Manama – Gulf University’s College of Engineering hosted its annual Graduation Project Exhibition on Sunday, May 25, 2025, in the main auditorium at its Sanad campus. The event welcomed a distinguished gathering of academics, professionals, representatives from universities and specialized institutions, as well as faculty members, students, and their families.
This year’s exhibition featured 29 graduation projects presented by students from various engineering programs. These included 21 projects from Interior Design Engineering students, 4 from Mechanical Engineering, and 4 from Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The showcased projects reflected a high level of creativity and demonstrated the students’ ability to develop innovative, real-world solutions. The themes addressed by the projects were aligned with key contemporary issues, including industry development, sustainable agriculture, and emerging technologies, with an emphasis on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, artificial intelligence, and smart functional design.
The exhibition featured the first graduating cohort from the University of Northampton (UoN) programs at Gulf University. Several students from this cohort presented outstanding graduation projects that demonstrated strong local application of international academic principles, further enhancing the impact and outcomes of this strategic educational partnership.
Professor Mohanad AlFiras, President of Gulf University, expressed his pride in the students’ achievements, emphasizing that the projects are a testament to the university’s commitment to high-quality, applied education. He stated, “We believe that true education is reflected in the ability to turn ideas into tangible projects that serve people and society. What we witnessed today is the result of a collaborative effort between students and faculty, embodying the university’s commitment to graduating engineering professionals who meet the demands of the modern world and anticipate future challenges.”
Dr. Aseel Al Ayash, Dean of the College of Engineering, commended the students’ performance and the level of professionalism evident in their work. She stated that the exhibition embodies the college’s vision of bridging academic learning with practical application while fostering a supportive environment for innovation and creativity. She added, “This exhibition reflects our vision of linking education with real-world practice and of creating a nurturing environment for creativity and innovation. It is a testament to our mission of preparing students capable of developing technological and design solutions that respond to global change and support sustainable development.”
Heads of academic departments also highlighted the diversity and advancement showcased in the projects. Dr. Omar Blibech, Head of the Interior Design Department, noted that the students’ work stood out for its originality and innovation, offering design solutions that balanced functional beauty with sustainability. Dr. Waleed Al Faizani, Head of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, affirmed the department’s efforts to guide students in creating projects
that serve societal needs through the use of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and smart energy technologies. Dr. Ola Fatla, Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, observed that the students successfully integrated theoretical knowledge with practical execution, particularly in the areas of smart agriculture, renewable energy, and industrial design.
Dr. Sharif Al Wajih, Head of the Interior Design Department at the University of Kingdom of Bahrain and a member of the judging panel, praised the academic excellence of the projects. He remarked that the diversity of ideas, from sustainability and smart agriculture to cutting-edge technology, reflected the students’ deep understanding of current needs and their ability to translate them into actionable, implementable solutions.
Among the standout projects was one by Bodour Al Hammadi, an Electronic Engineering student, who presented a project titled “A Wireless-Controlled Robotic Arm for Precision Tasks.” The project aimed to develop a smart mechanical system capable of executing delicate operations remotely through wireless technologies. The initiative focused on enhancing the efficiency of industrial automation systems and providing safe, flexible technological solutions in sensitive environments where precision and minimal human intervention are essential. The project illustrated the student’s strong grasp of robotics and her dedication to offering practical innovations applicable in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
Nagham Khaled, an Interior Design Engineering student, shared her project titled “Global Culinary Hub,” explaining that it reflected her vision of merging interior design with environmental sustainability. She designed a cultural center that houses nine international restaurants, integrating cultural diversity with environmental awareness. As an active member of the university’s Sustainability Club, she was inspired to incorporate three renewable energy sources—solar, wind, and wave energy—into the project to ensure a sustainable and eco-friendly operating environment. She expressed that the exhibition provided her with a real opportunity to bring her values to life through a project that serves the community and promotes environmental consciousness through design.
Another notable project was presented by Abu Dhar Abdul Ghafar and Salah Al-Aani, Mechanical Engineering students, titled “The Educational Ice Maker.” The project aimed to simplify the concepts of cooling and heat transfer through a safe, interactive educational device intended for classroom use. The compact, user-friendly machine translated theoretical engineering principles into tangible experiences, thereby enhancing student understanding and encouraging innovation. The students shared that the project significantly improved their design, innovation, and teamwork skills, and presented a viable educational tool that supports the learning process in a fresh and engaging way.
Gulf University is preparing to celebrate the graduation of its twenty-first cohort, alongside the first graduating class from the University of Northampton programs hosted on its campus. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the university’s ongoing efforts to nurture a generation of highly skilled, innovative, and professionally competent graduates who are equipped to compete effectively in the ever-evolving local and regional job markets.