Public Access to Educational Resources

Ahlia University Library Source E02

INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSE

Access for learners, visitors, researchers and the wider community

Yes. Ahlia University provides people who are not enrolled at the University with access to educational resources through publicly accessible online research and catalogue services, visitor-facing library and reference support, application-based innovation facilities, and programmed lectures, workshops, conferences, forums and career-learning events. The University's approach combines open online access, visitor and enquiry services, scheduled participation and transparent controls for member-only or charged services.

evidence E02 • E03 • E05 • E09 • E10 • E11 • E12

Library

Scope of provision

Ahlia University subscribes to the philosophy that provision of state-of-the-art library resources to its students and faculty member lies at the heart of the mission of any institution of higher learning. To this end, Ahlia library maintains a dedicated collection of conventional books clustered to the knowledge spheres of the disciplines of various colleges spanning: computer science and information systems; applied mathematics, statistics and operations research; accounting, banking, economics, finance, management and marketing; communications and public relations; medical science and physiotherapy; and interior and graphic design.

Ahlia University Library is the first of its kind in the Gulf Countries to implement (radio frequency identification) RFID technology-based “Liberty” Library Management System. The RFID system provides for security of print and other circulatory material based on electronic chips. In view of technological developments, however, Ahlia, in terms of its investment in knowledge media, regards electronic libraries as increasingly taking precedence over conventional libraries in as much as electronic libraries reach out to all their patrons from their desktops. Consonant with its progressive approach to knowledge management, Ahlia University has implemented a Digital Library to cater to the present and future informational needs of its student-body and faculty.

The Library is a key department of Ahlia University that contributes significantly to the knowledge acquisition process of both students and faculty. Library collection has a wide variety of educational and research materials of all levels of academic programmes. The Library also plays a vital role in promoting educational research.

Ahlia University has implemented a Digital Library to cater all the needs of its students and faculties. In line with the University’s strategy, we have always believed in providing the best available resources to our students and faculty members. Today the Library’s online catalogue makes its holdings accessible to users anywhere in the world. Contrary to traditional physical libraries, we, through our digital facilities, reach out to all our patrons on their desktop within the University campus. The Library’s collections themselves reflect the profoundly democratic and all-encompassing nature of the institution.

Ahlia University Library provides access to more than 2,500,000 Electronic Journals and reference materials to 178 databases covering the disciplines of Business, Management, Information Technology, Physiotherapy, Interior Design and Public Relations. In addition to periodical collection, the information centre also provides access to more than 11,000 Electronic Books across the disciplines being taught at the University. At present the Library accommodates a collection of more than 14,000 conventional books across the disciplines offered by Ahlia.

All these features, taken together, make Ahlia University Library an irreplaceable tool of knowledge acquisition.

The Digital Library

Ahlia University Library has always believed in providing the best available resources to its students and faculty members. Contrary to traditional physical libraries, our University Library reaches out to all its patrons on their desktop in the University campus. Ahlia University has implemented a Digital Library to cater for the needs of its students and faculties.

The Library provides access to 2,500,000 e-journals and 11,000 e-books through subscription to tens of on-line databases from various publishers such as EBSCO, IEEE Computer Society Digital Library ,Brunel University, Al Manhal Academic Complete, OCLC ,VIRTUS INTERPRESS, Academic Journals, RESEARCH ARCHIVE , Digital Public Library of America, Eldis, Elsevier Open Access Journals, Google scholar, JSTOR (Journal Storage), Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD), SpringerOpen, SSRN (Social Science Research Network), Taylor & Francis Open Journals, UNESDOC Digital Library, Virginia Tech Electronic Library, Wiley Open Access, World Bank Publications and World

Digital Library across disciplines taught at the University, For a full list of available databases please click here. which strives to keep both students and faculty in touch with current academic literature. At present the Library accommodates a collection of more than 14,000 conventional books including Smart books from McGraw-Hill & Pearson across the disciplines offered by Ahlia.

