His Excellency Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Higher Education Council, opened the “Open Innovation and Digital Transformation” international conference, which was held by the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) with the participation of an elite group of innovation experts, practitioners, academics, innovators, and decision-makers in the public, private, and civil sectors around the world, with the aim of discussing the prospects of using technology, innovation, and digital transformation over two consecutive days.
During the opening, His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of AGU, appreciated the interest, care, and support that the Arabian Gulf University receives as one of the most prominent joint Gulf action projects by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain. He praised the interest of GCC countries in investing in various fields of innovation and technology. Dr Al Fuhaid also highlighted the university’s keenness to achieve digital transformation in all educational sectors.
On his part, HE the Minister praised the initiative of AGU for organising the conference, emphasising that it represents an opportunity to learn about international trends and advanced technologies, exchange experiences, interact with experts and specialists, build networks, enhance cooperation, and explore the future of open innovation in the region.
Professor Waleed Zubari, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies at AGU, stated that open innovation and digital transformation have become forces shaping the future of business, industry, and society. He pointed out that the GCC countries have human potential, intellectual capital, and political drive to advance leadership in innovation. Dr Zubari expressed his hope that the conference would produce ideas and participatory experiences to nurture the next generation of innovators and future leaders.
The conference includes three main speakers and six sessions with 60 presentations, as well as workshops on various topics related to emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, innovation in education, finance, and sustainable development. The participants aim to discuss issues related to digitalisation and organisational performance, among others.