Sustainable Development Goals Initiatives 2023–2024

SDG 4 – Quality Education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

The University of Bahrain (UoB) is deeply committed to ensuring inclusive and high-quality education that empowers individuals, supports lifelong learning, and contributes to the Kingdom’s sustainable development.
Between September 2023 and December 2024, UoB implemented diverse initiatives, spanning academic programs, community outreach, digital innovation, and teacher development, that advance SDG 4 and its specific indicators.

ENGAGEMENT (COMMUNITY / INDUSTRY)

University of Bahrain Advances Lifelong Learning Through Micro-Credentials Initiative

The University of Bahrain (UoB) has launched a comprehensive Micro-Credentials Policy (2024)  as part of its strategic commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education. This initiative aims to expand access to lifelong learning and enhance workforce readiness through flexible, skill-based programs aligned with industry and community needs.

Developed by the eLearning Center, the policy establishes a structured framework for developing, delivering, and recognizing both credit-bearing and non-credit-bearing micro-credentials. These programs target students, professionals, and community members seeking to upskill or reskill, bridging the gap between academic learning and labor market demands.

The micro-credentials are designed in collaboration with industry experts and academic units, ensuring alignment with national skills priorities and global educational standards. Learners can stack individual credentials toward degree qualifications, promoting continuous and inclusive access to higher education.

This engagement underscores the University’s dedication to quality, equity, and lifelong learning, enabling diverse learners to gain recognized, practical competencies that support employability, innovation, and sustainable development within Bahrain and beyond.

Promoting Excellence in Digital Learning

The University of Bahrain’s eLearning Center organizes the e-Learning Excellence Awards to recognize and encourage faculty and students who demonstrate outstanding engagement with digital courses. Submissions are evaluated by an independent jury, and winners receive certificates and are honored by the University President.

The awards aim to:

• Promote innovative use of e-learning resources among faculty and students.
• Encourage continuous professional development and high-quality online instruction.
• Showcase best practices in digital teaching, enhancing ICT skills in line with Target 4.4.1.
• Strengthen institutional culture of recognition, motivation, and quality assurance in online learning, supporting Target 4.c.

Award cycles run each semester (excluding summer), with data collected from the learning management system and winners announced the following semester. The program highlights UoB’s commitment to quality education, digital innovation, and professional excellence in line with SDG 4.

University of Bahrain Achieves AACSB International Accreditation for Business Programs

The College of Business Administration at the University of Bahrain (UoB) has earned international academic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)—placing it among the top 5% of business schools worldwide. This milestone reflects UoB’s ongoing commitment to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and its mission to deliver globally competitive academic programs.

All six undergraduate and postgraduate programs—Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Management, Marketing, Islamic Banking and Finance, and the MBA—are now internationally accredited, affirming their academic rigor and alignment with global standards.

The accreditation followed a comprehensive six-year institutional development process, during which the college revised its strategic mission, enhanced learning outcomes, improved governance and research policies, and introduced new systems to advance teaching, student advising, and community engagement. It also launched a new Islamic Banking program, recruited internationally qualified faculty, and sponsored Bahraini teaching assistants for postgraduate training abroad, reinforcing its academic sustainability.

This achievement not only elevates the college’s reputation but also enhances graduate employability, providing students with qualifications recognized globally. It directly supports Bahrain Vision 2030, which emphasizes a world-class education system that fosters innovation and competitiveness.

Through this accomplishment, the University of Bahrain advances SDG 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, and 4.c, strengthening the quality of teaching and learning, ensuring inclusive and equitable access, and building institutional excellence that meets international benchmarks.

TEACHING/LEARNING

University of Bahrain and Royal University for Women Collaboration

The University of Bahrain (UoB) and the Royal University for Women (RUW) signed a collaboration agreement to strengthen academic, research, and cultural cooperation between the two institutions. The agreement, signed in the presence of Dr. Fuad Mohammed Al-Ansari, President of UoB, and Dr. Riyad Yousef Hamzah, President of RUW, reflects a shared commitment to advancing the quality and inclusiveness of higher education in Bahrain.

The partnership aims to enhance faculty exchange and shared teaching expertise, allowing academic staff from both institutions to teach across programs while maintaining high teaching standards. It also supports joint research, external examination of study programs, professional development initiatives, and collaborative workshops for both academic and administrative staff.