In addition, postgraduate students enrolled in the Brunel PhD without Residence programme, administered by Ahlia University enjoy access to the entire electronic holdings of Brunel University’s library encapsulated in a further 139 databases. The virtual library’s mission is to provide 24 hours/day 7 days/week access to patrons and strives to be the best virtual library in the Kingdom of Bahrain that uses this cutting edge technology to drive its knowledge acquisition process.

IEEE Computer Society Digital Library

Bring the world’s premier computing research and study resource to your students and faculty. The best research tool for all computing topics—including cybersecurity, big data, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, predictive analytics — all of today’s hottest topics, along with an unparalleled archive of invaluable research.

Provides unlimited online access to: The most highly-cited journals in the field. More than 227,000 authors. Career and curriculum resources like SWEBOK. Unlimited number of students can access the database. You get more – over 700,000 top quality peer-reviewed articles and papers – 40% more than other competing libraries. Unmatched resources—full access to all 37 peer-reviewed periodicals in the IEEE Computer Society portfolio with full archives dating back as far as 1968, including:13 leading technical magazines such as Computer, IEEE Software, IT Professional, IEEE Security & Privacy,23 top journals covering every significant topic—including Transactions on Big Data, IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering, authored by the world’s most respected thought-leaders. Extensive archives covering the full spectrum of computer science and engineering, including software, hardware, security, visualization and design, and mobile, going back decades. Conference publications—proceedings from more than 9,000 premier IEEE conferences from around the world, and archives to 1995.The resources you need – resources for undergraduates as well as graduate students and faculty: regardless of the level of research, CSDL has you covered. Very easy to use—accessible on your desktop, laptop, and mobile devices. Helps faculty and students stay on top of the latest developments and insights from international experts.

IEEE Computer Society Digital Library covers all areas of Computer Engineering & Computing Technology:

Al Manhal Academic Complete: A Premier Source for Arabic and Middle East Studies

Al Manhal boasts an impressive collection of over 20,000+ ebooks, offering a wealth of knowledge across numerous subjects. There are 9,300+ theses, providing cutting-edge research and scholarly insights

Researchers have access to 13,000+ reports, delivering in-depth analysis on various topics. The platform’s rich repository includes over 1.6M Open Access articles, contributing to the broad spectrum of academic literature. Journals cover a range of disciplines and provide peer-reviewed content. Furthermore, Al Manhal offers 1,000+ videos, enriching the learning experience with visual and interactive content. This extensive collection underscores Al Manhal’s comprehensive and high-quality resources to the academic community.

Al Manhal is used by more than 450 universities and libraries in over 60 countries.

• eBook – 20,000+

• eTheses – 9,300+

• Reports – 13,000+

• Open Access Articles – 1.6M

• Videos – 1,000+

Al Manhal's Diverse Collections & Features

Access e-books, peer-reviewed articles, theses, and strategic reports in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, French, Turkish, and Malay.

eBooks: A network of over 800 publishers covering a vast range of titles in nearly 30 subjects as well as a customized on-demand service is also available to meet specific library needs.

eTheses: exclusive access to theses and dissertations from renounced Middle Eastern Universities, available in Arabic, English, French and Turkish.

eJournals: The only full-text searchable database of its kind, featuring peer-reviewed eJournals from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, covering Arabic, English, French, Malay, Farsi, Urdu, Turkish, and Spanish.

Topics of Interest: From Arab Laureates to Islamic Studies, Al Manhal’s resources cover a range of topics including Law, Strategic studies, Security studies, regional studies, Business, History, Political Science, Media, Education, and Literature and more.

Innovative Features for Enhanced Research:

• Full-text search across all content types.

• Download options (DRM free), including mass downloads.

• Contextual linking, highlighting, annotating, and personal bookshelves.

• Unlimited simultaneous access with detailed usage statistics.

• MARC21 records, LOC compliant transliterations, and automatic citations.

• IP range, remote access, and multiple authentication methods.

Available on the Al Manhal App for easy access on mobile devices. You can install it from the App Store and Google Play.

