His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuahid, President of the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), has issued a new directive regarding the formation of supervisors for research chairs that hold particular significance as they bear the names of several esteemed leaders of the GCC countries.

The directive encompasses the appointment of a group of expert specialists to oversee the various research chairs in alignment with their respective scientific fields. Prof. Dr Al Ajab Mohammed Al Ajab has been assigned to supervise the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Chair for Digital Education, while Dr Maha Al Sabbagh will oversee the Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Chair for Environmental Sciences. Additionally, Dr Sabah Saleh Al Jenaid has been appointed as supervisor for the Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Chair for Geographic Information Systems, and Dr Afaf Mubarak Bugawa has been appointed to oversee the Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa Chair for Technology Management.

Furthermore, Dr Abdelhadi Abdelwahab Mohamed will supervise the Sultan Qaboos bin Said Chair for Desert Cultivation, whilst Dr Mai Salah Sater has been appointed to oversee the King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Chair for Medical Biotechnology. Prof. Mohammed Shahid will supervise the Shaikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Chair for Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, and Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Abbasi will supervise the recently established joint chair between the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS) and AGU focused on Gulf identity and citizenship.

On this occasion Dr Al Fuhaid affirmed that AGU’s commitment to research chairs stems from its recognition of their vital role in advancing scientific research and directing relevant topics towards the most critical areas that meet the developmental, social and educational needs of the GCC countries. The university takes pride in the fact that these chairs are named after individuals who hold a special place in the hearts of the peoples of the GCC, who have graciously provided generous endowments to fund and establish these chairs, thereby enabling the university to fulfil its pioneering roles in scientific research.

Moreover, Prof. Waleed Zubari, Chairman of the Oversight Committee for the University's Research Chairs, and Dean of the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences, highlighted that, under the directives of the university president, meetings will soon be convened with the supervising professors of the research chairs to develop a comprehensive work plan tailored to ensure their objectives are met in the domains of scientific research, education and training, in line with the university’s strategic plan for the next five years.

Commenting further, Prof. Zubairi said: “Through this meeting, we aim to define the necessary initiatives and programmes for the research chairs to contribute effectively to scientific research, education and training, ensuring their outputs are specific and measurable. This will support sustainable economic and social development in the GCC states. We will establish practical and realistic foundations enabling us to achieve a tangible impact that aligns with the university’s vision and its pioneering role in supporting scientific research and enhancing capacities within the GCC countries. Additionally, we will focus on strengthening collaboration with community institutions and industry sectors to enhance research applications and create sustainable communication channels, ensuring maximum benefit from the outcomes of the scientific studies conducted through these chairs.”

Through these research chairs, AGU aims to achieve several objectives aligned with the strategic goals of the GCC states in various areas, such as enhancing education, advancing communication technology, stimulating green economy and promoting investments in non-oil sectors, among others.