Goal 4 / 4.3 / 4.3.5
University Policy on Inclusive Access to Outreach Activities
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 attributesahlia.edu.bhahlia.edu.bh. 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 everyoneahlia.edu.bh. Likewise, for employees, Ahlia upholds a “healthy, safe and productive work environment” free from any form of discrimination or harassment, with recruitment and advancement based solely on qualifications and meritahlia.edu.bh. These commitments are embedded in the university’s core values of inclusiveness and integrityahlia.edu.bh and reinforced by related codes (e.g. an Anti-Harassment Policy and Code of Conduct) to ensure respectful conduct across campusahlia.edu.bh.
1.Equity and diversity among the student body is as follows:
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. In the course of student participation in the educational life at the university, academic and non-academic, Ahlia University is committed to a discrimination-free learnıng environment for all students — regardless of race, color, gender, religion, nationality, sect or disability –. based on principles of fairness and equity.
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.
The University enforces adherence to codes of conduct and an Anti-Harassment Policy.
Coverage for Students and Staff:
The inclusion policies explicitly cover both students and staff. For students, Ahlia guarantees equal access to quality education and campus life: “all students, regardless of race, religion, disability, or other factors, have the right to quality education,” and the university is “committed to a discrimination-free academic and social environment for all students”ahlia.edu.bh. For faculty and staff, Ahlia’s policies ensure fair employment practices – hiring, evaluation, and promotion are based on equity and equal opportunity – and a workplace free from bias or harassmentahlia.edu.bh. In practice, this means that decisions affecting students or employees must be made with fairness, and any behavior undermining these principles (e.g. offensive or intimidating remarks) is not toleratedahlia.edu.bh. The University’s Equal Opportunity Committee (established 2017) oversees these commitments at a high level, advising on diversity and inclusion matters to uphold a campus-wide culture of equalityahlia.edu.bhahlia.edu.bh.
Equity and diversity among staff is as follows:
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 ın the work environment. Harassment in all its manifestations is prohibited. Committed to applying an effective recruitment policy that is based on the principles of equity and fairness, and equal employment opportunity, Ahlia shall ensure to identify, efficiently and effectively, the right candidates for vacancies in Ahlia and recruitment shall be based on qualifications, experience, and merit. Supervisors and managers are expected to ensure that work-related decisions regarding task allocation, compensation, performance evaluations, the administration of Ahlia benefits et. al. reflects principles of fairness and equity.
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 committeeahlia.edu.bhahlia.edu.bh. 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 facilitiesahlia.edu.bhahlia.edu.bh.
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.
Special needs students are given support and guidance by Ahlia University faculty and staff, Directorate of Student Activities and Services and Directorate of Student Counselling. The university has a special needs committee that is responsible to pursue the welfare of all students with special needs.
In the case of undeclared special needs or in the case of a new development of any kind of special needs, the university’s special needs committee, faculty and staff at Ahlia University will endeavour to identify the special needs and will support students and their needs.
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.
AU will not provide a medical treatment for students with special needs. Rather, every effort will be made to provide these students with guidance to obtain medical treatment in public and private facilities in proximity to the University. The university has a full time nurse in the campus for any consultation and emergencies.
Designated Parking:
The university provides “special car parking slots” close to campus buildings for disabled students or those with limited mobilityahlia.edu.bhahlia.edu.bh.
Accessible Restrooms:
There are specially equipped bathrooms allocated for use by students and staff with disabilities, to accommodate wheelchairs and other needsahlia.edu.bhahlia.edu.bh.
Classroom Accommodations:
Teaching spaces are adapted as needed – for example, adjustable seating or workstations in classrooms and labs are provided for individuals with physical disabilitiesahlia.edu.bh. The university permits and provides assistive devices or adaptive equipment to help students with visual, hearing, or learning impairments participate fully in labs and lecturesahlia.edu.bh.
