The University of Technology Bahrain (UTB) hosted a series of specialised seminars throughout November, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for insightful sessions delivered by distinguished external experts. Covering topics such as environmental engineering trends, the circular economy, alumni career pathways, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing strategies, the seminars provided valuable exposure to current workplace demands, primarily aiming to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry realities. This initiative underscores UTB’s ongoing commitment to continuous learning, interdisciplinary development, and industry-aligned education across all its colleges and programmes.

The AI & Metaverse Research Centre, under the College of Computer Studies, hosted an online seminar titled Closing the Action Gap: Training Machines to Act with Self-Supervision, delivered by Professor Wadii Boulila, a distinguished computer science scholar and research director based in Saudi Arabia. The session explored emerging advancements in data science, computer vision, deep learning, and AI-driven automation, offering participants valuable insights into how modern machine learning systems can be trained with minimum human intervention. Through this seminar, UTB reinforced its emphasis on future-driven technological competencies and its strong programme offerings in the college, including computer science, information technology with specialisations in cybersecurity, applications development, AI, and emerging technologies.

The College of Engineering presented an online session on Industry Needs, Academic Curricula, and New Trends in Environmental Engineering Education, led by Professor Isam Mohammed, Dean of Graduate Studies & Scientific Research at a private university in Sudan. The seminar examined evolving global expectations for environmental engineers, highlighting areas such as pollution control, water treatment, resource management, and sustainability-driven innovation. The discussion provided UTB students and faculty with a deeper understanding of industry priorities and skill requirements, directly supporting UTB’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering, focused on sustainable infrastructure and environmental protection.

In collaboration with EY Bahrain, the College of Engineering hosted an on-campus awareness seminar on Plastic and the Circular Economy, aimed at enhancing students’ and faculty members’ understanding of the environmental, economic, and societal impacts of plastic pollution. The session was delivered by Ms Zainab Imran, Climate Change and Sustainability Specialist at EY Bahrain, who highlighted regional challenges in waste management, the global urgency of plastic reduction, and opportunities for innovation through circular design and sustainable technologies. The discussion aligned strongly with UTB’s sustainability agenda, WHO-recognised Healthy University initiatives, and its commitment to preparing environmental engineering graduates capable of developing data-driven, resilient solutions for Bahrain and the region.

The ISACA Student Group, supported by the College of Computer Studies and the Alumni and Career Development Centre, organised a testimonial session titled Student to IT Professional, featuring two UTB alumni who have successfully advanced in the ICT sector. Mr Hesham Moosa Hashem Hasan, Information Security GRC Manager at Bahrain Islamic Bank, discussed the importance of employability skills, professional memberships, industry networking, and community engagement. Ms Muneera Albuainan, Chief of Public Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, shared her experience in pursuing professional certifications, strengthening communication skills, and overcoming workplace challenges. Their perspectives provided practical guidance and motivation to current students, reinforcing UTB’s strong graduate outcomes and industry relevance.

Professionals pursuing UTB’s Master of Science in Digital Marketing and other related master’s programmes attended an industry-led seminar titled Building a Digital Marketing Strategy for the Modern Consumer, delivered by Mr Arpan Saxena, a digital strategy director. The session examined evolving digital behaviours, consumer motivations, content dynamics, and data-driven marketing approaches shaping today’s competitive landscape. Through direct engagement with an industry expert, UTB postgraduate students gained valuable strategic insights aligned with global marketing trends and modern business demands, further strengthening the relevance and real-world application of UTB’s postgraduate offerings.

Through these November seminars, UTB continues to advance its mission of integrating academic excellence with real-world experience, ensuring that its students and faculty remain connected to industry developments, workplace expectations, and emerging global trends. These engagements reinforce UTB’s position as a leading technology-focused university committed to producing graduates equipped with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to excel in Bahrain and beyond.