“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”
At a time when education must be more than a transactional path to employment, the Euro University of Bahrain (EUB) emerges as a pioneering institution, redefining the academic experience in the Gulf region. EUB is not just a university. It’s a bold vision in motion, where cultures converge, traditions evolve and students transform.
The Genesis of a Vision
The story of EUB began over two decades ago – not with the simple goal of building another university, but with a greater mission: to create a truly inclusive academic community that integrates the intellectual legacy of the East and West.
At the heart of this vision was Dr Ahmed Aljanahi, a visionary whose personal and professional journey shaped the institution’s direction. Dr Aljanahi’s own postgraduate studies at the University of London inspired him to bring Europe’s academic excellence to the Gulf. EUB is the result, an institution designed to foster cross-cultural understanding, academic rigor and global competence.
Milestones in the Making
EUB’s journey from concept to reality was marked by significant milestones. Among these, none was more symbolic than the Foundation Stone Ceremony held in March 2005. Attended by dignitaries including German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and honored by His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the ceremony marked a pivotal moment in Bahrain’s educational history. It symbolised a commitment to bridging East and West through scholarship and understanding, an ambitious vision that would guide EUB’s growth for decades.
Seventeen years down the line, the university opened its doors to its first cohort in summer 2022, offering full-time undergraduate degrees in Business, Computing and Law through a partnership with the University of London, affirming EUB’s commitment to global standards.
The EUB Model: Tradition and Innovation Come Together
EUB’s academic philosophy is founded on the belief that earning a degree is not merely a transaction, but part of a deeper, relational educational experience. Inspired by the intellectual traditions of European scholarship, EUB goes beyond meeting academic standards by cultivating lifelong learners rather than just students. Its curriculum is carefully designed to combine rigorous theoretical foundations with real-world application, ensuring that graduates are both internationally qualified and regionally relevant.
EUB’s partnership with the University of London offers students the opportunity to pursue globally recognised degrees in Business, Law and Computing. These programmes are both professionally focused and academically rigorous, equipping students with the knowledge and critical skills needed to succeed in a competitive global landscape. With an emphasis on small class sizes and personalised learning, the university ensures that each student receives individual attention and support.
A Campus at the Crossroads
Situated in the heart of Manama’s commercial and cultural center, EUB’s City Campus is more than just a place of learning, it is a vibrant reflection of cultural diversity. The campus architecture embodies a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western influences, while a richly diverse student and faculty population creates a dynamic, inclusive community. This multicultural spirit is not only visible in the spaces and surroundings but is deeply woven into the core of the university’s mission.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
What truly distinguishes EUB is its emphasis on experiential learning and real-world relevance. The university integrates local internships, industry-led training and curricula tailored to Bahrain’s legal, historical and socio-economic landscape. Through close collaboration with leading employers and alignment with Bahrain’s Vision 2030, EUB ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the region’s transforming economy.
Technological integration forms a core pillar of EUB’s educational strategy. Students harness digital tools to develop essential skills for today’s technology-driven workforce. Complementing this, the EUB’s Scientific Research and Innovation Centre fosters a collaborative environment where students engage with cutting-edge developments in their fields and actively contribute to research aligned with their professional interests.
Interdisciplinary Excellence
Interdisciplinary learning is at the core of EUB’s academic philosophy, encouraging students to explore a blend of cultural, academic and experiential perspectives. This approach fosters adaptability, critical thinking and global awareness, which are essential skills for success in today’s interconnected world.
For example, the LLB programme combines studies of English law with Bahraini and Islamic legal systems, offering a broad understanding of diverse legal frameworks. By integrating theory with practical application, the programme equips students with problem-solving and teamwork skills that are highly sought after in the global job market.
Stories of Transformation
The impact of EUB’s innovative model is best reflected in the stories of its students. Lulwa Mohamed, a BSc Computer Science student, credits her studies with laying a strong foundation for her entrepreneurial dreams. She highlights how EUB’s extracurricular activities helped her become more confident and well-rounded, preparing her to meet the challenges of today’s world.
Yara Bin Thani, a Business Administration student specialising in International Business, describes her journey as a “delightful process of self-enrichment and discovery.” She values the blend of academic rigour and practical business application, which has prepared her for a successful global career.
