Al-Firas: Dedicated to Delivering an Outstanding Educational Experience with a Global Perspective
Gulf University hosted a delegation from University of Northampton, UK, as part of a series of official visits by their representatives, within the framework of the continued academic partnership between the two universities. The President of Gulf University, Professor Mohanad Al-Firas, highlighted the commitment of both universities to providing a dynamic educational environment for students in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Gulf region, while strengthening collaboration towards a sustainable future.
Professor Al-Firas explained that Gulf University’s efforts to expand its international partnerships align with its strategy, the goals of the Higher Education Council, and Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, along with its updates for 2050. He further emphasized that this visit is part of the continued collaboration between the two universities, with Gulf University taking pride in its partnership with the globally recognized University of Northampton, which offers students the opportunity to earn internationally accredited academic degrees, as well as the possibility of continuing their studies in the United Kingdom.
He further added that this collaboration fosters the exchange of academic and research expertise, offering both students and faculty the opportunity to benefit from the best global educational practices and enhance their capabilities within a progressive academic environment. Additionally, Gulf University is committed to expanding its partnerships with prestigious academic institutions worldwide by developing dual degree programs, organizing joint workshops, and hosting conferences that strengthen the research competencies of both faculty members and students.
During the meeting, attended by the University President, Professor Mohanad Al-Firas, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Hesham Elmarsafawy, the Deans of the Colleges, and the Directors of various departments, several key topics were discussed, Including the preparations for the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of graduates from the engineering programs this year.
Dr. Hesham Elmarsafawy explained that the meeting with the delegation from University of Northampton focused on enhancing research collaboration among faculty members and involving students in joint research projects. The discussions also included organizing exchange visits that would provide students with the opportunity to experience both academic and cultural environments in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the meeting explored strategies for advancing curricula, adopting the latest teaching methods, and promoting collaborative scientific research.
Elmarsafawy emphasized that this partnership offers a valuable opportunity for students to engage in academic programs designed according to international standards. It enables them to study in an advanced educational environment, while developing both academic and professional skills that prepare them to compete in the global job market.
Gulf University is also dedicated to providing students with access to a broad range of academic experiences through student exchange opportunities and practical training programs, thereby enhancing their readiness for future challenges and preparing them for successful career paths.
Mr. Matthew Hines, Director of the International Partnerships Department at the University of Northampton, expressed pleasure in strengthening academic relations with Gulf University, noting that this partnership reflects the shared commitment of both universities to providing an outstanding educational experience with an international dimension, enhancing academic and professional opportunities for students.
He added, “We believe that academic collaboration contributes to the development of students’ skills and enhances their career prospects, and we look forward to expanding this cooperation to include further research and academic initiatives.”
Hines confirmed that University of Northampton, through this partnership, aims to support students in Bahrain by offering advanced international educational programs that provide access to the latest curricula and academic practices, thereby preparing them for the evolving demands of the global job market. He further highlighted that the ongoing collaboration between the two universities opens new horizons for joint scientific research and strengthens the exchange of expertise among faculty members. He emphasized University of Northampton’s commitment to supporting this partnership through advanced educational and training initiatives aligned with Bahrain’s economic vision and the Kingdom’s higher education goals.
The visit concluded with a tour of Gulf University’s campus, where the University of Northampton delegation was introduced to modern facilities, including laboratories and research centers, which help provide an advanced academic environment that meets the highest international standards and enhances students’ academic and research experience.
Gulf University is an accredited partner of University of Northampton in the United Kingdom, establishing its position as a leading educational institution offering internationally recognized academic programs. The university currently hosts four programs from the University of Northampton: two bachelor’s degrees (with honors) in Mechanical Engineering, a bachelor’s degree (with honors) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, a bachelor’s degree in advertising and digital marketing, and a master’s degree in human resource management.Â
It is worth noting that the university has earned global quality accreditation from the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), along with institutional accreditation and full program validation from the Bahrain Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA). It also holds the “IET Associate Membership” from The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in the UK, membership in the Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication (ASJMC), and professional international accreditation from the UK’s Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), making Gulf University’s media program the second academic program outside the UK to receive this recognition. Additionally, the university has achieved membership in the prestigious AACSB International and accreditation from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
EN 
AR 