In addition, the agreement emphasizes student engagement and holistic learning through joint cultural, artistic, and sports events organized by the deanships of student affairs, fostering creativity, leadership, and physical well-being.

This initiative directly advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) — particularly Targets 4.3, 4.b, 4.c, and 4.7 — by strengthening academic cooperation, enhancing teaching quality, and promoting inclusive, lifelong learning opportunities that contribute to Bahrain’s national higher education development goals.

University of Bahrain Enhances Digital Learning through Huawei ICT Academy Partnership

The University of Bahrain (UoB) continues to strengthen its teaching and learning ecosystem through global partnerships that bridge academic education with real-world industry skills. The College of Information Technology, led by Dr. Hessa Jassim Al-Junaid, honored more than 88 students who completed Huawei Academy certifications in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, 5G networks, and digital data technologies.

This initiative, conducted in collaboration with Huawei’s ICT Academy, provides advanced technical training and aligns academic programs with the evolving needs of the digital economy. The partnership supports both students and faculty through specialized training, academic material development, and the establishment of modern laboratories, ensuring that UoB graduates are equipped with competitive digital competencies.

Through this collaboration, the University directly contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) — particularly Targets 4.3, 4.4, and 4.c — by expanding access to high-quality technical education, enhancing employability skills, and building institutional teaching capacity in emerging technologies.

Advancing STEM Education and Global Competence through CERN Collaboration

In alignment with SDG 4 (Quality Education), students from the University of Bahrain participated in the 2025 CERN Summer Student Program in Switzerland—an international initiative that offers advanced scientific training and exposure to cutting-edge research. UoB has been part of this prestigious program since 2016, reaffirming its commitment to global academic collaboration and experiential learning.

The 2025 participants, Nibras Jafil (College of Science) and Ali Ridha Al-Adraj (College of Engineering), engaged in high-level research and technical projects at CERN.

• Nibras worked with CERN’s IT Department and LHCb experiment to develop an AI-based chatbot supporting knowledge sharing in particle physics, and later participated in a scientific hackathon applying quantum computing to the UN SDGs.

• Ali contributed to a civil engineering project on-site, completing radiation-safety training, producing 2D/3D design layouts, and addressing real-world construction challenges through advanced modeling tools.

These experiences enhanced students’ research, innovation, and technical competencies, while fostering global citizenship and collaboration with international experts.

Through its sustained partnership with CERN, the University of Bahrain advances SDG 4.3, 4.4, 4.7, and 4.b, by expanding access to international learning, promoting advanced STEM education, and empowering students with the skills and mindset needed for a knowledge-driven, sustainable future.

Advancing Teacher Education through International Collaboration

(SDG Target 4.c – Increasing the supply of qualified teachers through international cooperation)

In strengthening teacher preparation and professional development, the University of Bahrain expanded its international collaboration with leading global institutions.
In September 2023, the President of the University of Bahrain, Dr. Fuad Mohammed Al-Ansari, received a delegation from Boston University (USA), headed by Professor Dr. Lisa Ijiri, Senior Advisor at the Wheelock College of Education, in the presence of Dr. Lucy Bailey, Dean of the Bahrain Teachers College (BTC).

This visit reaffirmed the successful partnership between BTC and Boston University in implementing the Master’s Program in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, jointly delivered through the Wheelock College of Education and Human Development.
The program—launched under a cooperation agreement signed in April 2022—targets school leaders and education professionals, equipping them with advanced skills in leadership, pedagogy, and policy analysis to enhance school performance and educational quality in Bahrain.

Dr. Al-Ansari praised the constructive collaboration and emphasized the university’s commitment to expanding such partnerships to other colleges, reinforcing UoB’s role in building educational capacity and contributing to national development through qualified educators.

University of Bahrain and Shanghai University Cooperation

In support of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), the University of Bahrain (UoB) and Shanghai University signed a Memorandum of Cultural Understanding to strengthen academic collaboration, student exchange, and joint research across multiple scientific disciplines.

The partnership reinforces the University’s international engagement strategy by integrating intercultural learning and global academic cooperation into its institutional operations. The collaboration builds on the long-standing success of the Confucius Institute at the University of Bahrain, which plays a pivotal role in teaching the Chinese language and promoting knowledge of Chinese history, traditions, and culture.

Through these initiatives, UoB advances SDG 4.7 by fostering cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship, while also contributing to SDG 4.b and 4.c through the facilitation of student and faculty exchanges and professional development opportunities.

