The Arabian Gulf University (AGU) and the Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT), have signed a cooperation agreement to prepare a research project studying the impact of climate change on the distribution and abundance of pearl oysters and seaweed in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The implementation of this research project is supervised by the Academic Chair of His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at Arabian Gulf University. The project aims to isolate and store these marine organisms.

In a statement, His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of AGU, confirmed that the university places scientific research at the top of its strategy. Through academic chairs, it aims to support research that meets the strategic needs of the Gulf community by finding innovative solutions to the challenges facing the region. He explained that the Chair of His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani represents a model of this approach, as it reinforces scientific research in vital fields that directly impact sustainable development.

Dr Al Fuhaid added that AGU is committed to playing a major role in the advancement of the Gulf community through research projects that favour environmental and economic development while supporting the sustainability of natural resources, including initiatives aimed at preserving the marine environment and the heritage of the pearl industry.

For his part, Mr Yasser Al Sharifi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of DANAT, indicated that this research project comes within the framework of DANAT’s commitment to preserve the marine environment and enhance the sustainability of the natural pearl industry in Bahrain. He added, “Pearls are among the most environmentally friendly gems, in addition to their historical and aesthetic symbolism in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Through this cooperation with AGU, we are working to provide accurate scientific data that revives the global market of natural pearls while enhancing Bahrain’s position as a major hub of this ancient industry.”

In turn, Dr Sabah Al-Jenaid, Head of the Research Team and Academic Supervisor of the Chair, explained the project’s importance in highlighting the impact of climate change on the marine environment, especially in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which is famous for its pearl oysters. The research will study the environment of pearl oysters and seaweeds in Bahrain within an integrated scientific plan, which will contribute to a deeper understanding of this vital sector.

 It is noteworthy that the research team consists of a group of experts in several scientific specialisations. Dr Sabah Al-Juneid, Associate Professor of GIS and Environment at the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences, will supervise the project, along with Mr. Khalil Al Wadaei, Environmental Expert in Land and Marine Biology, Dr Manaf Al Khuzai, Researcher in Artificial Intelligence Applications, Modelling and Programming Languages, Ms Ghadeer Kadhem, Researcher Specialising in GIS, Remote Sensing and Databases, in addition to Bioanalysis Specialist Dr Fadia Mohamed.

The results of the project will contribute to developing strategies to protect Bahrain's marine environment and ensure the sustainability of the pearling industry, which is considered part of the cultural and economic heritage of the Kingdom.