Gulf University and Bahrain Polytechnic Put Innovation at the Heart of Sustainability Week 2026

Gulf University and Bahrain Polytechnic are preparing to launch the third edition of Sustainability Week under the theme: “Co-Innovation, Leadership, and Sustainability,” taking place from November 15 to 19, 2026. The opening ceremony of the conference will be held at the ART AMWAJ Hotel, while subsequent events will continue across the academic campuses of Gulf University and Bahrain Polytechnic. The event will witness wide participation from students, researchers, policymakers, and representatives from the public and private sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and internationally.

This year’s edition focuses on Target 9.5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which relates to enhancing scientific research, upgrading the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, and encouraging innovation. It also highlights the role of higher education institutions in supporting applied research and fostering collaboration between academia, the industrial sector, and the community.

The President of Gulf University, Prof. Mohanad Al-Firas, emphasized that the continuation of Sustainability Week for the third consecutive year in partnership with Bahrain Polytechnic and national institutions reinforces the integration between the academic sector and both the public and private sectors, contributing to accelerating sustainable development efforts. He pointed out that focusing on SDG 9.5 reflects the university’s belief in the importance of scientific research and innovation as primary drivers for building a diverse, knowledge-based economy grounded in technology and sustainable transformation.

For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Polytechnic, Prof. Ciarán O’Catháin, explained that Polytechnic programs are closely aligned with the needs of industry and society. He noted that focusing on SDG 9.5 strengthens this connection by equipping students with applied skills and translating knowledge and technology into practical solutions that contribute to sustainable development in the Kingdom of Bahrain and beyond.

In the same context, the Dean of the College of Engineering at Bahrain Polytechnic, Prof. Christina Georgantopoulou, stated that focusing on SDG 9.5 helps translate knowledge into tangible impact through strong partnerships with the industrial sector, addressing real-world challenges, and developing future-ready competencies.

Furthermore, Dr. Omar Blibech, Head of the Sustainability and Development Makers Center at Gulf University, stated that the five-day program includes panel discussions, a scientific conference, workshops, exhibitions, and competitions discussing artificial intelligence applications, environmental and engineering solutions, the circular economy, and social responsibility. The Center invites those interested in participating to view the details via the official event website: sw.gulfuniversity.edu.bh.

Notably, the organization of this edition comes as an extension of the success of the previous edition, which witnessed the participation of over 600 attendees, the presentation of more than 300 research papers, and 45 workshops—reflecting the commitment of both institutions to enhancing the role of higher education in supporting research, innovation, and Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.