Gulf University Makes History: Shortlisted Twice for THE Arab World Awards
An unprecedented achievement affirming Gulf University’s global standing among the Arab world’s elite universities.
Gulf University has achieved a new international milestone, having been shortlisted in two premier categories for the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Arab World 2026: Leadership and Management Team of the Year, and Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership.
With this, Gulf University records an exceptional national achievement, becoming the only Bahraini university to reach the final shortlist twice — in both the 2024 and 2026 editions. This recurring recognition is the testimony that the University’s excellence is not a temporary accomplishment, but a sustained journey of leadership, innovation, and institutional distinction.
THE Awards (Arab World), widely regarded as the “Oscars of Higher Education,” are among the most prestigious international honors in academia, celebrating projects and achievements of profound impact that traditional rankings cannot fully capture.
Gulf University now proudly stands shoulder-to-shoulder with distinguished institutions of the Arab world and beyond, including Saudi Arabia’s KAUST, the American University in Cairo, An-Najah National University, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, solidifying its advanced standing on the Arab higher education map.
Prof. Mona bint Rashid AlZayani, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and Directors of Gulf University, expressed her pride in this achievement, affirming:
Being shortlisted for Leadership and Management Team of the Year is an international testament to the competence of the University’s leadership system and institutional governance, while the shortlisting for Environmental Leadership reflects the University’s deep commitment to sustainability, societal responsibility and the broader Sustainable Development Goals, all in direct alignment with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.
Prof. Mona bint Rashid AlZayani
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and Directors of Gulf University
University President Prof. Mohanad AlFiras added:
Competing alongside world-class universities and reaching the final list in two categories simultaneously is no coincidence. It is the fruit of integrated institutional work and a clear strategic vision. This approach has established Gulf University as a leader measured by genuine impact across multiple fields — from the quality of education and international academic accreditations to scientific research, innovation, artificial intelligence integration, and comprehensive sustainability efforts. It is a clear message to our students and their parents that choosing Gulf University means choosing an institution whose outcomes are measured against global standards — a safe investment in a promising academic and professional future.
Prof. Mohanad AlFiras
President of Gulf University
These nominations crown an ascending journey of achievements by Gulf University in recent years, including prestigious international academic accreditations, reputed partnerships, the development of distinctive programmes aligned with labour market needs, an active presence in global rankings, and continuous investment in educational infrastructure, technological, environmental and sustainability leadership.
The final winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, during the THE Arab Universities Summit in the Kingdom of Morocco. Gulf University moves forward with high aspirations, continuing its mission to proudly raise the banner of the Kingdom of Bahrain across international academic forums.
Keywords: Leadership, Innovation, Sustainability, Excellence, Global Recognition, Institutional Distinction, Higher Education Oscars, Bahrain Achievement, Strategic Vision, Academic Impact