Manama: QS, the global university ranking organisation, released its report on higher education in the Kingdom of Bahrain during an event held in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Higher Education Council (HEC), Applied Science University (ASU), and several higher education institutions. The report was presented to Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Juma, the Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the HEC.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the report highlighted Bahrain's strategic advantages for students and academics, citing its open and internationally collaborative education system, alongside increased investment in research and academic infrastructure. It noted significant growth in Bahrain's academic research output, particularly through collaborations with international institutions, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to developing innovation in an educational environment. Furthermore, it underscored the role of higher education institutions in establishing specialised research centres in key fields such as healthcare, cloud computing, and sustainability.
Dr. Juma emphasised the importance of QS rankings as a global benchmark for universities, noting that the academic reputation of higher education institutions depends on their research output, educational quality, ability to attract local and international students, and recognition from esteemed global organisations. He added that the HEC is dedicated to developing policies and regulations that enhance the higher education sector, streamline procedures, uphold quality standards, and encourage universities to expand their research efforts, attract distinguished academics, and host academic programmes in collaboration with global institutions.
Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Regional Director of QS for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, highlighted Bahrain's potential to become a global leader in higher education, noting the sector's rapid development in recent years and the Kingdom's strong capabilities in this domain. Dr. Diana Abdulkarim Al Jahrami underscored ongoing efforts to advance Bahrain's higher education system, aiming for academic excellence and promoting partnerships with leading international institutions.
Professor Waheeb Al Khaja, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of ASU, emphasised ASU's commitment to attracting international students, expanding academic collaborations, and supporting the national economy. He highlighted the importance of cooperation between higher education institutions, the HEC, and QS to enhance educational quality and global competitiveness. Dr. Fuad Mohammed Al Ansari, President of the University of Bahrain (UoB), commended the results of the QS report, emphasising the commitment of Bahrain's higher education institutions to benefiting from its recommendations. Professor Abdulla Al Hawaj, Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ahlia University, underscored the collaboration between higher education institutions, QS, and the HEC in striving for academic excellence.