1. Institutional Response

Institutional commitment. Ahlia University’s Equal Opportunity Committee gives this work a formal institutional base. Its published framework requires targeted professional development, capacity building and upskilling to address gender imbalance; women-focused awareness activity; and cooperation with local and international partners on women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The same framework aligns the University’s work with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and SDG 5. [E02]

Access and progression. The University connects recruitment with progression. Public programme information and outreach introduce women to engineering, information technology, digital innovation, finance, research and health-related study; fair admission and financial support reduce entry barriers; mentoring, innovation programmes and employer engagement develop the capabilities needed to convert education into leadership, entrepreneurship and labour-market participation. [E03, E04, E05, E11–E13]

Equity and Diversity Policy

Directorate of Admission & Registration

The AU Mentorship Programme

Innovation Camp

2. Governance for Gender-Responsive Outreach

Equal Opportunity Committee. Established in 2017 and chaired by the University President, the Committee brings together Student Affairs, Communications and International Relations, Marketing and Public Relations, Human Resources and women faculty representatives. This membership connects gender-equity governance directly to student recruitment, public communication, partnerships and progression support. [E02]

Targeted response to underrepresentation. The published Equal Opportunity framework expressly commits Ahlia to a targeted approach that redresses gender imbalance. It identifies women in STEM as a partnership priority and requires women-focused events, awareness campaigns and impact measurement. This ensures that women’s recruitment is not treated only as a general non-discrimination matter, but as an active institutional responsibility. [E02]

Council-approved equity safeguards. The Equity and Diversity Policy, approved by the University Council on 27 March 2024, protects gender equity across admission and academic participation. It provides the equitable access foundation on which targeted outreach can lead to application, entry, retention and successful participation. [E03]

Institutional design. Governance identifies the gender imbalance → outreach makes pathways visible → admissions provides an equitable entry route → mentoring, skills and employer partnerships sustain participation and transition to work.

Equal Opportunity

3. University Outreach to Prospective Women

3.1 Public recruitment and programme visibility

Four-day community recruitment platform. In September 2024, Ahlia operated a public information platform at Bahrain City Centre for four days, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The platform introduced citizens, Gulf nationals and residents to the University’s academic programmes and publicised partial scholarships of up to 50%. This extended programme guidance beyond the campus and created a direct, accessible contact point for prospective women and their families. [E05]

The private university showcases its programs for the new academic year at City Centre Mall.

The private university announced that it will continue to accept applications for its academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels for the new academic year 2024-2025. The university allows all high school graduates and students transferring from other universities to enroll in its academic programs, as well as students who have obtained a diploma qualification and aspire to complete a bachelor’s degree, in accordance with the academic regulations of the Higher Education Council.

This coincides with the launch of an information platform about the university’s academic programs on the ground floor near Entrance 3 in City Centre Mall, which started yesterday, Wednesday, and will run for 4 days from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, to introduce the university’s programs to visitors and interested citizens, Gulf nationals, and residents.

Dr. Thaira Al-Shirawi, Assistant to the University President for Media and Public Relations, explained that admission doors are open for new and transfer students, and they can benefit from the partial scholarships offered by the university, which reach up to 50%, stressing that priority is given to those who apply first, especially in graduate programs.

Dr. Al-Shirawi pointed out that the private university enjoys institutional accreditation from the Higher Education Council, and is one of the recommended universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and tops the lists of quality in institutional and academic performance, and it is one of the first universities to be included in the National Qualifications Framework.

She stated that the students of the private university represent the entire mosaic of Bahraini society with its cultural and social diversity, in addition to its distinction in embracing students of multiple nationalities from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Arab countries, Europe, and many other countries of the world, which is reflected positively on the university environment and the values ​​of tolerance and harmony among its members and the students themselves, through opportunities for interaction and exposure to multiple patterns of cultures, interests and human experiences.

