Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB) has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Gulf University to enhance the integration between academia and the financial industry.

 

The agreement sets the foundation for long-term collaboration in academic curriculum development, professional training, and applied research in the banking and financial sector.

 

This partnership is tailored to foster academic excellence and prepare graduates to meet the evolving demands of the banking industry. Under the terms of the MoU, the two institutions will work together to host mentoring programmes, research projects, and academic events. These initiatives will bring students into direct contact with banking professionals, while also contributing to the continuous evolution of academic content in line with industry needs.

 

The collaboration includes joint efforts to organise and promote conferences, seminars, and specialised forums, ensuring that both parties contribute to a shared vision of sectoral advancement. Furthermore, Gulf University’s curricula will be reviewed and updated in consultation with BAB to reflect contemporary trends and address real-world challenges in the financial and banking landscape. 

 

Commenting on the MoU, Dr Waheed Al Qassim, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Association of Banks, stated that the agreement aligns with Bahrain’s national sustainable development goals and the Central Bank of Bahrain’s strategy to develop the financial services sector. Furthermore, Dr Al Qassim noted that the banking sector leads in the employment of Bahraini nationals and highlighted BAB’s ongoing initiatives to bridge the gap between higher education and the labour market by promoting best practices and fostering excellence among emerging professionals.

 

Dr Al Qassim underscored the importance of aligning academic programmes with the dynamic requirements of the banking industry, enhancing research capabilities, and offering Gulf University students experiential exposure to real banking environments. “We firmly believe that sustainable development in the financial sector begins with the cultivation of a skilled and knowledgeable national workforce that can adapt to global advancements and contribute meaningfully to the sector’s growth,” Dr Al Qassim added.

 

Prof Dr Mohanad Al Firas, President of Gulf University, stated: “This agreement is more than a formal partnership; it is a strategic investment in the future of our students and a bridge between academic learning and professional application. It reflects our commitment to forming robust institutional ties with the private sector and ensuring our academic outputs support the needs of Bahrain’s knowledge-based economy.” – TradeArabia News Service