Library Services

The universal ethos of the Library Service indicates that it provides professionally delivered services and that it facilitates the promotion of intellectual/talent development, the stimulation of thoughts and the educational and recreational needs of the mind as well as the informational requirements of the community. To ensure that the library service is a dynamic and proactive component in the interaction between the many cultures and also to ensure that every individual working for, attending or visiting Ahlia University will be within reasonable reach of a well-equipped state-of-the-art library facility

Taking care of complete Teaching and Learning Resources:

Ahlia Library works closely with faculty members to provide the use of information resources in order to support students. We provide resources for knowledge acquisition basically focused on academic and non-academic staff, students and researchers. We have printed and non- printed materials. The Library provides latest edition of course books as well as reference books. We expand, update and add to the number of books and electronic databases regularly.

Sale of Textbooks:

The Library is in charge of selling text book to students. Students are required to bring the class schedule for quotation and pay at the cashier desk – Accounts Department. Sponsored students are required to collect the quotation and then proceed to the Accounts department to produce order note to issue the books.

Online Purchase a Course Book

Student must send their request for course book thru email at [email protected] using only their own student account email or call library hotline – 17298982.

Students are required to provide the following information in their request:

(Student ID,Mobile number, Student class schedule, Required course book(s).

The team will send official reply thru email concerning the availability of the course book(s) along with the enclosed quotation.

Students are urged to pay online ‘BenefitPay Fawateer service’.,Once payment is confirmed with the Accounts Office, the directorate will notify the students thru call to collect their course books at the Security Area (Gate 1) which are sealed in an AU paper bags.

E-Library Services:

Patrons can access the electronic databases provided by the library from the library page of the databases. Username & Passwords are available upon request and available in the library next to each computer. Students can use the e-library services on and off campus. Library staff provide assistance and training to help increase the level of digital literacy in the community.

Online Public Access Catalogue Services:

OPAC makes easier for patrons to find information about the library’s collection and Search books or theses. It will help patrons to Check their own account to find number of books borrowed in their names, overdue fines (if any) and any other transactions with the library. Patrons can access their accounts by collecting the access code from the circulation desk.

Photocopying Facility:

We have a dual function photocopier machine which students may use. Photocopier cards are available at BD 1 for 80 copies.

Printing Facility:

We have a dual function photocopier /printer machine, which is easy to use. You may also print directly from the machine. The photocopier card can also be used for printing.

Steps to release your print out:

Insert card

Press “job status”

Select “private”

Enter your password (the same as the one you provided in the computer)

Press Enter

Select your document

Press “release”

Assistance In Resource Location

We have a variety of resources for our patrons. Ahlia Library provide assistance or instruction, including location of materials, use of online catalogue, use of computers to access information and the use of basic reference sources. We provide Assistance in identifying library materials needed to answer a question. Providing brief, factual answers to questions, such as addresses, phone numbers and other information can be quickly traced.

Internet Facility

Ahlia library provides computer workstations with internet facility. Wi-Fi service is available at the library and through the whole campus.

AHLIA Library

Research at Ahlia

Ahlia University (AU) always recognizes and supports the research conducted by its faculty. Research is considered the prime mover for knowledge acquisition and dissemination. To this extent, AU website hosts the Ahlia research webpage to show the scientific publication of AU academic staff to facilitate the navigation through the website and to meet the expectation of users. Users are able to easily navigate scientific publications by author and research type.

Hope this will satisfy the research webpage users and the deanship of research is welcoming any further clarifications. For enquires, contact Ms. Amna Hameed on [email protected].

Ahlia Invention Centre

A place for visionaries and future planners to redefine their business.

This evidence addresses the three access routes identified for THE Indicator 4.3.1: online educational resources, campus facilities and equipment, and short learning opportunities. The principal reporting year is 2024; later examples are used only to confirm that the underlying arrangements continue.

evidence E01

An inclusive community mandate

Ahlia University's Community Engagement framework presents access, inclusion and education as institutional responsibilities. It commits the University to engagement with society, to partnerships that respond to community priorities, and to creating opportunities that strengthen knowledge, participation and capacity. This framework supports the delivery of educational access through the Library, Ahlia Invention Centre, colleges and institutional events.