Mohammed Alwatani, who advanced from EUB’s International Foundation Programme to Computer Science, found that the IFP sharpened his academic skills and prepared him for the rigorous standards of the University of London. He especially values EUB’s distinctive combination of global recognition and regional relevance, which has played a key role in his professional growth.
These stories embody the mission of EUB: to provide an education that prepares students not just for a career, but for life.
Faculty: Shaping the Future
Transformative teaching at EUB begins with faculty who bring diverse perspectives, academic excellence and a deep passion for student success. In addition to strong professional credentials, they are selected for their ability to inspire, innovate and contribute to a dynamic, student-centered learning culture. Many have backgrounds at leading UK and European institutions and pair this international expertise with an informed understanding of the Bahraini and regional context. Continuous professional development, including staff exchanges and collaboration with the University of London, ensures that EUB’s faculty remain at the forefront of educational innovation.
Small class sizes allow for close interaction between students and faculty, with academic advisors providing personalised one-on-one support. In this environment, educators do more than deliver content; they help develop confident and competent graduates who are ready to succeed in a global community.
Embedding Values: Sustainability, Diversity and Social Responsibility
At EUB, sustainability, diversity and social responsibility are not separate activities; they are integrated into the culture, curriculum and long-term vision of the university. The campus itself reflects a blending of cultures, embodying the mission to unite European academic excellence with Bahraini traditions. Diversity is actively promoted through staffing, with a focus on balancing local and international faculty and ensuring fair treatment for all members of the community.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Global Ambition
Over the next five to ten years, EUB aims to establish itself as a distinctive and increasingly prominent institution within the Gulf and MENA educational landscape. In the short term, the university’s priorities are to enhance quality, expand its reach and diversify academic collaborations. Growth plans include forging partnerships with leading European institutions, particularly those renowned for excellence in technology, financial services and the creative industries.
These collaborations will enhance programme relevance, expand global mobility opportunities and boost research engagement, further enriching the learning experience for EUB students. The development of a dedicated Main Campus will allow the university to accommodate more students and strengthen its position as a premier hub of international education in the region.
The Spirit of EUB: More Than a University
What truly sets EUB apart is the deliberate way its mission is reflected in every aspect of campus life. Walking through the City Campus, one experiences the spirit of cultural fusion—a place where East meets West, reflecting Bahrain’s historic role as a gateway and EUB’s vision to serve as an intellectual and cultural bridge. The multiculturalism of students and faculty, drawn from around the world, creates a diverse and welcoming community where ideas flow freely and close friendships are formed.
EUB’s academic philosophy goes beyond the classroom. Through the Falcon Graduate Attributes and Award, students are encouraged to grow as critical thinkers, global citizens and socially responsible leaders. These attributes encompass core competencies such as global awareness, ethical leadership and critical thinking, which EUB graduates are expected to embody throughout their academic, professional and personal lives. This commitment is brought to life through service learning, hands-on community projects and curricular alignment with both Bahrain Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Internally, EUB’s Culture Code promotes openness, agility and ownership, fostering a modern, student-centered learning environment. Strong ties with industry and a commitment to Bahrain’s Vision 2030 ensure that employability and practical relevance are central to the student experience. These qualities—diversity, purpose, community and future readiness—demonstrate EUB’s commitment to offering more than a traditional university experience.
A Legacy of Connection and Excellence
The journey of EUB is a story of vision, perseverance and transformation. From its humble beginnings as a bold aspiration to its current status as a beacon of academic excellence, EUB has stayed true to its mission of bridging cultures and nurturing future leaders. Through its unique combination of academic rigor, cultural integration and dedication to real-world relevance, EUB is shaping not only the future of its students but also the future of education across the region.
As the university advances toward new frontiers by expanding its campus, strengthening international partnerships and embracing the opportunities of a globalised world, it remains guided by the same fundamental values that inspired its founding. EUB equips students not only with professional skills but also with essential life skills—confidence, clarity and the ability to excel in an interconnected world.
The EUB legacy is one of connection, excellence and lasting influence, a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of learners, leaders and changemakers for years to come.
