Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), affirmed on the inaugural day of orientation for new students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme—offered by the university for the very first time—that the institution takes immense pride in welcoming outstanding students destined to become active contributors to the enhancement of medical services in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the GCC countries.

During the orientation sessions, which spanned two consecutive days, Dr Al Fuhaid stated: “Over the past two days, you have been introduced to all academic and service facets of the university. You have met with representatives from various departments, who will always be on hand to assist you throughout your university journey. You also became acquainted with the requirements for successfully completing your studies, as well as the significance of scientific research, innovation and engagement in student activities in the life of a medical student.” 

The President also expressed pride in all graduates of the university, who contribute to sustainable development with their expertise and high skills. He cited several alumni who have taken on leadership roles in various ministries, hospitals and research centres both within the GCC community and beyond.

Moreover, Dr Al Fuhaid encouraged new students to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the university, urging them to focus on developing their skills, abilities and knowledge in modern sciences. He reiterated the importance of an open-door policy and expressed confidence in the outcomes of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme, as it is a robust academic curriculum designed to cultivate leadership qualities and research skills among accepted students. Furthermore, he pointed out that the programme emphasises the development of clinical skills, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to assume leadership positions within the nursing profession and contribute to advancing nursing practice through evidence-based research.

Dr Al Fuhaid wished the new students an academic year rich in excellence, activity and success, reaffirming the noble humanitarian message of the nursing profession and the vital responsibility that new students must embrace, which would qualify them for future leadership roles that enrich the nursing sector.

In a related statement, Dr Abdulrahman Yousif Ismael, Vice President for Administrative Affairs and Dean of Student Affairs, highlighted that AGU takes great pride in enrolling nursing students who will play a pivotal role in the development of the nursing sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He provided an overview of the study system, evaluation criteria, transfer requirements and the importance of engaging in scientific research and participating in volunteer initiatives to enrich the experience of nursing students.

On her part, Dr Hawazen Rawas, Programme Director, welcomed the new students, asserting that the launch of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme is a significant step towards enhancing the quality of healthcare education in the region and producing specialised professionals who contribute to improving health services. She underlined that nursing is regarded as one of the most critical pillars of the healthcare system, as the success and quality of health services largely depend on the competence of nurses.

The orientation days featured interactions between new students and representatives from various university administrative units. During these sessions, students met with Mr. Abdulhamed Marhoun, Head of the Admissions and Registration Department, who explained academic requirements, regulations and the course registration process. They also attended a presentation by Mr. Ahmed Alsaie, Head of the Student Activity and Council Unit, and Ms. Aysha Alsubaiei, Head of the Student Care and University Housing Unit, who outlined the role of the Student Affairs Deanship, as well as behavioural regulations and the range of activities and services offered to students.

Furthermore, Mr. Husam Aburahma, Systems Administrator in the IT Services Unit, showcased the electronic services available to university studentsm, while Ms. Athra Alalawi, Library Director, alongside Mr. Hussain Al Fardan, Library Specialist, provided an overview of the array of library services. A quality specialist from the Quality and Excellence Centre spoke on the importance of quality assurance in universities and its impact on students’ academic and professional lives, emphasising the continuous improvement and evaluation of quality as essential for the university’s advancement.

Additionally, Ms. Fatema Alhajari, Senior Media Specialist, discussed the university’s media mission and its connection to achieving the institution’s vision and strategy centred on innovation and scientific research. She highlighted the role of university media and social media in portraying the best image of university life and student activities. To conclude the orientation programme, Dr Ahmed Malallah Al Ansari, Professor of Psychiatry, delivered a lecture addressing the challenges faced by new students and the role of counselling services within the university in providing essential support.