SDG 4: QUALITY EDUCATION

Ahlia University demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to quality education through robust policies and practical measures that ensure inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all students, regardless of background, ability, or personal characteristics.

Ahlia University's Commitment to Inclusion and Non-Discrimination

Official Inclusion and Non-Discrimination Policies

Written Policies:

Ahlia University in Bahrain has formal policies explicitly committing to equity, diversity, and non-discrimination. The university's Equity and Diversity Policy guarantees that all members of the campus community are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of characteristics such as ethnicity, religion, disability, gender, age, or other personal attributes.

This policy affirms that all students have the "right to the best education" and that admission is merit-based without bias toward "race, color, gender, religion, nationality, sect or disability," ensuring a discrimination-free learning environment for everyone.

Equity and Diversity Among the Student Body

Ahlia University believes that all students, regardless of color, race, religion, and physical or learning disability, have the right to the best education. Admission to Ahlia University is selective based on prior academic achievement. The most qualified candidates — regardless of race, color, gender, religion, nationality, sect or disability — will be selected to fill the available places.

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity Plan Aims

• Promote equal opportunity through gender-responsive policy aligned with national/international frameworks
• Empower women by integrating their needs in development programs
• Ensure a safe, supportive work environment with work-life balance and lifelong learning
• Collaborate with partners to promote equal opportunity in society
• Support national strategies as a model organization for women

Initiative 1

• Institutionalize equal opportunity and women empowerment practices
• Establish a centralized advisory body
• Provide professional development and upskilling for women

Initiative 2

• Build partnerships for knowledge sharing and best practices
• Organize conferences on equal opportunity and women's issues
• Develop frameworks with partners, especially in STEM

Initiative 3

• Promote equal opportunity through awareness events and campaigns
• Host women-focused activities for students and staff
• Create gender-responsive policies for work-life balance and learning
• Collect data to measure impact and awareness

Equity and Diversity Policy of Ahlia University

Ahlia University is committed to maintaining equity among its diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. The University ensures equitable and respectful treatment based on the following definitions:

Diversity

Appreciation and acknowledgement of differences among members of the university community that promote acceptance and belonging, regardless of age, color, disability, employment status, ethnicity, language, family or marital status, race, religion, gender, socio-economic background, and more.

Equity

A standard of treatment involving fairness in decisions affecting the university community. Equity does not necessarily mean equal treatment, as interests must be balanced fairly.

I. Equity and Diversity Among Students

All students, regardless of race, religion, disability, or other factors, have the right to quality education. Admission is merit-based. Ahlia promotes a discrimination-free academic and social environment for all students.

II. Equity and Diversity Among Staff

Ahlia ensures a safe, fair, and inclusive workplace, free from harassment or discrimination. Recruitment is based on qualifications and merit. Managers must ensure fairness in evaluations, compensation, and task assignments.

Equity and Diversity Among Staff

Ahlia strives to treat its staff fairly by maintaining a healthy, safe and productive work environment which is free from discrimination based on any other factor that is unrelated to Ahlia legitimate interests. Ahlia shall not tolerate any offensive, intimidating or inappropriate statements or behavior undermining equity in the work environment.

Equal Opportunity Committee

• EOC Membership
• President (Chairperson)
• Dean of Student Affairs
• Executive Director for Communications and International Relations
• President Assistant of Media, Marketing and Public Relations
• Director of Human Resources
• Female Faculty Representatives
• Committee Secretary

Accessible Physical Infrastructure for All

Campus Facilities for Persons with Disabilities: Ahlia University has taken concrete steps to make its physical campus accessible to persons with disabilities. According to its disability inclusion policy, the university "is equally inclusive to special needs students and non-special needs students," welcoming students with disabilities into all programs and supporting their needs via a dedicated committee.

Key accessible infrastructure features include:

• Wheelchair Access: Building entrances are equipped with ramps and railings, and there are elevators/lifts to reach different floors, ensuring wheelchair users can navigate campus facilities
• Designated Parking: The university provides "special car parking slots" close to campus buildings for disabled students or those with limited mobility
• Accessible Restrooms: There are specially equipped bathrooms allocated for use by students and staff with disabilities, to accommodate wheelchairs and other needs
• Classroom Accommodations: Teaching spaces are adapted as needed — for example, adjustable seating or workstations in classrooms and labs are provided for individuals with physical disabilities

Facilities and Support for Special Need Students

Ahlia University is equally inclusive to special needs students and non-special needs students. Students with special needs are welcomed to apply in all Ahlia University programs. Admission of students with special needs is done through a special needs admission committee, which assess the potential of candidates to succeed in their chosen academic program.

Facilities

• Car Park: AU provides, where possible, special car parking slots for disabled students and students with special needs
• Bathrooms: AU provides suitable bathrooms for disabled students and students with special needs
• Entrances: AU provides suitable ramps on entrances as well as railings and elevator services (where appropriate) for disabled students and students with special needs
• Classrooms: Where needed, especially designed seating facilities in classrooms and labs are provided

Accessibility of Digital Platforms and Resources

Accessible Learning Platforms

Ahlia University extends its inclusion philosophy to the digital realm, striving to make online resources and educational technology accessible. Faculty leverage the university's learning management system (Moodle) and other digital tools to ensure flexible access to course materials for all students.

