AGU President: Bahraini and GCC Women are Authentic Pioneering Partners in the Reform and Development Journey
Arabian Gulf University
20 Aug, 2026
Dr. Saad bin Saud Al- Fahaid, President of Arabian Gulf University (AGU), affirmed that celebrating the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) in the Kingdom of Bahrain marks an exceptional occasion to commemorate a journey rich in achievements and gains realized by Bahraini women across various fields, while reinforcing their pivotal role in the comprehensive reform and development process witnessed by the Kingdom.
"The Silver Jubilee of the Supreme Council for Women embodies a quarter-century of institutional work that has solidified the status of Bahraini women and enhanced their presence across diverse sectors," the AGU President stated. "It confirms that women's empowerment was—and remains—an integral part of the reform project led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, may God protect him."
Dr. Al- Fahaid commended the contributions of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women, in establishing an integrated national vision that turned women’s empowerment into a sustainable institutional path centered on family stability, economic participation, decision-making, and quality of life. He noted that Bahraini women have become a role model for women across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
"We are particularly proud of what Bahraini women have accomplished in the education and higher education sectors, as one of the most critical fields that contributed to building their capabilities and expanding their national participation," he added. "Today, Bahraini women maintain a strong presence in universities, educational institutions, and scientific research centers as professors, researchers, and academic leaders—contributing to educating future generations, advancing knowledge creation, and serving the community." He further praised women’s growing presence in science, technology, and innovation, stressing that the coming phase requires broadening their involvement in future-oriented sectors and investing in education, skills, and knowledge to align with the Kingdom’s vision for an innovation- and knowledge-based economy.
"Throughout this journey, Bahraini women have proven that their success is inseparable from the success of their families, communities, and nation," Dr. Al-Fehaid continued. "Hence, the focus on family stability and quality of life serves as two fundamental pillars for genuine, sustainable empowerment, alongside boosting economic participation and access to leadership positions."
He concluded by emphasizing that universities bear a core responsibility to support this trajectory by empowering female students, researchers, and academics, while providing an educational and research environment that fosters equal opportunities, encourages innovation, and prepares Bahraini women to maintain their influential presence in positions of responsibility. "Investing in women is an investment in the family, society, and the nation," he affirmed, noting that Bahrain’s sustainable development journey can only be completed through the equal participation of both its sons and daughters.
