s desire for more cooperation with the university.
Ahlia University signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bahraini Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled, with the aim of achieving fruitful cooperation between them on the basis of mutual benefit and common interests, in accordance with the laws and regulations in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Ahlia University was represented by the President of the University, Professor Mansour Al-Aali, and the Bahraini Society for Parents and Friends of the Disabled was represented by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Jassim Muhammad Siyadi.
This agreement comes within the framework of both parties’ desire to activate the role of cooperation between them, and bilateral cooperation in the field of supporting students with disabilities, that is through exchanging invitations to participate and attend events held by the two parties, and the university provided support for the activities of the Bahraini Association for Parents of the Disabled and their friends by collecting plastic materials in all University facilities and presenting them to the association for recycling in order to contribute to the purchase of the largest possible number of wheelchairs for specific cases of people with disabilities, in addition to organizing joint activities aimed at enhancing the opportunities of enabling students with disabilities from completing their university education.
- Women’s Empowerment Program – Yasmeen Initiative:
To foster gender equality and entrepreneurship (aligned with SDG 5), Ahlia partnered with Bahraini social development experts to support the “Yasmeen” program. An agreement with Talal Al Ajmi – the founder of Yasmeen, a women’s economic empowerment platform – provided Ahlia with tools and training modules to mentor female students in business and finance ahlia.edu.bh. Through this cooperation, Ahlia helps deliver structured training on commerce and investment for young women, equipping them with skills for professional growth ahlia.edu.bh. The Yasmeen collaboration exemplifies how the university engages with private initiatives to promote equal opportunities and innovation among youth, in line with SDGs 5 and 8.
Yasmin Program
In order to strengthen the activity of women in the university, AU signed an agreement with Talal Alajmi in which the university is given tools to cover more support for mentoring women's empowerment. Talal Alajmi Signing a cooperation agreement with the Ahlia University in Bahrain to present the Yasmin program that supports women’s empowerment in cooperation with the university.
These research and innovation partnerships have yielded concrete outputs such as technology prototypes, publications, and community service projects. Moreover, they integrate students and faculty into real-world problem solving – from environmental tech solutions to social entrepreneurship – thereby reinforcing Ahlia University’s role in driving sustainable development through scholarship and enterprise.
3. International Collaborations and Global Engagement
Ahlia University has forged international partnerships and participated in global initiatives that address sustainability, the future of education, and other SDG-related fields. Key examples from 2020–2025 include:
- Global Sustainability Education (2022):
Ahlia joined forces with the University of Bradford (UK) to broaden students’ exposure to sustainability challenges. In June 2022, Bradford’s School of Management hosted an International Master’s Summer School for Sustainability in Business, which Ahlia promoted to its MBA students ahlia.edu.bh. This five-day program brought together graduate students and academics from around the world to “explore, debate, and solve challenges concerning sustainability in business and the circular economy.” It featured seminars and forums on delivering social value and climate action in business ahlia.edu.bh. Ahlia’s participation in this program provided its students with a cross-cultural learning experience on sustainable development, directly supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption/Production) by cultivating globally aware, sustainability-minded business leaders.
- Hosting International SDG Conferences (2025):
Demonstrating academic leadership in the region, Ahlia University hosted the 2nd International Conference on Innovation in Information Technology and Knowledge Discovery (ITIKD 2025) in April 2025. Under the patronage of Bahrain’s Higher Education Council, the conference convened researchers from 50 countries ahlia.edu.bh. It was organized in partnership with the IEEE Society for the Social Implications of Technology (SSIT) and IEEE, highlighting a focus on technology’s social impact ahlia.edu.bh. In her keynote, HEC Secretary-General Dr. Diana Al-Jahromi praised the event’s alignment with Bahrain’s vision for educational and technological leadership, noting that “sustainable development is intrinsically linked to smart investment in human capital and digital infrastructure.” ahlia.edu.bh Over 400 research papers were submitted, with accepted papers published in IEEE’s digital library – a tangible academic outcome ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh. By co-hosting this globally attended, SDG-oriented conference, Ahlia advanced SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, fostering international research collaboration in areas like AI, smart healthcare, and sustainable innovation.
Ahlia University Hosts the 2nd International Conference on Innovation in Information Technology and Knowledge Discovery with Participation from 50 Countries
Under the patronage of Her Excellency Dr. Diana Abdulkarim Al-Jahromi, Secretary-General of the Higher Education Council, Ahlia University has launched the second edition of the International Conference on Innovation in Information Technology and Knowledge Discovery (ITIKD 2025), with participation from researchers representing 50 countries. The event was organized in partnership with the Society for the Social Impact of Technology (SSIT), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
In her keynote speech, Dr. Al-Jahromi highlighted the conference’s alignment with Bahrain’s vision for educational and technological leadership, emphasizing the importance of innovation, scientific research, and human capital development. “Today’s graduates are tomorrow’s leaders,” she said, stressing that sustainable development is intrinsically linked to smart investment in human capital and digital infrastructure. She also noted that robust public-private partnerships and a thriving research ecosystem are now central to the Kingdom’s higher education strategy.
