SDG 3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Ahlia University firmly recognizes that the health and wellbeing of its community are fundamental pillars for achieving academic excellence, sustainable development, and social prosperity. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 — Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages — the university has integrated health promotion, mental wellness, and preventive care as essential components of its institutional strategy. The university’s commitment extends beyond compliance with health and safety regulations; it seeks to foster a holistic environment that supports both physical and psychological wellbeing among students, faculty, and staff. Through its on-campus health clinic, continuous awareness campaigns, mental health counselling services, and partnerships with national health authorities, Ahlia University ensures accessible, inclusive, and high-quality health services for all members of its community. Moreover, AU actively promotes a culture of wellness through education, research, and community engagement. Health-related topics are embedded across various programs, encouraging students to develop a lifelong awareness of healthy lifestyles, social responsibility, and sustainability. By cultivating an environment where wellbeing is valued as a shared responsibility, Ahlia University contributes not only to SDG 3 but also to the broader vision of building a resilient and healthy society within the Kingdom of Bahrain and beyond.

3.3.3 Does your university as a body share sports facilities with the local community, for instance with local schools or with the general public?

Sports and Fitness Facilities

Ahlia University offers access to diverse indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including courts for football, basketball, volleyball, and handball. These facilities are open not only to the university community but also to the general public as part of outreach and engagement initiatives. Through these efforts, Ahlia fosters a culture of health and physical activity within the Kingdom of Bahrain.

About New Campus

Located in Madina Al Shamaliya island 11 this unique peace of architecture which embrace a mixture of contemporary and modern design art reflects the spirit future of a university campus. The main campus plot consists of interactive teaching and learning facilities, food and beverage outlets, library and study rooms, auditorium, offices, meeting halls, seminar halls, lobby and reception area, open spaces and car parks. The indoor sports hall plot consists of multi sports hall accommodating up to 800 spectators based on international standards including football, basketball, volleyball and handball. The international size swimming pool capable of accommodating sports and training events. The gym and spa will provide a gorgeous health and wellbeing environment. A wide space clinic will be used as a medical and training facility. A serving lobby and receptions area, open spaces and car parks. The main university campus and sports hall facility are surrounded with a beautiful huge green area park of more than 75000 square meter size. The students, staff and visitors will enjoy a spectacular sustainable environment.

AL Madina al Shamaliya Context

Al Madina Al Shamaliya is a group of islands located within a twenty-minute drive from Manama City and a ten-minute drive from the Seef District. A series of primary roads and major linear routes link Madina Al Shamaliya to the Manama Central Business District (CBD), airport, industrial and port areas and surrounding districts. Ahlia University is at the heart of Island 11 along the primary open space.

The ‘A’ Activity Credit

Ahlia University appreciates the value of co-curricular activities in developing a range of skills and attributes that plays an important role in molding student’s personality and building confidence and self-esteem. Undergraduate students participating in co-curricular activities are awarded an ’A’ credit to encourage them in participation beyond the classroom. The ‘A’ activity credit is a one credit hour with ’A’ grade awarded to students in reference to their participation in a wide variety of activities outside of the regular classroom.

The ’A’ activity credit is awarded to students in reference to a wide variety of extracurricular activities that include but not limited to:

• Demonstrating an active role in university student clubs, scientific student associations and student council.
• Participation in university sport activities and competitions.
• Organizing/participating in university events.
• Attending workshops, seminars and conferences approved by the college or Deanship of student affairs.
• Volunteer work and Community Engagement.
• Involvement in cultural activities.
• Peer tutoring sessions.

Student Clubs and Inter-University Sports Engagement

Ahlia University student clubs organize regular sports tournaments and take part in inter-university and community events. These initiatives involve sharing campus facilities with external participants, including students from other universities and local schools. Through such events, Ahlia enhances community connections and reinforces its role as an open and inclusive hub for youth sports development.

Football Club

The Football Club organizes tournaments and supports inter-university participation, uniting students across various colleges through Bahrain’s most popular sport.

Basketball Club

The Basketball Club draws talented students to showcase their skills, participate in tournaments, and represent Ahlia University in competitions.

Lease agreement between Barbar Cultural and Sports Club and Ahlia University

The lease agreement between Barbar Cultural and Sports Club and Ahlia University is a formal arrangement that outlines the terms and conditions for the rental of facilities, specifically the indoor and outdoor stadiums. Within this agreement, both parties specify the allotted days for usage as well as the corresponding time slots for each facility. This meticulous scheduling ensures efficient and organized access to the stadiums, facilitating a smooth and collaborative partnership between the sports club and the university. It also reflects a commitment to shared community spaces and underscores the importance of adhering to the agreed-upon terms to maintain a harmonious relationship throughout the rental period.

CAN I PLAY SPORT?

Sport is a major cultural pastime in Bahrain, with driving, golf, horse-riding, rugby, tennis, sailing, soccer, cricket, and basketball facilities located throughout the island. Private resorts and clubs have beaches and pools for swimming.

Events

AHLIA UNIVERSITY PARTICIPATES WITH SIX SPORT TEAMS IN THE “YALLA” FESTIVAL THAT WAS HELD BY THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS.

Ahlia University participated with diverse sport teams of football, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, colour challenge team and last but not least was the special needs team. In the great festival which was held by the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Saturday the 6th of February 2016, AU took part in all the diverse activities that were challenging specially the Basketball team which played six games and lost only one of them. The university joins festivals arranged by The Ministry to embrace student’s involvement in the community which leads to develop stronger relations with the society.