Transparent application pathway. The Directorate of Admission and Registration welcomes applications regardless of gender, publishes programme and entry information, and provides direct advice to prospective students. The combination of public outreach, published course information and a merit-based application route enables women reached through campaigns and events to act immediately on their interest in a subject. [E04, E07, E17]

3.2 Making future-facing subjects visible

Priority subject portfolio. Ahlia’s 2024 academic portfolio included accredited pathways in information technology, multimedia systems, computer and communication engineering, mobile and network engineering, intelligent transportation and logistics, financial technology and digital media, alongside health sciences. These programmes connect women’s education to the knowledge, digital and innovation economy envisaged by Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. [E06, E07, E16]

Economic Vision for the Future

3.3 Women’s visibility, creativity and confidence

Innovation and enterprise outreach. The 12 June 2024 Innovation Camp developed leadership, critical thinking, teamwork, presentation, business planning and start-up skills through learning by doing. Corporate volunteers guided participants through real business challenges, helping women see self-employment and enterprise as credible outcomes of university education. [E13]

Women’s leadership in technology education. Ahlia’s November 2024 recognition of high-achieving IT students was led academically by Professor Wasan Awad, Dean of the College of Information Technology. Her public emphasis on innovation, practical learning and career readiness provides prospective and current women with a visible senior role model in a technology field. [E15]

Ahlia University Honors Outstanding IT Students

Under the patronage of Professor Abdulla Yusuf Al Hawaj, Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ahlia University, the College of Information Technology held a ceremony to honor its high achiever students. The event celebrated their remarkable academic achievements in the presence of Professor Mansoor Al Aali, President of the University, alongside faculty and administrative staff.

Professor Al Hawaj emphasized the University’s pride in its distinguished students, considering their academic excellence a testament to their capabilities and skills. He urged students to extend their success beyond academics by excelling in their professional careers and contributing positively to society. Highlighting Ahlia University’s innovative teaching strategies, he noted the shift from traditional rote learning to practical application of theories and concepts. The university fosters an interactive learning environment utilizing the latest technologies to prepare students for future challenges.

Professor Wasan Awad, Dean of the College of Information Technology, extended her congratulations to the honorees, stressing the college’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing a supportive environment for innovation. She reiterated that the ceremony aligns with the university’s strategic goal of promoting academic excellence and fostering a culture of innovation. She added that the recognition serves as a reminder of the value of hard work and perseverance and that the college is dedicated to equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for successful careers in the job market.

After winning the Prime Minister's Award, Sara Najib: My next goal is the Dubai Press Award.

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Issue-32.pdf

The journalist Sara Najib won the Prime Minister's Award for Journalism from Al-Ayam newspaper in the category of Best Interview, which she conducted with Mr. Jamal Fakhro. Sara stated, "The interview was based on constructive criticism," which qualified it for the award.

Najib is a journalist in the local news section of Al-Ayam newspaper and is a mother of two children, a son and a daughter. She graduated from the University of Bahrain with a degree in Media and Journalism. She is a board member of the Bahraini Journalists Association for two consecutive terms, serving as the head of the media committee. She is also a member of the Manama Narratives initiative and chairs the Public Relations Committee.

Women have secured all the research awards at the fourteenth doctoral conference.

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%AF42-%D9%85%D9%86-%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-.pdf

The founding president and chairman of the Board of Trustees of Al-Ahlia University emphasized that the university's annual doctoral conference has played a significant role in highlighting and showcasing outstanding researchers who have demonstrated competitive capabilities on a global level. He commended the excellence and distinction exhibited by Bahraini women through their participation in the doctoral student conference and the joint doctoral program between Al-Ahlia University and Brunel University. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the efforts made by the faculty members of both universities in achieving this success.