These measures illustrate Ahlia’s commitment to physical accessibility. In addition, the campus has an “area to serve electric wheelchairs,” suggesting that students who use motorized wheelchairs have a place for charging or maintenance of their devicesahlia.edu.bh. A full-time nurse is available on campus for health consultations and emergencies, underlining support for students with health or special needsahlia.edu.bh.
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 studentsahlia.edu.bh. For example, lectures or tutorials are shared via the university’s YouTube channel and then made available on Moodle, so students can review content at their own paceahlia.edu.bh. This benefits students who may need additional time or alternative formats to learn effectively.
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).
Student’s final project’s can be added in this section. The MIS department will forward a number of final projects to be added in the website under this section and videos such as areas covering special needs students are available. At the moment the department is editing and working on a special need student in the MIS Department and is to be included in the programme page.
Assistive Technology:
The university explicitly allows the use of assistive technologies and devices in classrooms and computer labs to support students with disabilitiesahlia.edu.bh. Where possible, Ahlia even provides adaptive devices or software to help students with special needs better access digital content and courseworkahlia.edu.bh. Such accommodations might include screen readers for visually impaired students, speech-to-text tools for those with hearing or motor impairments, or specialized software for learning disabilities. While Ahlia’s published policies do not detail web accessibility standards, its overall approach suggests that digital inclusion is an important part of delivering “quality education” to everyone. By combining traditional teaching with online resources and assistive tools, the university works to ensure that students with diverse needs can engage with course content and university services on an equal footing.
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 FASCILITIES
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”ahlia.edu.bh. Once enrolled, students with disabilities are provided appropriate accommodations (such as adjusted exam conditions or additional tutoring) so they can pursue their studies effectivelyahlia.edu.bhahlia.edu.bh. For instance, the university’s special needs policy allows for modified exam arrangements (e.g. extra time or separate quiet rooms) for students who require them, and note-taking assistance when necessaryahlia.edu.bhahlia.edu.bh. These measures ensure that academic requirements are met in an equitable manner, giving every student a fair chance to succeed.
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 backgroundahlia.edu.bh. Clubs, student societies, and competitions are open to everyone, and the Student Affairs office and special needs committee work together to support students with disabilities in joining general student activitiesahlia.edu.bhahlia.edu.bh. According to Ahlia’s policy, the university “strives to offer a healthy and enriching environment to encourage students with special needs to participate in general student activities within the university and beyond,” not only in specialized eventsahlia.edu.bh. In practice, this means a student with a disability is welcome (and assisted as needed) to join anything from sports teams and academic clubs to international conferences or study trips, alongside their peers. Ahlia also hosts inclusive events: for example, it sponsors local, regional, and international events that celebrate the achievements of all students, including those with disabilitiesahlia.edu.bh. This blended approach of integrated activities and a few tailored events helps foster a campus culture where differences are respected but do not prevent full involvement in university life.
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 backgroundsahlia.edu.bh. By “fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect,” Ahlia creates a welcoming environment for “all students, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or beliefs”ahlia.edu.bh. In practical terms, this could include multicultural festivals, awareness days, or seminar series on global issues – all aimed at ensuring no student feels marginalized due to their heritage or creed.
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 frameworkahlia.edu.bhahlia.edu.bh. Chaired by the University President, this committee includes senior administrators (e.g. the Dean of Student Affairs, Human Resources Director) and female faculty representativesahlia.edu.bhahlia.edu.bh. The EOC’s mandate is to “mainstream the culture and practice of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusivity across the University,” aligning with Bahrain’s Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities)ahlia.edu.bhahlia.edu.bh. The existence of this high-level committee ensures continuous oversight of equity issues and integrates inclusion into strategic planning. Similarly, Ahlia has a Special Needs Committee focused on students with disabilities, which oversees the support and welfare of students with special needs from admission through graduationahlia.edu.bh. These bodies demonstrate that inclusion is not handled ad hoc, but through dedicated teams and policies.
