As part of its commitment to enhancing the educational environment and preparing students for the demands of the future, Arab Open University announced its collaboration with Zain Bahrain following the award of a tender to establish two new laboratories on campus: one dedicated to cybersecurity and the other to artificial intelligence.

The project reflects the growing importance of these two fields and their pivotal role in supporting digital transformation and developing qualified national talent equipped with the advanced technical skills required by local and regional labour markets. With the establishment of the two new laboratories, the total number of laboratories at the University will rise to eight, all equipped with the latest technologies. This will provide an advanced learning and training environment that supports applied learning, scientific research, and innovation, while enabling students to gain practical experience in modern technology fields.

As part of its ongoing plan to develop its academic facilities, the University has also fully renovated two computer laboratories and equipped them with 60 new computers, providing students with an advanced learning environment that supports the practical components of a range of academic disciplines. The University also implements an annual plan to upgrade its laboratories and technology equipment, ensuring that they keep pace with the latest global technological developments and meet the needs of academic programmes and the labour market.

The University also announced that, once the forthcoming tender procedures have been completed, it will begin implementing a comprehensive project to upgrade the technology infrastructure across the campus. The project will include enhancements to networks, systems, and technical equipment in accordance with the latest international standards, enabling the University to keep pace with rapid technological developments and further improve the quality of the educational process.

Dr Najma Taqi, President of the University, emphasised that the collaboration with Zain Bahrain, together with the University's ongoing development projects, reflects its commitment to investing in people and in educational and technology infrastructure. It also strengthens partnerships with the private sector and contributes to preparing graduates with the digital and knowledge-based skills needed to compete in the labour market, in line with the Kingdom of Bahrain's vision for digital transformation and a knowledge-based economy.

Ali Mustafa, Chief of B2B and Wholesale at Zain Bahrain, commented: “We are honoured that Arab Open University has selected Zain Bahrain as its technology partner to establish specialised artificial intelligence and cybersecurity laboratories. This initiative represents a strategic investment in building advanced, future-ready learning environments that enable students to gain direct hands-on experience and become familiar with the latest technologies and recognised best practices.

“At Zain Bahrain, we are committed to delivering integrated, world-class technology solutions that support the University's vision of preparing graduates with the digital skills and practical knowledge needed to excel amid the rapid developments shaping the technology sector. This partnership also reflects Zain Group's '4WARD – Progress with Purpose' strategy and its focus on advancing technology-driven growth, accelerating digital transformation, and developing future capabilities.

“By leveraging our specialised expertise and advanced technological capabilities, we aim to support the Kingdom of Bahrain's digital transformation, develop national talent, and build a sustainable pipeline of specialised information and communications technology professionals, thereby further strengthening the Kingdom's position as a regional hub for innovation and technology."