Award-wining Female Researchers at the 14th Ph.D. W.R Symposium0

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/award-wining-female-researchers-at-the-14th-ph-d-w-r-symposium/

The Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ahlia University Prof. Abdullah Al Hawaj and the President of Ahlia University Prof. Mansoor Alaali confirmed that the Ph.D. symposium, organized annually by Ahlia University in collaboration with Brunel University, London, demonstrated distinguished and competitive researchers, noting that Bahraini women showed an excellent participation in presenting and discussing their scientific papers and studies that tackled the recent issues in order to find effective solutions and provide recommendations for future studies. In her keynote, Dr. Zakeya Sanad shared her experience in the Ph.D. program. She is an active reviewer and won the ’Young Woman Researcher in Corporate Governance Award’ on 23rd January 2023. Dr. Zakeya provided tips to ease the phase of obtaining a Ph.D. degree. These tips illustrated the importance of listening to the supervisor’s advice, do not compare yourself to others, learning to rest not to quit if you get tired, and establishing a routine. Further pieces of advice confirmed the importance of submitting the research studies to at least 3 ’ 4 journals, participating in workshops and presenting the papers in conferences to receive comments and take advantage of the recommendations from the scientists and other researchers, joining different associations and bodies to be updated of the recent developments.

Zainat Doulari has earned a Master's degree with distinction and received the first-class honors from Al-Ahlia University.’[8]

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%AF42-%D9%85%D9%86-%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-.pdf

Researcher Zainat Doulari has obtained a Master's degree with distinction and first-class honors from the Department of Media and Public Relations at Al-Ahlia University. Her thesis was titled "Public Attitudes Towards Digital Advertising Campaigns in the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture." The study aimed to explore the public's attitudes towards digital advertising campaigns in government institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture as a case study. The research was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Abdul Sadeq Hasan.

The student Marwa Jameel has received an award for the best editing, best directing, and best cinematography in a distinguished and unique event.

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%AF42-%D9%85%D9%86-%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-.pdf

4. Collaboration with Universities, Government and Industry

4.1 International university and government collaboration

Seventh Equal Opportunities Conference. Ahlia hosted the conference on 6–7 February 2024 under the patronage of the Speaker of Bahrain’s Council of Representatives and in collaboration with Brunel University London and the University of Business and Technology in Saudi Arabia. The programme brought national, regional and international scholars together around digital innovation and business sustainability with a gender-equality focus. [E08, E10]

Bahrain hosts the Equal Opportunities Conference with the participation of international scientists and specialists

The Kingdom of Bahrain will host the seventh edition of the Equal Opportunities for Women and Men Conference, organized by Ahlia University in partnership with the University of Business and Technology from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Brunel University London, under the theme “Digital Innovation and Business Sustainability.” The conference, held in collaboration with several governmental and private entities, is scheduled to take place in Manama on February 6 and 7, 2024.

On this occasion, Professor Abdullah Al-Hawaj, Founder President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ahlia University, affirmed that the conference draws inspiration from the pioneering role of the Supreme Council for Women, led by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women. He noted that “equal opportunities for women and men” is a key principle that the Supreme Council for Women has successfully established, highlighted, and promoted across various public and private sector institutions.

Al-Hawaj praised the broad response of scholars, thinkers, researchers, and specialists to the university's invitation to participate in the conference and its events. He emphasized that the annual organization of this increasingly influential and widely attended conference aims to promote equal opportunities and contribute insights and recommendations on this vital issue. He noted that the conference attracts many members of equal opportunity committees from various ministries, companies, and institutions.

For his part, University President Professor Mansour Al-Ali explained that the seventh edition of the conference builds upon the achievements of the previous six editions, which presented numerous insights and recommendations, many of which have been implemented in governmental and private institutions and in various practices and issues related to equal opportunities for women and men. He commended the valuable efforts of the researchers participating in the conference.

He added that participation in the conference remains open to all academics, researchers, specialists, and interested parties, and that it is hoped the conference will showcase experiences from several countries in addition to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

It is worth mentioning that the Ahlia University, through presenting stories, discussions and experiences on vital, national and global issues in equal opportunities conferences, is keen to pay attention to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and equality between men and women, specifically to advance Bahraini women, and thus advance the nation, through cooperation with various Bahraini governmental and private institutions, as well as its cooperation with experts from the United Nations.

