Al-Zayani: His Majesty’s Royal Speech Is a Roadmap for Higher Education, and Gulf University Is Ready to Lead

Prof. Dr. Mona bint Rashid Al-Zayani, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and Board of Directors of Gulf University, affirmed that the Royal Speech delivered by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, may God protect and preserve him, at the opening of the fifth session of the sixth legislative term, serves as a comprehensive national document. She explained that it outlines the features of the coming phase and places academic institutions before a greater responsibility in building human capital and knowledge.

Prof. Dr. Al-Zayani stated that His Majesty’s emphasis that Bahrain’s strength is measured by the ability of community institutions and individuals to transform challenges into productive action represents “a direct message to universities to be an active partner in safeguarding stability and preparing a generation imbued with the values of belonging and responsibility.”

She highly commended the declaration of June 1st as “Pledge and Loyalty Day” as an annual national occasion, as well as His Majesty’s directive designating the coming year as the “Year of Isa bin Salman.” She described both initiatives as “an embodiment of the leadership’s loyalty to its people and the symbols of its renaissance.” She noted that as the university celebrates its Silver Jubilee, it draws inspiration from this approach in combining loyalty to its heritage with a leap toward the future.

She also praised the historic diplomatic achievement represented by the UN Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2817 of 2026 under Bahraini leadership, considering it “a living model for our students in law, media, and management regarding the diplomacy of sustainable peace.”

Prof. Al-Zayani emphasized that the priorities set by His Majesty—including the knowledge economy, sustainability in energy, environment, and food and water security—constitute a “roadmap for higher education.” She revealed that the university will work to align its academic programs and research outputs with these directions, supporting preparedness for Bahrain’s future economic vision.

Prof. Al-Zayani concluded her statement by renewing the pledge of allegiance and loyalty to His Majesty the King on behalf of the Gulf University family, reaffirming its commitment to translating the royal vision into tangible achievements in the fields of science and knowledge.