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.
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 drivesahlia.edu.bh. For example, Ahlia regularly hosts an Equal Opportunities Conference – by 2025 it reached its 8th edition – highlighting topics of women’s empowerment and equal opportunity in higher education. The university also organizes or participates in conferences and symposia on broader inclusion themes, often in partnership with local and international organizationsahlia.edu.bh. These events serve to educate the campus community and the public on diversity, inclusion, and the importance of providing equal chances for all.
Equal Opportunity
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/equal-opportunity/
Ahlia University provides a space for its administrative staff and students to learn about their equal opportunities, as shown below:
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.
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 practicesahlia.edu.bh. Internally, Ahlia has implemented professional development aimed at equal opportunity and women’s empowerment, such as upskilling programs to address any gender imbalances in certain fieldsahlia.edu.bh. By educating faculty and administrators on inclusive teaching methods and bias awareness, the university works to ensure its commitments are reflected in day-to-day interactions.
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 workforceahlia.edu.bh. In 2023, Ahlia held the Second Forum for People with Special Needs, under the patronage of Bahrain’s parliamentary Speaker, to share experiences and strengthen support for students with disabilities nationallyahlia.edu.bh. Such public forums and celebrations of “students of determination” not only provide recognition to those students but also raise awareness and encourage a more inclusive mindset in the broader community. Through collaborations with government initiatives (like Bahrain’s programs for people of determination and women’s empowerment), Ahlia aligns its campus policies with national efforts to enhance equityahlia.edu.bhahlia.edu.bh.
Al-Musallam: National initiatives are of great importance in supporting individuals with determination
https://www.linkedin.com/school/ahlia-university/posts/
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.
This came in the opening session of the activities of the Second Forum for People with Special Needs under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, Speaker of the House of Representatives, which began on Wednesday morning, September 25, 2024, at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in Bahrain Bay, which was organized by Ahlia University under the title "Integrating Students with Special Needs in Higher Education", in the presence of the Minister of Social Development, His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, a large number of members of the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives, officials, and a constellation of professors and researchers Executive directors, members and affiliates of Ahlia University.
In his opening speech, His Excellency the Speaker of the House of Representatives stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain is proud to support students with special needs at all levels, as the Kingdom of Bahrain has provided an advanced experience in this context according to effective methods and methods to enable students with special needs to succeed and advance themselves, and this is achieved by preparing academics and specialists to implement high-quality and high-level outputs.
His Excellency stressed that empowering individuals with special needs is one of the priorities of the House of Representatives, noting that the Council discussed more than 55 topics related to the segment of people with special needs, stressing the continuity of cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities to achieve the desired aspirations and goals, in addition to providing the necessary services and appropriate quality job opportunities, pointing to the importance of launching a national initiative to support individuals with special needs.
His Excellency the Speaker of the House of Representatives thanked all individuals with special needs, praising all the efforts of government institutions and civil society institutions to support this category, especially Al-Ahlia University for organizing this distinguished forum.
For his part, the founding president and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ahlia University, Professor Abdullah Al-Hawaj, stressed that the university, since its inception 23 years ago, has paid great attention to all segments of society, stressing that empowering people with special needs and upgrading them is a bright sign in high-end and advanced societies because of their energies that society is indispensable to benefit from and employ, pointing out that Al-Ahlia University is friendly to orphans and people with special needs, and has wonderful success stories for more than 300 graduates with special needs. Special privileged.
Some graduates of Ahlia University with special needs reviewed their success stories during their academic career at Ahlia University, and the graduates thanked Ahlia University for embracing them.
The forum's business sessions included three axes, including scientific projects and successful experiences in integrating people with special needs into the educational process, while the second axis dealt with the requirements of preparing teachers and administrators to deal with students with special needs, while the third axis dealt with policies for integrating students with special needs in institutes and universities.
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 thriveahlia.edu.bhahlia.edu.bh. 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.
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