Women and emerging technology. The published agenda included dedicated discussion of “AI, Gender Equality and Job Displacement”, inclusive digitalisation and women’s appointment to senior public-sector positions. By presenting women as participants, researchers and leaders within digital transformation, the event directly challenges occupational stereotypes and strengthens the message that women belong in technology, innovation, research and decision-making fields. [E09]

4.2 Global equality network

World Technology Universities Network. As a founding member of the World Technology Universities Network, Ahlia played a key role in developing a Gender Equality Pledge across a network of more than 20 universities. This global collaboration reinforces institutional commitments, exchanges practice and strengthens the international framework supporting women’s participation in technology education. [E02]

4.3 Government, employer and professional collaboration

Career pathways with government and industry. The Minister of Labour inaugurated Ahlia’s twelfth Career Day on 11 July 2024. More than 70 ministries, institutions, companies and vocational-training bodies participated across government, banking, telecommunications, hospitality, retail, oil and industry. The event and the University’s recurring professional workshops connect women’s education to employers and to sectors central to national development. [E12]

Women professionals as mentors. Ahlia’s free 2024 mentorship programme included senior women professionals such as Ms Zainab Almadhi, Head of Credit and Treasury Audit at NBB, and Ms Layla Alqassab, a senior finance executive, coach and managing director. Their scheduled industry-mentoring sessions supplied current women students with professional knowledge, networks and visible evidence of women’s success in finance and leadership. [E11]

5. Improving Women’s Education and Participation

Education in the University and the Kingdom. Ahlia’s model improves women’s education by combining open public information, equitable admission, a broad portfolio of accredited programmes, partial scholarships, women-focused outreach, skills development and progression support. Public events and external recruitment platforms extend these opportunities to women across Bahrain and the wider Gulf community. [E02–E07, E14]

Empowerment in underrepresented fields. The Equal Opportunity framework identifies women in STEM and gender imbalance as matters for targeted action. Engineering, IT, digital innovation, FinTech, smart transport, entrepreneurship and research are therefore presented not only as degree options, but as arenas in which women can develop expertise, confidence, networks and leadership. [E02, E06, E07]

New labour-market opportunities. The 2024 factsheet reported an 87.3% graduate employment rate. Programme expansion aligned with labour-market demand, employer engagement, free mentoring and structured career development give women routes into growth sectors and help translate educational access into economic participation. [E06, E11, E12, E14]

Skills and capabilities for Vision 2030. Ahlia develops technical competence together with leadership, creativity, critical thinking, enterprise, communication and work-readiness. These capabilities support Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 by enlarging the pool of skilled women able to contribute to a competitive, fair and sustainable knowledge economy. [E02, E12, E13, E16]

6. 2024 Evidence of Implementation

7. Continuing and Expanding Impact

Current technology direction. The College of Information Technology continues to position technology education as a direct contribution to Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. Its public direction includes artificial intelligence and cybersecurity development, research in big data, cloud computing and smart systems, and community workshops and partnerships with industry and government. This maintains a visible invitation for women to participate in emerging digital fields. [E18]

Women’s entrepreneurship and research. Ahlia’s January 2026 recognition of research on female entrepreneurship, digital strategies and resilience demonstrates continuity beyond the 2024 evidence year. The research connects women’s enterprise to economic growth and provides practical insight for universities, policymakers and organisations supporting women across the Arab region. [E19]

8. Integrated Access-to-Impact Pathway

A connected institutional pathway. Ahlia’s outreach makes underrepresented subjects visible; admissions and financial information convert interest into applications; an equitable policy framework supports entry; mentoring, innovation and professional development build capability; and collaboration with universities, government and employers creates pathways to work, enterprise, research and leadership.

Public and women-focused outreach → transparent application → technical and leadership skills → university, government and employer networks → education, work, entrepreneurship and national development.

9. Public Evidence Register

Every link below leads to an original institutional, policy, government or independent-media source. Previous Ahlia SDG indicator pages are not used as evidence.

Evidence scope and date discipline. The central implementation evidence is dated 2024 or academic year 2024–2025. Later material is clearly identified as continuity and is not substituted for evidence-year activity.