Manama:The Labour Fund (Tamkeen) has entered into an agreement with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) - Medical University of Bahrain to support a strategic expansion project at the university. This initiative, announced during Gateway Gulf 2026, aims to promote investment in medical education while creating quality employment opportunities and fostering the growth of national talent.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Tamkeen's agreement with RCSI Bahrain is part of its ongoing efforts to back investment projects with sustainable economic impacts. The focus is on enhancing the competitiveness of priority sectors such as education and healthcare, which are vital contributors to economic development and addressing labour market needs.
The agreement, witnessed by Dr. Diana Abdulkarim Al Jahrami, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council, outlines Tamkeen's support for the university's campus expansion project. This project will increase student capacity by 22%, accommodating around 2,000 students, and will create over 40 new jobs. It also includes the development of educational facilities and laboratories to enhance the quality of education and practical training in medical and healthcare disciplines.
The expansion is expected to address the rising demand for healthcare professionals in Bahrain and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, thus solidifying Bahrain's position as a regional hub for medical education. It is anticipated to attract students globally, supporting economic growth and increasing the value added by the education and healthcare sectors.
Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of Tamkeen, emphasized that the agreement reflects Tamkeen's dedication to supporting strategic investments that bolster the competitiveness of key economic sectors, particularly healthcare and medical education. She highlighted that investments in specialized educational institutions extend beyond increasing student capacity and improving education quality to preparing qualified national professionals to meet labour market needs and creating quality job opportunities for Bahrainis.
Stephen Harrison-Mirfield, Managing Director of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, expressed appreciation for the partnership with Tamkeen, acknowledging its role in supporting the university's expansion plans in Bahrain. He noted that the collaboration aligns with the shared vision of empowering Bahraini youth to achieve their career goals in healthcare and enhancing the healthcare sector, consistent with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland's mission to advance education, care, and innovation for human health.
Since its establishment in Bahrain in 2004, RCSI - Medical University of Bahrain has become a leading institution in medicine, nursing, and health sciences. It has established a strong position in medical education in the Kingdom through its partnership with King Hamad University Hospital, the main teaching hospital, providing students with an integrated environment for clinical training and advanced medical education. The university continues to develop specialized professionals and support the healthcare sector in Bahrain and the broader region.
This collaboration is aligned with Tamkeen's strategic priorities for 2026, focusing on initiatives with substantial economic impacts, enhancing private sector competitiveness, aligning skills with labour market demands, and fostering the growth of start-ups to contribute to sustainable economic development in the Kingdom.