In his welcoming speech, Professor Abdulla Al-Hawaj, Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, praised Bahrain as an emerging global hub for technology leadership. “We don’t just import ideas; we create them. From here, we shape the digital future,” he said. “Ahlia University firmly believes that the path to global competitiveness begins with unwavering support for scientific research and innovation.”
Professor Mansoor Alaali, underlined Bahrain’s role in shaping the digital future through education and innovation, highlighting the rise of artificial general intelligence (AGI). He called for a comprehensive rethinking of higher education systems to adapt to emerging technologies and prepare students for the future.
The conference received over 400 research submissions, with 50% accepted for peer review. Accepted papers will be published in the IEEE Digital Library and indexed in Scopus. Over three days, ITIKD 2025 featured sessions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, smart healthcare, and the social impact of technology, fostering global academic exchange and collaboration.
Under the patronage and in the presence of Her Excellency Dr. Diana Abdulkarim Al-Jahromi, Secretary-General of the Higher Education Council, the second edition of the International Conference on Innovation in Information Technology and Knowledge Discovery (ITIKD 2025) commenced today at Ahlia University. The prestigious event, organized by the College of Information Technology in collaboration with the.
In her opening address, Her Excellency Dr. Al-Jahromi underscored the conference’s alignment with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national strategy to enhance leadership in education, technology, and knowledge-based development. “In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, knowledge stands as the foundation of economic progress and institutional competitiveness,” she stated, reaffirming the Higher Education Council’s commitment to building a flexible, sustainable academic framework tailored to the digital age.
Dr. Al-Jahromi further emphasized the strategic importance of scientific research, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship. She highlighted Bahrain’s proactive approach to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, citing the launch of pioneering academic programs in artificial intelligence, data analytics, fintech, and the Internet of Things as vital steps in preparing future-ready graduates.
Delivering his remarks, Professor Abdullah Al-Hawaj, Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ahlia University,
Conference Chair and Dean of the College of Information Technology, Dr. Wassan Awad, revealed that this year’s conference attracted over 400 research submissions from scholars across 50 countries. Following rigorous peer review by over 1,000 international experts, approximately 50% of submissions were accepted for presentation. All accepted papers will be published in the IEEE Digital Library and indexed in the Scopus database, underscoring the conference’s high academic standards and global recognition.
Spanning three days, ITIKD 2025 will feature in-depth sessions and keynote addresses on cutting-edge themes such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, smart healthcare applications, knowledge management, innovation in digital ecosystems, and the broader societal impact of technological advancement. The conference promises a vibrant platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange among global thought leaders, researchers, and industry professionals.
- Joint Academic Programs and Networks:
Ahlia’s commitment to the “future of education” is evident in its international academic partnerships. Notably, Ahlia offers dual/joint degree programs with foreign institutions, such as the longstanding partnership with George Washington University (USA) to deliver a Master’s in Engineering Management in Bahrain ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh. It also hosts Ph.D. programs in collaboration with Brunel University London, enabling knowledge exchange and research supervision across borders ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh. Additionally, Ahlia has been active in global and regional sustainability networks – for example, it is a member of the Gulf Sustainable Development Goals Universities Initiative under the World Association for Sustainable Development gulfuniversities.org. Through such platforms, Ahlia connects with universities across the GCC to share best practices and jointly “collaborate and reconnect with the discourse of sustainable development” gulfuniversities.org. Participation in international forums (like Model United Nations conferences and the World Technology Universities Network events) further underscores Ahlia’s global engagement on issues like the SDGs youtube.com.
The George Washington University Master of Science Degree in Engineering Management
The curriculum of the EMSE Master of Science degree program requires 11 graduate level courses totaling 36 credit hours. Two types of course requirements are included in the master’s curriculum-core course requirements and focus course requirements, including a research dissertation. Core course requirements are taken by all students in the EMSE master’s degree program. Focus course requirements address specialized topics that, as a whole, provide the level of detail necessary for management proficiency in particular engineering environments.
The field of Engineering Management with focus in Engineering and Technology Management (E&TM) bridges the gap between engineering and management. It involves the overall management of organizations oriented to manufacturing, construction, engineering, technology or production. E&TM enables engineers to function more effectively in the business environment. An M.S. degree in engineering management provides a technical-based alternative to a traditional M.B.A. program. Practitioners specialize in such areas as management of technology, product and process, quality, organizational management, operations management, program management or marketing and finance.
Program Requirements
Students applying for the master’s degree program in Engineering Management must meet the current entrance requirements of the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS). Ideal candidates for the programs will meet the following requirements.
Minimum grade point average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher in the last two years of undergraduate study.
Grade of C or better in the two college calculus courses ’ this is a prerequisite to all graduate programs in the EMSE department. Applicants who do not meet this requirement in full but are otherwise qualified may be conditionally admitted and required to take an additional 3-credit hour course, EMSE 4197 ’ Special Topics: Quantitative Methods in Engineering Management, during the first year of graduate study at Ahlia University. If required, EMSE 4197 counts as the 12th course and the student’s program the requires 39 credit hours.
Received a bachelor’s degree in engineering, a physical science, mathematics, computer science, business administration, or information technology for a regionally accredited institution.
