HRH Premier lays foundation stone for new university

Manama, Feb. 24 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has stressed that nations' glory and civilisation are the outcome of their interest in knowledge and science. Countries and government that 'armed' their peoples with science and knowledge emerged victors in the development and modernisation contest, and secured a place among the civilised nations, he said, highlighting the government's constant keenness on focusing its efforts towards on enhancing basic and higher education so as to ensure that their output supports its development plans. HRH Premier highlighted the government's unwavering interest in the universities and high education institutions, given their importance in preparing qualified human resources. All resources are prone to depletion, but human assets are sustainable and renewable, and countries that took care of them are leading the world in the fields of civilisation and development, he said. "We have high confidence in the ability of our national universities in preparing qualified competencies that are capable of leading work, enhancing progress and contributing to achieving economic and social development for the nation," he added. HRH the Prime Minister made the remarks as he patronised at the Ritz Carlton Hotel today a ceremony to lay the foundation stones of the new building of Al-Ahlia University, set to be built in the Northern City. HRH Premier congratulated Al-Ahlia University's officials on the inauguration of the new building, expressing hope that the new educational monument will stimulate learning and research and graduate national competencies that are capable of pushing the nation-building and development process further. True investment should focus on developing individuals and preparing them to be effective elements in building their nation through providing an outstanding level of education that ensures the continuous supply of the labour market with the needed competencies and skills to ensure sustainable economic growth and prosperity. HRH the Prime Minister pointed out that the government's vision regarding development has focused on education as an essential means to build human beings, which, he said, has entitled it to reach advanced levels in the human development. The government has been keen on encouraging investment in education through an integrated package of legislation, procedures and regulatory institutions that ensure quality education through commitment to the international quality standards, which increased the education sector's contributions to the comprehensive development march, currently witnessed by the kingdom, HRH Premier said. The Prime Minister lauded the prestigious reputation and outstanding academic level of the high education in Bahrain thanks to its commitment to the requirements of quality assurance in education and desire to play its role in developing and improving the output of the educational process in the kingdom. HRH Premier voiced pride in the kingdom's ability to attract a number of universities and mega educational institutions that use it as a centre for their regional operations, which, he affirmed, reflects the great confidence in Bahrain's educational environment and its status as a regional hub for university education. Founding President of Al-Ahlia University Dr. Abdulla Yussef Al-Hawaj delivered a statement in which he expressed delight in HRH Premier's patronage of the event, stressing that the Premier's patronage and attendance of the ceremony has filled the university's officials with joy and happiness. He extended utmost thanks and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, HRH Premier and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, for their support and constant keenness on boosting the kingdom's progress. Al-Hawaj extended heartfelt congratulations to HRH Premier on obtaining the Flame of Peace Award conferred on him by the Vienna-based Peace Promotion Association in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian role in promoting peace, boosting relations between peoples and strengthening the pillars of regional and global security. He highlighted the landmark achievements of Al-Ahlia University since its establishment as per a cabinet resolutions in 2001. Then, poet Muneera Al-Subaie read a poem entitled "Our Hopes Are All Khalifa" and a short documentary on the Al-Ahlia university was screened. After that, an operetta highlighting HRH Premier's crucial role in enhancing the kingdom's renaissance march, in the general, and supporting education, in particular. The operetta also shed light on the Prime Minister's support to development projects in Bahrain, as well as the numerous awards and prizes bestowed on him. The Al-Ahlia University President presented to HRH Premier the "Allegiance Pledge" in which the Board of Directors, the Board of Trustees, the academic and administrative staff and affiliates of the university pledged their resolved to rally behind the leadership and expressed their pride in the milestone achievements attained by the kingdom thanks to the government's efforts. HRH Premier then was informed about the scale model of the new university, and laid the foundation stone for its building. It is worth noting that the new nine-storey building of Al-Ahlia University will be equipped with cutting edge technology. It will accommodate 5,000 students after the completion of the first phase and 10,000 after the completion of the second.