The Arabian Gulf University (AGU) has taken part in the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) 2025 Conference, currently being held in Bangkok, Thailand. During the event, Mr Khabab Abdulmoneim Al Haj, Director of Quality and Accreditation at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, delivered two presentations highlighting the University’s pioneering approach to quality in medical education, grounded in simulation, problem-based learning, and innovation. His sessions emphasised the positive outcomes of engaging students in shaping the learning environment, earning AGU recognition on the global stage.

Representing the University, Mr Al Haj shared AGU’s extensive experience and innovations in advancing quality standards and amplifying the student voice within healthcare education. He also underscored the institution’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and smart education systems, shedding light on the implementation of ISO 21001:2018 – the Educational Organisations Management System – in an accredited medical college setting.

In an interactive presentation, Mr Al Haj outlined the University’s bold journey towards adopting and integrating the ISO 21001:2018 standard within its quality and accreditation framework. He explained how the standard served not merely as a compliance tool, but as a catalyst for enhanced governance, improved learning outcomes, and a deeply embedded culture of continuous improvement.

Commenting on this occasion, Mr Al Haj stated: “Our story resonated with medical education professionals from around the world. Quality must transcend mere compliance; it should be an enabler of meaningful transformation.” He also highlighted the effectiveness of empowering the student voice and the importance of integrating students into quality circles across healthcare education.

In a separate poster session, Mr Al Haj presented AGU’s 2025 initiative titled Quality Circles, launched under the guidance of the University President and the Director of the Centre for Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning. Developed in response to limited student involvement in institutional evaluations, the initiative turned challenges into an opportunity for creating a participatory model that empowers students in decision-making processes.

“Through the Quality Circles, students collaborated with quality teams to devise practical solutions, exchange perspectives, and inspire change in a genuine and engaging manner,” he noted. “Quality voices go beyond assessment—they are about trust, empowerment, and a sense of belonging. Seeing our students evolve into true partners in shaping their educational environment is both rewarding and a source of pride.”

The initiative was commended as a pioneering model, offering a framework that other institutions can adopt to enhance student engagement in educational quality development. Mr Al Haj added that the conference also provided valuable opportunities to network with peers from across the globe, explore best international practices, and attend a wide range of insightful sessions. The University’s participation helped forge strong foundations for potential future collaborations in the fields of quality and medical education.

AGU’s active involvement in WFME 2025 reflects its steadfast commitment to delivering innovative medical education that blends academic excellence with community engagement and student empowerment. It also reaffirms the University’s growing role in shaping international discourse on the future of health professions education.”