The Gulf University hosted the activities of the Arab Forum for Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education, which was organized in cooperation with the British Times High Education on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at the Gulf Hotel, under the slogan: “Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Paying the Innovation Wheel through Work”, in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Diana Abdul Karim Al -Jahrami, Secretary -General of the Higher Education Council in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and a number of officials, heads of universities and a group of international experts.
The forum witnessed a wide presence of 387 participants from all over the world, representing a varied spectrum of academic and industrial fields, including academic leaders, researchers, experts, professionals and decision -makers, from academic and industrial institutions in the Arab Gulf states, the Arab region, Europe and Asia.
The forum formed a strategic platform that brought together faculty members from the universities of the Kingdom of Bahrain with a group of artificial intelligence and modern technologies, where the forum touched on various practical applications of artificial intelligence in university governance, learning experience, and scientific research, in line with the urgent digital transformations in the academic environment.
In her opening speech, d. Diana Abdul Karim Al -Jahrami on the importance of the forum and its role in supporting the initiatives of the Higher Education Council in keeping pace with the rapid global changes and enhancing the use of artificial intelligence in higher education institutions through the development of academic programs, curricula, study plans, research outcomes and academic, professional and personal skills for students, since artificial intelligence is an indispensable component in the educational system, citing the license of the Council for a number of programs The qualitative academy associated with artificial intelligence.
It also stressed the importance of the forum in strengthening the strategic partnership with the Times Organization for Higher Education, with which the Council contracts to analyze the reality of higher education in the Kingdom and develop the performance of institutions and prepare the national strategy for higher education and scientific research for the next ten years, stressing that Bahrain will remain a pioneer in setting clear and sustainable frameworks to develop artificial intelligence in serving the higher education sector in a way that enhances societal values and public ethics to create an economic society based on the element Human-Based Economy is in line with the best global practices and standards.
For its part, Professor Mona Bint Rashid Al -Zayani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gulf University and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, explained that the organization of the forum comes as an embodiment of the Board of Trustees to support the qualitative initiatives that enhance the university’s position, saying: “This forum represents a qualitative shift in the education march at the Gulf University, which since its establishment has been relied on integrating modern technologies in its programs.
The strategic plans of the university are accelerating towards reassessing programs. This is what we do in line with our message.
In addition to our cooperation with Times High Education, we have internally developed artificial intelligence applications, which are actually integrated into all courses, as it has become a major driver of the educational process. “
For his part, Professor Muhannad Al -Farras, President of the Gulf University, stressed that the forum translates the university’s commitment to its strategy to integrate artificial intelligence into academic programs, noting that: “Today’s Gulf University hosts experts from all over the world who provide workshops specialized in artificial intelligence in higher education, aimed at achieving the maximum benefit from this technology.
Higher education is one of the most prominent sectors that witness a wide digital transformation, and we at the Gulf University adopt artificial intelligence techniques in managing the affairs of the university and the educational process, starting with evaluation and teaching. As all members of the academic body were subjected to international training, and they obtained certified certificates in this field.
The forum displays inspiring global experiences, and highlights central issues such as human skills development, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence in the economic sectors. “
Mr. Lukish Gitley, Regional Director of the Middle East region at the Times Higher Education Organization, also expressed his happiness with participation, saying: “I am honored to be present today in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in a forum hosted by the Gulf University in partnership with Times High Education, and in the presence of the Secretary -General.
What we are witnessing today represents a real transformation in higher education, as artificial intelligence has become an integral part of our daily life, especially in the Middle East.
He continued: “It is necessary to apply artificial intelligence morally and sustainable. Despite technical mutations, the human element remains essential in education, and cannot be dispensed with.”
It is worth noting that the forum dealt with a set of important axes, most notably the redesign of educational curricula, and providing flexible and specialized learning experiences, in addition to the role of innovation in promoting comprehensive educational environments.
The experiences of leading universities have also been reviewed in the use of artificial intelligence, with the aim of generalizing interest and enhancing the quality of higher education outcomes.
It is noteworthy that the Gulf University is working on a comprehensive plan towards the application of artificial intelligence in education, scientific research, community service and keeping pace with local and international requirements.
