Manama: Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, chaired the fourth board meeting of the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) for 2025. The institute's performance indicators for the year demonstrated clear growth in demand for training and development. IPA delivered 137 training programmes and courses through accredited trainers, benefiting 5,265 trainees from the public and private sectors and individuals, an increase of more than 46% compared with the previous year.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that the IPA continues to play a major role in enhancing government performance, developing human capital, and strengthening the capabilities of national competencies in line with Bahrain's comprehensive development goals under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah noted that IPA's programmes are effectively meeting the training needs of both public and private sectors, and keeping pace with modern developments in management and governance. This growing role reflects the institute's methodology of updating training approaches, adopting international standards in evaluation and quality, and creating an environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.
The board approved the annual plan for 2026, which includes launching the National Programme for Government Leadership Development, continuing professional programmes and short courses, and developing services in assessment, guidance, and coaching. These initiatives aim to strengthen professional and leadership qualifications in both sectors and offer individuals opportunities to build skills and refine their expertise.
The board welcomed IPA's institutional inclusion in the national qualifications framework under the Education and Training Quality Authority. This achievement reinforces the institute's status as an accredited training provider, aligning its programmes with national framework levels and enhancing trust among beneficiaries and partners.
Additionally, the board noted the acceptance of the first batch of students for the Master's programme in Leadership and Innovation, offered by IPA in cooperation with King's College London, with studies scheduled to start in January 2026.
Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa, Director General of IPA, presented a report on the institute's main achievements for the year. These include receiving international accreditation from the UK-based NOCN Group, signing memoranda of understanding with local and regional entities to expand training and development partnerships, and her election to the board of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences for the 2025 - 2028 term.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah commended the efforts of the IPA board and executive management during the year, noting the clear improvement in performance indicators and implemented initiatives. He emphasised that these efforts enhance the institute's contribution to advancing administrative sciences and improving practices across government bodies.
The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed anticipation for further measures to improve efficiency in both public and private sectors, supporting pathways to comprehensive and sustainable growth for the Kingdom.