Future-Ready HR: Gulf University Sparks Innovation and AI Revolution at International HR Day 2026
Gulf University’s College of Administrative and Financial Sciences recently marked a massive milestone by successfully hosting the second edition of the International Human Resources Day 2026. Co-organized by the Administrative Sciences Department and the Student Affairs Unit—and in strategic partnership with the Bahrain Society for Human Resource Management—the landmark forum was held live on the university campus.
The event turned out to be a major regional hub, bringing together over 280 participants, including top-tier HR leaders, government officials, private sector trailblazers, faculty, and bright student talents from both the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The forum centered on the critical role of HR professionals in empowering national capabilities, developing human capital, and constructing sustainable workplace environments that drive productivity and innovation. The event featured an extensive panel discussion exploring prominent 2026 global workforce trends, with a dedicated focus on HR sustainability, aligning educational outcomes with future labor market demands, and leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance job performance and workplace well-being.
In his welcoming address, Gulf University President, Prof. Mohanad AlFiras, stated:
Celebrating this international day reflects the university’s steadfast commitment to providing high-quality education that seamlessly links academic theory with professional reality. We are dedicated to equipping our students with the skills required to make them the premier choice for employers. Our strategic partnership with the Bahrain Society for Human Resource Management reinforces this bridge, unlocking promising training and employment pipelines for our graduates.
Prof. Mohanad AlFiras
President of Gulf University
Dr. Siddiq Bilal Ibrahim, Dean of the College of Administrative and Financial Sciences, further emphasized that this collaboration serves as a vital model for integrating academic and professional sectors to build truly sustainable institutions.
The forum hosted prominent regional keynote speakers who addressed technological shifts in the workforce. Ahmad Al-Zayani, President of the Bahrain Society for Human Resource Management, delivered a forward-looking presentation titled “The New Era of HR: Innovation, AI, and Workforce Transformation,” highlighting structural shifts driven by the ongoing tech revolution.
Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadhel from the Riyadh Refinery at Saudi Aramco presented a case study titled “Building a Culture of Innovation — Lessons from Aramco,” sharing institutional insights from one of the world’s leading energy enterprises on embedding creativity and operational excellence.
To directly connect students with the professional market, the event featured a dedicated job interview simulation workshop. Additionally, the event hosted an exhibition with 17 pavilions representing prominent Bahraini and Saudi corporations, alongside delegates from more than 30 public and private sector organizations.
Dr. Marwan Melhem, Director of the Center for Community Service and Continuing Education at Gulf University, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative:
Empowering and qualifying human resources sits at the forefront of our center’s priorities. Through these strategic partnerships, we build continuous bridges with civil society and professional sectors, ensuring the delivery of high-caliber training programs that elevate individual competencies and meet Bahrain’s sustainable development goals.
Dr. Marwan Melhem
Director of the Center for Community Service and Continuing Education, Gulf University