evidence E12

Community Engagement

LIBRARY AND INFORMATION RESOURCES

A library service designed to extend knowledge access

The Ahlia University Library combines conventional, scientific, research, cultural and electronic resources. Its public service statement places people working for, attending or visiting Ahlia University within reasonable reach of an equipped library facility and describes the Library's contribution to the informational requirements of the community. The service therefore supports both the Ahlia academic community and authorised visitors through reference assistance, discovery tools, digital-literacy support and on-site learning infrastructure.

evidence E02 • E03 • E04

Scale and range of the collection

• More than 14,000 conventional books across the University's disciplines

• Approximately 11,000 electronic books

• Around 2.5 million electronic journals and reference materials across 178 databases

• A public online catalogue that can be searched from outside the campus

• Open scholarly, cultural and development resources curated through the Digital Library

evidence E02 • E05 • E09

Original Ahlia library pages showing resource, internet and digital-library provision Source E03

Library Facilities

Online Library Booking System

There are available seats for individual or group study in the library that support academic need of our patron community. Most of the seats in the library are used as walk-in basis. However, we implement an online ticketing system to ensure that student has a fair chance to avail the study areas in the library and at the same time adhere to precautionary measure by Ministry of Health with regards to COVID-19. Thus, the availability of online booking system thru AdReg was established as an added service to the library.

Should a library patron wish to use our study spaces or the study hall, the following steps must be duly noted:

• Go to Admission & Registration System (AdReg). Log in to your account.

• Go to ‘Library’ portal and select “Library Booking’.

• Select your convenient time.

RFID

Ahlia University Library has been among the first in the Gulf Region to implement RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification) based ‘Liberty’ Library Management System. The RFID system makes the library protected against unauthorized removal of books and other materials out of the Library.

SECURITY

The Library is equipped with a theft detection system. If an alarm sounds as a patrons leaves the library, he/she will be requested to return to the Circulation Desk, where a staff member will assist him/her with the materials they need to check out.

LIBRARY FACILITIES

NEW AND UNIQUE IN THE LIBRARY

OPAC: Online Public Access Catalogue

To provide advanced superior service to the students and faculty, Ahlia University’s library initiates with pride it’s Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC).

Use of OPAC makes it easier for patrons to:-

• Find information about the library’s collection,

• Search books or theses

• Check their own account to find number of books borrowed on their names, overdue fines (if any) and any other transactions they need to execute with the library.

Access to OPAC is fast and trouble-free via the LAN.

FICTION BOOKS (NEW SECTION ADDED TO THE LIBRARY)

The library has added a new section called “FICTION BOOKS” in both English and Arabic. The books are written by well known authors. The collection in this section includes real life stories and literatures written by great intellectuals such as philosophers, historians and adventurers with an aim of inspiring, motivating, and developing students.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AREA

The Library provides an area for the special collections for use by its patrons. The purpose of this area is to provide Students the opportunity to use the references materials in the library’s for their study purpose.

REFERENCE MATERIALS AND PRINTED INDICES

The Library staff is available to provide assistance in utilizing materials in the Reference collection which includes encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks and atlases. These books are marked REF and should not be removed from the library by students. Faculty members may arrange for short loans of reference books for classroom use. To further aid patrons in research, the library provides access to printed indices on a variety of subjects, which contain the citations necessary to locate journal articles.

ELECTRONIC RESOURCES

Computers are available in the Library to provide Internet access. Patrons may access the electronic databases provided by the library from the library page of the databases. Copies may be made from the Internet as per patrons use.

PERIODICALS

The Library provides a variety of periodical titles. Current issues are shelved on the periodical shelves in the library. Students may use the periodicals only in the library. Faculty members may arrange for short loans of periodicals for classroom use.

A list of periodical holdings is available at various locations throughout the library and on the library page Website (e- books, e-journals & e-periodicals).

BIBLIOGRAPHIC INSTRUCTION

The Library staff provides orientation sessions as well as bibliographic instruction to library patrons

READING AREA AND STUDY AREA

The reading room of the library is available for quiet study. The library provides study area for group study. Wireless internet is available within the library building.

