Najat Abdulrahman

Arab Open University, Kingdom of Bahrain

The Arab Open University branch in the Kingdom of Bahrain started its operation at AlHaram Plaza building, Manama, Bahrain on March 2003 after being granted approval by Ministry of Education in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In July 2003, the branch was officially inaugurated under the patronage of HH the Prime Minister, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa and with the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Talal Bin AbdulAziz Al-Saud Chairman of the AOU Board of Trustees, and the Minister of Education Dr. Majed Bin Ali Al-Nuaimi, in addition to a large number of ministers and VIPs. as well as the AOU Rector. The Arab Open University with its new methodology of learning and instruction and use of current and emerging information technology platforms has opened new vistas of learning opportunities. The ultimate objective is to provide opportunity to every individual who has the potential and interest to pursue university education. The opening of the AOU Bahrain Branch Bachelors degree programs provided opportunities for those in the upper age group, in employment and belonging to the lower and middle income strata of the society who can not afford higher education in other private institutions.