In line with its commitment to strengthening partnerships between higher education institutions and government entities, the University of Technology Bahrain (UTB) has explored avenues for strategic collaboration with the Northern Governorate across several areas related to environmental protection, sustainability, and community development. The discussions focused significantly on preserving and expanding green spaces across the Kingdom of Bahrain, in support of national environmental goals and sustainable development initiatives.

As part of this engagement, UTB welcomed Northern Governorate delegates led by Deputy Governor Brigadier Abdullah Ali Rashid Maanter, accompanied by Engineering Services and Investment Director Suhaila Ahmed Yousha’a Al Yousha’a, and Head of Investment Development Essam Al Khayyat. The meeting centred on activating frameworks for cooperation, exchanging expertise, and developing joint initiatives that serve both environmental sustainability and community needs.

During the meeting, UTB reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging its academic strengths, applied research capabilities, and industry-aligned expertise to support the proposed areas of cooperation. This includes engaging relevant academic programmes – most notably the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering, a programme uniquely offered by UTB in Bahrain – alongside other engineering, information technology, and business disciplines. These programmes will contribute to the development of research studies, technical proposals, and innovative solutions in areas such as sustainable agriculture, smart irrigation systems, agricultural waste recycling, and the strategic expansion of green spaces, all in line with international best practices.

The collaboration also aligns with UTB CarEs, the university’s flagship community engagement initiative that supports national environmental and sustainability efforts through applied learning, student participation, and community-driven projects. Through UTB CarEs, the university actively bridges academic knowledge with real-world impact, reinforcing its role as a socially responsible institution committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable community development.

In addition, the meeting explored opportunities for student training and experiential learning, particularly for Environmental Engineering students, within the facilities and projects of the Northern Governorate. These opportunities aim to provide students with hands-on field experience, strengthen the integration of academic learning with practical application, and enhance graduate employability in health, safety, and environmental (HSE) sectors.

Both parties also discussed potential collaboration in enhancing tourism marketing within the Northern Governorate, drawing on UTB’s academic and student expertise in digital analytics, marketing, and data-driven strategies. This cooperation seeks to promote the region’s tourism and cultural assets while supporting sustainable tourism development.

Commenting on the significance of the collaboration, Dr Adnan Altamimi, Vice President for Administration and Finance and Head of the Community Engagement Office, emphasised the university’s strong focus on impactful community partnerships. He stated:

“This collaboration represents a practical model of integrating academic education with community and national priorities. Through initiatives such as UTB CarEs and our specialised academic programmes, particularly Environmental Engineering, UTB is committed to supporting Northern Governorate projects in environmental sustainability, expanding green spaces, and providing high-quality training opportunities that prepare students to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.”

Members of the Northern Governorate delegation, in turn, expressed their appreciation for UTB’s proactive role and leadership in supporting environmental and community initiatives, underscoring the importance of continued coordination to achieve shared objectives and deliver tangible benefits to the community.

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