Teaching & Assessment

Students are being taught using classic methods and latest technology by leading experts in the field of management information system. For example, Ahlia University YouTube channel include a review for Prof Mukhtar Al- Hashimi of the Business and finance research methods. The video link is made available to the students in Moodle. Other lecturers also provide their students with supporting materials and discussion through the university learning platform (Moodle).

Assistive Technology

The university explicitly allows the use of assistive technologies and devices in classrooms and computer labs to support students with disabilities. Where possible, Ahlia even provides adaptive devices or software to help students with special needs better access digital content and coursework.

Special Needs Facilitation

Special needs personals are being looked after in Ahlia University throughout preparing the necessary requirement to make them more comfortable during their existence in the Campus.

Such as:

• Lifts
• Special car parks
• Allocated toilets
• Elevators
• As well as special and recommended care are being provided from the security guards to them
• An assigned area to serve their electrical wheelchairs

Special Needs Assistance and Facilities

Inclusion in Academic Programs and Campus Activities

Equal Participation in Academics

Ahlia University's policies guarantee that all academic programs are open to qualified individuals without discrimination. Admission to programs is competitive but "purely based on merit," and the most qualified applicants are selected "regardless of race, color, gender, religion, nationality or disability."

Equity and Diversity Policy of Ahlia University

As a higher educational institution Ahlia University is committed to maintain equity amongst its diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The University ensures that all members of the university community are treated equitably and with respect in accordance with the following definitions:

Diversity:

Appreciation and acknowledgement of differences amongst the members of the university community that promote acceptance and belonging, regardless of factors that span age, color, disability, employment status, ethnic or national origins, language, family status, marital status, race, religious or spiritual belief, gender, socio-economic circumstances, and taste.

Equity:

A standard of treatment of people that involves reasonable efforts to ensure fairness in decisions impacting all members of the university community. However, equitable treatment does not necessary mean equal treatment as a range of interests impacting all parties need be balanced.

Inclusive Extracurriculars and Events

Beyond the classroom, Ahlia actively promotes the inclusion of all students and staff in campus life. The university "encourages equal participation of all students and staff in academic and extracurricular activities," regardless of gender or background.

Cultural and Religious Inclusivity

Ahlia's diverse student body (which includes Bahraini and international students of various ethnicities and faiths) is supported by programs that celebrate cultural diversity and interfaith understanding. The university organizes workshops and events that highlight different cultures and traditions, promoting mutual respect among students from different ethnic or religious backgrounds.

Equity and Inclusion Initiatives and Training

Governance and Committees

Ahlia University has institutional structures to uphold and advance its inclusion goals. Notably, an Equal Opportunity Committee (EOC) was established in 2017 as part of the university's governance framework.

Awareness Campaigns and Programs

In the past five years, Ahlia University has launched several initiatives and public programs to promote equity and awareness. Under its Equal Opportunity Plan, the university committed to "champion the principle of equal opportunity through awareness campaigns, activities, and events," including women-focused events for students and staff and gender equity awareness drives.

Equal Opportunity

Training and Capacity Building

Ahlia integrates training programs to support inclusion as part of its sustainability agenda. The university's website references "Training on Social aspects of Sustainability," which likely includes workshops for staff and students on topics like diversity, equity, and inclusive practices.

Community and Success Stories

Ahlia University's inclusion efforts have also been showcased through success stories and community engagement. The university leadership has noted that over two decades, Ahlia has successfully graduated more than 300 students with disabilities, highlighting these individuals' inspiring accomplishments and integration into the workforce.

Al-Musallam: National Initiatives Are of Great Importance in Supporting Individuals with Determination

Al-Hawaj: We graduated 300 students of determination and we have inspiring success stories

His Excellency Mr. Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, Speaker of the House of Representatives, stressed the great importance of national initiatives in supporting individuals with determination, noting the inspiring experience provided by the Kingdom of Bahrain in integrating and enabling students with special needs to succeed and advance themselves, while the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Al-Ahlia University affirmed the success of his university over 20 years in graduating more than 300 students from this segment who wrote with their university inspiring and wonderful success stories.

Conclusion

Inclusive Culture: In summary, Ahlia University in Bahrain has a robust framework of official policies and practical measures that ensure access to university life for all individuals regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability, gender, or other characteristics. Its written policies enshrine non-discrimination for students and staff, and these are backed by tangible actions: accessible buildings, supportive learning resources, inclusive admission and hiring practices, and active committees monitoring equity.

The university strives to make every aspect of campus life — from classrooms to extracurricular events — accessible and welcoming. Ongoing initiatives like committee-led programs, training sessions, and awareness events reinforce this culture of inclusivity. By mainstreaming equal opportunity and addressing the needs of underrepresented groups, Ahlia University works to provide an environment where every student and staff member can fully participate and thrive.

The consistency of these efforts over the past five years, often in alignment with global sustainability and equality goals, underscores Ahlia's role as a leading Bahraini institution for equity and inclusion.