BASKETBALL

In August, Ahlia University organised a Basketball Tournament at the Star Sports Club. Five teams took part – The Tigers, Assad, The Black Wolves, One Team and Manama. The Tigers were victorious after a nail biting final against Manama.

FOOTBALL

In April, Ahlia took part in the Football Championship XV. 12 teams took part and there was great sense of competitive rivalry as the teams progressed from the knockout stages through to the final.

Marathon (Sport Event)

As part of its continuous efforts to promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement, Ahlia University organized the Ahlia University Community Marathon, a large-scale sporting event open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the wider Bahraini community. The marathon aimed to raise awareness about the importance of regular exercise, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being, while strengthening the bond between the University and society. Participants of all ages were encouraged to take part, reflecting Ahlia University’s inclusive approach to health promotion and social participation. In addition to the race, the event included health education booths, fitness demonstrations, and first-aid stations managed by university volunteers and local health professionals, emphasizing preventive care and wellness. The marathon fostered a sense of unity, motivation, and collective responsibility toward adopting healthier habits.

Bahrain Sport Day

In line with the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, Ahlia University is excited to celebrate Bahrain Sports Day on Thursday, February 20, 2025. This national event aims to promote a strong sporting culture across Bahraini society, encouraging health, fitness, and unity. Ahlia University is proud to host a Table Tennis Competition and a Walkathon to mark this special day. These activities are designed to promote physical wellness and active living, in alignment with Bahrain’s commitment to a healthier, more active community. We warmly invite all students, faculty, and staff to participate in this national sports celebration. Let’s come together for a day of fun, fitness, and team spirit! We look forward to your active participation!

Bahrain Sports Day Table Tennis Competition

Ahlia University will host the Bahrain Sports Day Table Tennis Competition on the 10th of February 2022. The tournament, which will be open to both staff and students, will include both singles and doubles knockout rounds, with prizes awarded to the top 3 placed individuals/teams. For registration, please contact +973 37001717.

Competition rules:

• The draw will occur before the start of the competition on the 10th of February].
• The competition will start at 10:00 AM in the theatre hall.
• The competition is open to all Ahlia University staff and students.
• The competition will include both singles and doubles matches.
• A game is won by the player who scores 11 points.
• The match is won by the player who wins 2 games.
• The competition will consist of singles and doubles knockout tournaments.
• 1st – 3rd placed teams will be awarded a monetary prize.

TOGETHER S.A.F.E” CAMPAIGN

The event was an opportunity for the team to promote their campaign outside of the university and to convey their message of love, peace and social tolerance to the whole community.

Understanding the Role of Charities in Bahrain

Students from the Mass Communications & PR programme attended a conference at the Sofitel and met HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, His Majesty the King’s representative for Charity Works & Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth & Sports. Students learnt the importance of volunteering and charitable giving. Social responsibility is of great importance to Ahlia University and teaching our students how to become involved is a critical part of the student experience.

Al-Ahlia University Visit to Shaikh Abdullah Bin Isa Al Khalifa Industrial High School for Boys

As part of its commitment to community health outreach and youth well-being, Ahlia University conducted a outreach visit to Shaikh Abdullah Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Industrial High School for Boys in Isa Town. The objective of the visit was to bring preventive health services, engage students in physical and recreational activities, and promote healthy lifestyle habits among young men in the local community. During the session, Ahlia University health-service teams provided free basic health checks including height/weight screening, body-mass-index calculation, and health advice on nutrition and physical fitness. In parallel, students participated in fun and gamified physical-activity challenges - such as short team sports, relay races and interactive wellness workshops - designed to foster interest in regular exercise, healthy competition and peer engagement.

References

The following table:

• [1] AHLIA, "Health and wellbeing services," [Online]. Available: https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/health-and-wellbeing-services/. [Accessed 09 2025].
• [2] AHLIA, "Directorate of Administrative Services," [Online]. Available: https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/directorate-of-administrative-services/. [Accessed 09 2025].
• [3] AHLIA, "STUDENT HANDBOOK," [Online]. Available: https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Student-Handbook_Nov2020_WEB.pdf. [Accessed 09 2025].
• [4] AHLIA, "Student Societies," [Online]. Available: https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/student-unions/. [Accessed 09 2025].
• [5] AHLIA, "CAN I PLAY SPORT?," [Online]. Available: https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/can-play-sport/. [Accessed 09 2025].
• [6] AHLIA, "Bahrain Sport Day," [Online]. Available: https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/events/bahrain-sport-day. [Accessed 09 2025].
• [7] AHLIA, "Bahrain Sports Day Table Tennis Competition," [Online]. Available: https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/events/bahrain-sports-day-table-tennis-competition/. [Accessed 09 2025].
• [8] AHLIA, "ETHER S.A.F.E” CAMPAIGN," [Online]. Available: https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/events/together-s-f-e-campaign/. [Accessed 09 2025].
• [9] AHLIA, "Understanding the Role of Charities in Bahrain," [Online]. Available: https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/events/understanding-the-role-of-charities-in-bahrain/. [Accessed 09 2025].
• [10] AHLIA, "Al-Ahlia University Visit to Shaikh Abdullah Bin Isa Al Khalifa Industrial High School for Boys," [Online]. Available: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1003557083361233&set=pcb.1003557416694533. [Accessed 09 2025].