The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) will recognise outstanding talent among GCC university students in agri-nutrient sustainability as part of the 3rd GPCA Innovation Competition. 

 

Set to take place on the sidelines of the 14th GPCA Agri-Nutrients Conference from September 10 to 12, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the prestigious competition will reward both undergraduate and postgraduate students from all universities, vocational and research institutes in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. 

 

For the first time since its inception, the competition is dedicated to rewarding outstanding projects and ideas in agri-nutrients research for a food-secure and climate-resilient planet. Students from across the region can submit their entry in the “Race towards Agri-Sustainability” until July 31, 2024. The shortlisted candidates will be announced on August 15, 2024. 

 

Innovative solution

To qualify for the competition, students must present an innovative solution to any of the following challenge: Circular Economy in Agriculture; Soil Health; Sustainable Resource Management; and Innovation and Emission Reduction in Agri-Nutrients Production. 

 

The GPCA Innovation Competition features two categories under chemical engineering, chemistry, and other related STEM fields in the GCC. Winners will be announced in second and first place in both the undergraduate and postgraduate category during the 14th GPCA Agri-Nutrients Conference on September 11 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

 

Dr Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: “We encourage higher education students from across the region to grasp this opportunity, gain exposure to the region’s burgeoning chemical industry and win a prize for their research dedicated to agri-sustainability. As the industry contends with the dual challenge of feeding an ever-growing global population, it must address the need to lower emissions, protect the health of our soil and planet, and produce agri-nutrients in an efficient and sustainable manner.” 

 

He added: “By participating in the competition, young students from the GCC can grow the reputation of their alma mater as a leading chemical research institute, make their research known to leading industry leaders, and win a prize for their hard work and dedication. The opportunity to make a real impact on the planet and society begins today. We invite the region’s youth to seize it and inspire change.”--TradeArabia News Service

 

In a strategic collaboration aimed at nurturing the next generation of hospitality leaders, Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business School has forged a partnership with Hawar Resort by Mantis, a pioneering eco-luxury establishment located on the Unesco World Heritage site of Hawar Island. 

 

This collaboration underscores the Vatel Bahrain’s commitment to fostering industry-academia synergies and equipping its students with unparalleled practical training experiences.  

 

"Facilitating our students' training at this esteemed resort, a trailblazer in sustainable luxury tourism within the Gulf and the broader Middle Eastern region, represents an astute investment in the development of their capabilities and proficiencies," said Sheikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, General Director of Vatel Bahrain.

 

"This invaluable opportunity empowers our aspiring hospitality professionals to refine their skills in state-of-the-art facilities that parallel the industry's highest benchmarks," stated Sheikh Khaled. 

 

"This effort aligns with Vatel Bahrain’s dedication to offering its students internship opportunities across various hotels under the Accor Group umbrella, one of the largest hotel groups in the Middle East and globally," he added.

 

In a statement on the sidelines of signing the MoU with Hawar Resort by Mantis, Sheikh Khaled emphasized the distinctive nature of the resort, being among the first luxury eco-resorts in the Gulf and the broader Middle Eastern region. 

 

This prestigious establishment will provide Vatel Bahrain students with high-level training in the sector of luxury tourism, as well as various facets of hospitality, tourism, and hotel operations, thereby enhancing their potential to attain remarkable success and distinction in the dynamic labour market.

 

The strategic location of Hawar Resort by Mantis on the pristine Hawar Island, a Unesco-designated World Heritage Site, presents an unmatched learning environment for Vatel students. 

 

This immersive experience will enable them to acquire comprehensive insights into the intricate operations and best practices of luxury facilities that cater to discerning international and domestic travellers, he stated. 

 

Furthermore, it will equip them with the essential competencies requisite for securing coveted positions within the hospitality sector upon the conclusion of their academic journey, he added.

 

Sheikh Khaled said one of Vatel Bahrain’s recent graduates, Abdullah Traif, was part of the pre-opening team at Hawar Resort by Mantis and now holds the position of Housekeeping Supervisor at the resort. 

 

"Abdullah’s success is a living example of the quality education and training provided by Vatel Bahrain, which empowers our graduates to become key contributors in the hospitality sector," he stated.

 

Mohammad Ali Kunhi, Hotel Manager of Hawar Resort by Mantis, said: "We are delighted to forge this partnership with Vatel Bahrain, which will establish our resort as a premier training partner for the esteemed institution."

 

"This alliance will provide invaluable opportunities for Bahraini talents to engage in hands-on training within the dynamic work environment of Hawar Resort by Mantis, a sought-after destination renowned for delivering an integrated experience of relaxation amidst the captivating natural splendor of Hawar Island. We are confident that this collaboration will offer rich and diverse experiences to the college's students, furthering their professional development," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Bahraini officials have announced the groundbreaking of a new government girls' school at Galali, featuring eco-friendly and energy-efficient designs, reported BNA. 

 

The project is being implemented in co-ordintaion with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.

 

The school will be built according to modern educational standards. Spanning 14,500 sqm, it will include two academic buildings, an administrative building, and 44 classrooms with a total capacity of 1,540 students. 

 

It will also feature two classrooms for students with special needs, two science labs, two computer labs, two art workshops, two design and technology workshops, a large sports hall, a knowledge resource centre, a music room, staff offices, and 66 parking spaces.

 

The foundation stone was laid in the presence of Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education; Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Ambassador of Kuwait to Bahrain; Khalid Saleh Bu Anaq, Member of Parliament for the Fifth Constituency of Muharraq Governorate; Saleh Jasim Buhaza, Vice President of the Muharraq Municipal Council; as well as officials from the ministry, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and the project's executive office.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Juma emphasised that the project reflects the government's commitment, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to enhancing education services across all governorates.

 

He highlighted the government's efforts to build new schools and expand existing ones to improve the quality of public education, said the BNA report. 

 

The minister also commended the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development for its role in implementing the project.

 

Khalid Saleh Bu Anaq commended the government's efforts to meet the needs of citizens, particularly in education. 

 

He noted that the new school would be a significant addition for residents in Galali and surrounding areas, expressing his appreciation to the Ministry of Education for its commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure.

 

Dr Juma said the project was part of a broader plan to construct 18 new schools across Bahrain besides adding 23 academic buildings to existing schools.

 

"We also plan to reopen historical public schools, and implement a sustainable maintenance programme to preserve educational infrastructure and enhance learning environments," he added.