POST GRADUATE ROOM

The Library provides a room for the Post Graduate students equipped with computers and printers. The purpose of this room is to provide students with the opportunity of using in the library’s materials for their research works.

PHD ROOM

The Library provides a room for PhD students equipped with computers and printers. The purpose of this room is to provide students with the opportunity of using in the library’s resources for their research works.

NEW TECHNOLOGY IN LIBRARY (DUAL PHOTOCOPIER MACHINE)

Students can now make use of our new 2 in 1 printer/ photocopy machine.

Ahlia University implements a new technology in the library for photocopy and printing services. This technology works with magnetic card. The student can use the copier after purchasing a card from the LIBRARY CIRCULATION DESK at of BD.1/- per card and use it to make up to 80 copies. Patrons may print out from the computers located at the library study area.

WORKING HOURS:

From Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Friday: Holiday.

TRADITIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND ELECTRONIC SERVICES

Reference, discovery, connectivity and document services

The Library's published service portfolio enables users to identify, locate and use knowledge in multiple formats. Librarians assist with locating books and other resources, using the online catalogue, consulting reference sources and answering factual enquiries. Bibliographic orientation and training in the use of electronic databases strengthen the digital literacy of the community.

evidence E03 • E04 • E08

evidence E03 • E04 • E05 • E06 • E08 • E09

Library Policies

Published access conditions

Ahlia publishes the conditions that govern each service. This makes the distinction between free public access, visitor-based access, credential-controlled services, registered-member privileges and charged ancillary services clear to users.

FREE ONLINE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Public research discovery and open knowledge

People outside Ahlia University can use several educational and research-discovery resources directly from the public website. The online catalogue provides remote searching of the Library's holdings, while the Research at Ahlia page makes the University's publication record discoverable by title, author and publication type. These interfaces do not require a university login to search.

evidence E09 • E10

Curated open-access collections

The Digital Library connects users to a broad group of freely available scholarly and cultural resources, including publisher open-access journals and international knowledge repositories. Examples listed by Ahlia include Elsevier Open Access Journals, SpringerOpen, SSRN, Taylor & Francis Open Journals, UNESDOC, the World Bank, the World Digital Library and the Digital Public Library of America. This curation extends research and learning access beyond the University's licensed collections.

evidence E05

Support for researchers

Researchers outside the University can freely discover Ahlia's publication record, search the public catalogue and follow the Digital Library's links to open scholarship. Researchers and innovators can also seek practical development support through the Ahlia Invention Centre's external participation route.

evidence E05 • E09 • E10 • E11

TEACHING, INNOVATION AND RESEARCH FACILITIES

Ahlia Invention Centre access beyond the University

The Ahlia Invention Centre is the University's clearest standing facility-access route for people outside the institution. Ahlia describes it as an innovation and invention facility for anyone interested from inside or outside the University and welcomes innovators in Bahrain. The Centre provides an environment for educational, social, networking, teaching and research activity and develops capacity through workshops and practical support.

evidence E11

Ahlia Invention Centre application and development process Source E11

Structured access process

• An innovator prepares and submits a description of the proposed idea

• An expert jury assesses the idea

• Approved ideas proceed through the Centre's development and support pathway

• The route is open to innovators from Ahlia University and the wider Kingdom of Bahrain

This process provides controlled access to specialist support and facilities while protecting the quality and purpose of the Centre's innovation activity. The public page does not state a participation charge.

evidence E11

Programmed use of teaching spaces

Ahlia's theatres, seminar spaces and conference venues are used for scheduled education involving external audiences and partners. In 2024 these included a library-led Book Talk, a one-day Innovation Camp, Career Day, an international economic conference, an equal-opportunities conference and a forum on inclusive higher education. These activities extend access to lectures, practical tools, expert knowledge, professional guidance and research exchange.

evidence E13 • E14 • E15 • E16 • E18 • E19

Minister of Labor Inaugurates Career Day at Ahlia University

Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, inaugurated the 12th Career Day at Ahlia University, accompanied by the Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Professor Abdulla Al-Hawaj, and the President of the University, Professor Mansoor Alaali. The University welcomed and received students and graduates from various institutes and universities, with the participation of more than 70 ministries, institutions, and companies.