Note: GW considers a candidate’s entire background and all submitted materials when reaching an admission decision.
Application Procedure
The following documents should be submitted to the Admissions office at Ahlia University:
· Completed graduate application form with a non-refundable application fee.
· Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
· Your Resume / CV
· Any evidence provided by applicants from countries where English is not the official language to demonstrate proficiency in English will be helpful; for example, scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFEL) or other appropriate English examinations.
· A personal interview is also required.
· You can apply through the Ahlia University website. To apply using the traditional printed application by mail, please call: +973 1729 8989.
AHLIA a member of the Gulf Sustainable Development Goals Universities Initiative under the World Association for Sustainable Development
- International Conferences and Exchanges:
Ahlia University regularly sends faculty and students to international conferences and competitions that align with SDG topics. For instance, Ahlia media students took part in the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2025 in Dubai, engaging in cross-cultural discussions on educational and social themes ahlia.edu.bh. Ahlia has also been involved in regional events such as the Inter College Environmental Public Speaking Competition organized by Emirates Environmental Group, promoting youth dialogue on environmental sustainability (an ongoing GCC-wide SDG initiative) ahlia.edu.bh. These international exchanges enrich the curriculum and contribute to goals like SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 4 by raising awareness and empowering students to become global citizens.
Ahlia University Media Students Make a Strong Impact at Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2025
A delegation of Media Students from Ahlia University distinguished themselves at Dubai’s Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2025. The students engaged in insightful discussions on digital media, verified editing, and contemporary journalism. They interacted with their peers from leading Emirati universities and globally renowned institutions, including Cambridge, Oxford, Sydney, and Austin universities.
The delegation comprised Moammal Aqeel, Reem Al-Banna, Husain Al-Zaki, and Amina Arrad, accompanied by Dr. Zainab Abdulnabi, Chairperson of the Department of Media and Public Relations. The team actively participated in workshops and panel discussions led by experts from “Wikimedia”, focusing on digital editing skills and the evolving media landscape. Meeting and connecting with prominent scholars, writers, and intellectuals at the festival enriched the students’ learning experience and broadened their perspectives on global media trends.
Dr. Zainab Abdulnabi emphasized the significance of such international platforms in enhancing students’ practical skills and knowledge of digital media. “This participation offers an invaluable opportunity for our students to get involved in a global educational environment, exchanging ideas and expertise with worldwide peers. The festival covered entrepreneurship, innovation, editing, and documentation, all of which are essential elements in shaping the future of media professionals,” she stated.
The festival also featured a special session with the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, who engaged with students and discussed the impact of AI on future careers, as well as the UAE’s ongoing initiatives in innovation and technological advancement.
Reflecting on the experience, Husain Al-Zaki, a member of the Ahlia University delegation, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Bahraini youth at such a prestigious event. “We were honored to showcase the skills and expertise we have gained at Ahlia University. One of the most memorable moments was meeting Dr. Sultan Al-Neyadi, the first Emirati astronaut, who shared his incredible journey with the UAE Astronaut Program,” he remarked.
The Inter College Environmental Public Speaking Competition was held for the first time in 2001 and since then has proven to be highly popular across the GCC region. Its primary aim is to ensure sustainability of environmental resources by promoting a positive attitude change among the young in our societies and establishing an environmentally-conscious generation. The 2015 cycle was held on November 23rd - 24th 2016 at Dubai Knowledge Village. Fifty-seven teams representing Gulf universities, colleges of higher and further education participated in the competition.
Through its international collaborations, Ahlia University not only expands academic horizons for its students and faculty, but also actively contributes to global sustainable development dialogues. Whether by co-organizing world-class conferences or integrating into international education networks, Ahlia leverages these partnerships to drive innovation in teaching and research centered on the SDGs. This global outlook ensures that the university’s impact extends beyond Bahrain, aligning local initiatives with international goals for a more sustainable and equitable future ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh.
Conclusion
From 2020 to 2025, Ahlia University’s multifaceted collaborations with NGOs, businesses, and international institutions have significantly advanced its social impact and supported the UN SDGs. Student volunteering programs have empowered Ahlia’s youth to serve in health, emergency response, and community welfare projects – translating classroom learning into real-world action in line with national and global development needs. Research and innovation partnerships have fostered a culture of problem-solving, yielding outcomes like new technologies, improved inclusion policies, and enhanced industry linkages that benefit society and the economy. Meanwhile, Ahlia’s international collaborations – from academic exchanges to global conferences – have positioned the university as an active contributor to the worldwide sustainability agenda, helping address challenges such as quality education, climate action, and technological innovation through shared knowledge and cross-border cooperation.
These collective efforts illustrate Ahlia University’s holistic approach to its mission: “to generate needed knowledge and cultivate citizens and leaders who put that knowledge into practice for a more sustainable future.” ahlia.edu.bh sdgs.un.org By partnering with diverse stakeholders and embracing the SDGs across volunteering, research, and international engagement, Ahlia University is not only enriching its students’ educational experience but also reinforcing its role as a catalyst for sustainable development in Bahrain and beyond.
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