The agreement demonstrates the University’s operational commitment to providing inclusive, equitable, and globally connected education, enhancing Bahrain’s position as a hub for academic cooperation and intercultural dialogue.

University of Bahrain Celebrates the Graduation of its 26th Cohort

Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the University of Bahrain (UoB) celebrated the graduation of its 26th cohort, honoring 3,500 graduates from various colleges and disciplines. The ceremony, held at the University’s Sakhir campus, was attended by government officials, academics, and families, reflecting national recognition of UoB’s role in advancing higher education.

During the event, H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, praised the University’s efforts to enhance the quality of higher education and align programs with international standards. He reaffirmed UoB’s role in developing programs that prepare students for the knowledge economy and meet future labor market demands.

Prof. Fuad Mohammed Al Ansari, President of UoB, emphasized that students are at the core of the educational process, highlighting the University’s success in equipping them with scientific, technical, and personal skills needed for competitiveness in modern knowledge fields.

The graduation ceremony represents a key milestone in SDG 4 – Quality Education, showcasing the University’s achievements in teaching and learning excellence, student success, and lifelong learning pathways. By graduating highly qualified students ready for professional and societal contribution, UoB advances Targets 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, and 4.7, supporting Bahrain’s national vision for a globally competitive education system.

University of Bahrain Launches Huawei ICT Academy to Empower Digital Talent

The University of Bahrain (UoB) inaugurated the Huawei ICT Academy at the College of Information Technology, Sakhir campus, as part of its mission to advance digital education and innovation in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education.

The launch ceremony was attended by Dr. Fuad Mohammed Al Ansari, President of UoB, and Aziz Tang, CEO of Huawei Bahrain, under the patronage of Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of UoB’s Board of Trustees. The academy aims to train 600 students annually in critical information and communication technology (ICT) disciplines, equipping them with hands-on, industry-relevant skills in cloud computing, networking, IoT, cybersecurity, AI, and machine learning.

Dr. Al Ansari highlighted that the Huawei ICT Academy enhances teaching and learning infrastructure, enabling students, researchers, and professionals to engage in applied, technology-driven learning experiences. The academy also serves as a national training hub, open to students from other Bahraini institutions, fostering inclusivity and collaboration across the education sector.

This partnership underscores the University’s commitment to bridging academia and industry, preparing students for the digital economy, and enhancing employability. The initiative also celebrates the achievements of UoB students who secured second place regionally in the Huawei ICT Competition, advancing to represent Bahrain in the global finals in Shenzhen, China.

Through this initiative, the University of Bahrain contributes directly to SDG Targets 4.3, 4.4, and 4.c, by expanding access to quality technical education, enhancing employability, and strengthening institutional capacity through international cooperation.

Student Publication Promoting Mathematics Education

A student from the Bahrain Teachers College at the University of Bahrain, Jaafar Tahir al-Ghanmi, authored a book titled “Wonderful Rules from a Compendium of Calculation”. The book presents historical computational strategies for solving multiplication problems and is designed for both teachers and students.

This initiative demonstrates UoB’s commitment to knowledge creation, educational innovation, and lifelong learning, enabling students to contribute original materials that enhance teaching and learning practices.

Student Innovation Promoting Health and Safety through Technology

Students from the Department of Nursing at the College of Health and Sports Sciences achieved the Best University-Level Presentation Award during the Health, Safety and Environment Week organized by Bapco Gas Company from November 24–28, 2024. Their innovative project, titled “SANAD,” proposed an electronic application that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the health and safety of workers in diverse occupational environments.

This achievement highlights the University of Bahrain’s commitment to integrating digital skills and applied learning into academic programs, equipping students with practical ICT and innovation competencies aligned with SDG Target 4.4.1. Moreover, by addressing occupational well-being, the project demonstrates the University’s role in linking education with real-world challenges—bridging SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through student-led innovation.

University Awards for Student Innovation and Internship Excellence

The University of Bahrain won three prestigious awards at the Global Exhibition for Excellence in Higher Education (GHEDEX) – Bahrain 2024, held on 21–22 April 2024 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Center. The university was recognized for:

• Student Innovation

• Student Internship

• “Best of the Best” Award

These awards reflect UoB’s ongoing commitment to empowering students, fostering creativity, and enhancing practical skills across multiple academic programs. The recognition highlights the integration of innovative practices, applied learning, and student-led projects, strengthening the link between academic knowledge, professional readiness, and lifelong learning opportunities.