On this occasion, Professor Abdulla Al-Hawaj, emphasized that the presence and participation of Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, in the inauguration of Career Day underscores the government’s commitment, under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to support all governmental and private efforts aimed at providing the youth with suitable education, training, and employment opportunities.

Professor Al-Hawaj praised the efforts of the Ministry of Labour in empowering Bahraini youth, enhancing their skills, and providing them with dignified job opportunities that match their abilities and capabilities. He stated that the 12th edition of Career Day reflected the University’s commitment to linking its students and graduates with the labour market and its evolving needs.

Mr. Hussein Mohammed Habib, Director of Professional Relations at Ahlia University, confirmed that Career Day attracts many students and graduates, emphasizing that the University strives to introduce new elements to this event each year. Mr. Habib pointed out that the number of participating ministries, institutions, and companies this year has exceeded 70, including public and private sector entities, such as government institutions, banking institutions, telecommunications companies, hospitality services, representatives from the retail sector, oil and industrial companies, and several vocational training institutions.

The Deanship of Student Affairs, through its Professional Relations Directorate, regularly organizes workshops and training courses focusing on professional aspects to equip the University’s students and graduates from various specializations with the necessary skills to enter the labour market.

EVIDENCE YEAR 2024

Programmed access to lectures, forums, workshops and guidance

The 2024 evidence demonstrates that community access was implemented through multiple channels rather than a single event. The University invited external participants, convened government and industry partners, welcomed learners from other institutions, and used its educational spaces and academic expertise for knowledge exchange.

evidence E13 • E14 • E15 • E16 • E17 • E18 • E19

Permanent and recurring educational pathways

• The Library is a standing service with published hours, year-round discovery systems and ongoing reference and digital-literacy support.

• The Ahlia Invention Centre provides a permanent route for innovators from inside and outside the University.

• Career Day reached its twelfth edition in 2024, showing a recurring programme that connects external learners and graduates with employers and public institutions.

• The Book Talk is a continuing library-led programme for research communication and community knowledge-sharing.

• Ahlia's digital certificate system provides a standing mechanism through which eligible participants in University events may request recognition of participation.

evidence E02 • E11 • E13 • E14 • E22 • E24

Ahlia University Digital Certificate System

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

External learning, research dialogue and career development

Together, these 2024 programmes demonstrate access to campus-linked learning through presentations, research exchange, career guidance, specialist forums, practical workshops and interaction with government, business and international academic partners.

evidence E13 • E14 • E16 • E18

INCLUSIVE AND SUPPORTED PARTICIPATION

Accessibility, guidance and wellbeing infrastructure

Ahlia University supports participation through accessible facilities and service guidance. Its Disability Policy documents accessible entrances, ramps, handrails, lifts, accessible seating in classrooms and laboratories, and assistive devices for students. The 2024 Forum on Integrating Students with Special Needs extended this work into a public professional dialogue involving schools, universities and the wider community.

evidence E19 • E20

Disability Policy

Policy for Admitting and Supporting Students with Special Needs

Having identified the nature of his/her disability or special need, the student, after having been provisionally admitted to the University, will be interviewed by the Special Needs

Admission Committee, that includes a representative from:

a. A faculty member who has some background in the medical field

b. Admissions – Directorate of Admission and Registration.

c. Guidance/Counseling- Directorate of Counseling

e. Nurse (when available)

If the Committee, by majority vote, determines that the University can accommodate the kind of disability or special need with which the student is encumbered, the student will be granted admission to the University, with a recognized disability or special need, after taking in to account the needs and the requirements of the academic program the student is applying to. Thus, making it possible for the student to avail of all the privileges/benefits conferred to students with special needs as contained herein.

If the Committee, by majority vote, determines that the student does not have a known disability or special need, then the student will be granted ordinary admission – in which case the student cannot avail of all the privileges/benefits conferred to students with special needs as contained herein.

