D. Fatima Janahi
Green innovation is one of the fundamental topics that keep pace with global economic and climate transformations, and it gains special importance in the Arabian Gulf region due to its heavy dependence on oil on the one hand, and its exposure to unique environmental challenges on the other hand, such as water scarcity, rising temperatures, and increasing sea salinity. The shift to green innovation is no longer a luxury, but rather a strategic path for sustainable development that ensures a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. By developing green development projects and applying technologies that reduce carbon emissions and preserve natural resources, a diversified and more sustainable Gulf economy can be built. Gulf universities are the cornerstone of achieving the transition towards a green economy, as graduation projects can be transformed into innovation and entrepreneurship platforms in the fields of clean energy, recycling, and smart agriculture. These projects can become a practical starting point for graduates who contribute to building a real green economy, instead of keeping efforts confined within the walls of universities.
The Kingdom of Bahrain recently witnessed an exceptional event represented by the holding of the UNESCO King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Award Ceremony for the Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Education 2025, where His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, delegated His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, to attend the award ceremony, which is being held for the first time outside the organization’s headquarters in Paris. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the award’s launch, the celebration was held, organized by the Ministry of Education and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), at the University of Bahrain’s headquarters in Sakhir, in the presence of a number of Their Highnesses, Excellencies, and Excellencies senior officials, to confirm the Kingdom’s position as a regional and global center for innovation and sustainable digital learning.
This year, the award was titled “Preparing learners and teachers for the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence,” a topic that directly resonates with the concept of green innovation, as it combines digital transformation and environmental sustainability. Ethical AI and clean technology represent two sides of the same coin in building a more sustainable educational and economic future. Establishing the award at the University of Bahrain opens the door for Gulf universities to enhance their research and innovative role, and transform academic projects into green digital solutions that support the economy and reduce environmental impact, in line with Gulf development visions such as Saudi Vision 2030 and Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.
Recommendations: 1 – Launching joint Gulf research platforms linking green innovation with artificial intelligence and digital education. 2 – Transforming university graduation projects into green startup companies in cooperation with business incubators. 3 – Strengthening the partnership between the ministries of education, environment and energy to support the circular economy. 4 – Utilizing the UNESCO-King Hamad Award as a model for encouraging green education.
Green innovation in the Arabian Gulf is not just an environmental trend, but an opportunity to reshape the economy and education together. Establishing a global award of this level in the Kingdom of Bahrain confirms that the path towards a green economy begins with university education and the belief that sustainability is only achieved through innovative and responsible minds.
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