If the Committee, by majority vote, determines that the student has a known disability or special need but which the University cannot feasibly accommodate, the student will be denied admission and the provisional admission will be rescinded. The University is not responsible for any costs the student may have incurred, of any sort, by reliance on the provisionally offered admission

Guidance and mentoring

Educational access is accompanied by guidance. Library staff respond to enquiries and help users locate information; Career Day and professional workshops connect participants with employers and professional bodies; and the Ahlia Invention Centre offers expert review and development support to innovators. These services help participants move from initial enquiry to purposeful use of resources.

evidence E03 • E11 • E14 • E26

In Pre-Conference Activities: Ahlia University Introduces Global Certifications for Future Accountants

Ahlia University recently hosted a series of workshops led by certified accounting experts, aimed at introducing students to globally recognized professional certifications in accounting. These certifications are designed to enhance students’ competitiveness in the job market. The workshops were held as part of the lead-up to the third edition of the International Conference on Economic Revolutions, scheduled for October 2-3, 2024.

During the workshops, Mr. Vivek Gupta, a Chartered Accountant from Bahrain Chapter ICAI, discussed the Chartered Accountant (CA) certification. He described it as one of the most recognized certifications in India and globally, emphasizing its focus on building expertise in areas like accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial reporting. Mr. Gupta explained that earning the CA designation requires passing a series of exams that cover advanced accounting concepts, as well as completing practical training that equips professionals to navigate the challenges of the global marketplace. He added that CA-certified professionals embrace a wide range of career opportunities at multinational companies and major auditing firms.

Mr. Ahmed Bilal Manzoor, Business Relationship Executive – Middle East/ACCA, provided insights into the top ten skills accountants needed today, including technological proficiency and AI integration. These skills are critical for accountants to excel in an increasingly complex field. He emphasized that economic trends are driving change, impacting sustainable business practices and future financial models. Mr. Manzoor noted that ACCA membership is globally recognized and helps build both technical and leadership skills, offering members strong career prospects both locally and internationally.

Mr. Kiran Mortiboys, Student & Academic Relationships Executive, Middle East/ICAEW, highlighted the importance of combining academic degrees with professional certifications, which provides a well-rounded blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This combination, he noted, improves employability and keeps professionals up to date with rapid technological advancements in the digital age. He also stressed the value of the Chartered Accountant (CA) certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), noting that its reputation extends beyond theoretical knowledge to include analytical thinking, modern business strategies, and time management for improving business outcomes.

The event concluded with students taking a tour of Rain Management W.L.L., the first licensed cryptocurrency exchange platform in Bahrain, established in 2017 and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain. “Rain” provides a secure and reliable environment for customers to buy, sell, and swap

Health and safe learning environment

The University Health Unit supports the campus learning environment through first-aid readiness, published health and wellbeing guidance, emergency response and referral arrangements. This institutional infrastructure complements Ahlia's educational and community programmes without being presented as a public clinical service.

evidence E21

Access channels

CONTINUITY AFTER THE EVIDENCE YEAR

Educational access remains active

Later activity confirms that Ahlia's institutional arrangements continued beyond 2024. The Book Talk Programme returned in October 2025 with the same knowledge-sharing format, and the University Library organised Research Day in April 2026 through Microsoft Teams with workshops on EBSCO, IEEE and Al Manhal, advanced searching and access to full-text academic resources. These later examples demonstrate continuing investment in research communication and digital literacy.

evidence E22 • E23 Continuity evidence only

Institutional strengths

Conclusion

Ahlia University provides a sustained and diversified system of access to educational resources for people who are not studying at the University. Its model combines free public online research and knowledge resources, visitor-facing library and reference services, access to computers and connectivity within the published service framework, application-based innovation support, and scheduled access to lectures, workshops, forums and conferences. The 2024 evidence demonstrates active implementation, while the continuing programmes confirm that public educational engagement is embedded in the University's community mission.

evidence E02 • E03 • E05 • E09 • E10 • E11 • E12 • E13 • E14 • E16 • E18 • E19

EVIDENCE REGISTER

Original public sources

Every link below opens the original methodology, Ahlia University service, policy, programme or event page. Previous-year THE evidence reports are not used as sources.