RCSI Medical University of Bahrain and Vatel Bahrain Strengthen Collaboration in Education and Research

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain has formalized a strategic partnership with Vatel Bahrain through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to enhance collaboration in education, research, and professional development, bridging the healthcare and hospitality education sectors in Bahrain.

Key Figures in Attendance

The signing ceremony was attended by notable figures including His Excellency Sheikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, General Director of Vatel Bahrain; Ms. Fatema Frutan, Director of Studies at Vatel Bahrain; Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain; Professor Alfred Nicholson, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Head of the School of Medicine; and Mr. Gary Brady, Head of Human Resources.

Promoting Healthier Lifestyles

This partnership aligns with Bahrain’s national ambition to promote healthier lifestyles and interdisciplinary interventions, in accordance with the World Health Organization’s Healthy Cities Programme. The collaboration acknowledges the critical relationship between nutrition, wellbeing, and patient-centered care. Students from both institutions will gain practical insights into the connections between diet and health, equipping them to apply this knowledge in clinical and hospitality settings.

Professor Sameer Otoom emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that it represents a significant step in expanding interdisciplinary learning opportunities. He noted that collaboration with Vatel Bahrain allows for practical educational experiences that deepen students’ understanding of nutrition and health, while also providing broader perspectives and transferable skills essential for their future careers.

Enhancing Educational Experiences

His Excellency Sheikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa remarked on the shared focus of healthcare and hospitality as people-centered industries that depend on interpersonal skills, resilience, and service excellence. He expressed optimism that the exchange program with RCSI Medical University of Bahrain will enrich the educational experiences of students at both institutions, fostering the development of graduates who possess a global outlook and practical understanding of nutrition and wellbeing.

The MoU establishes a framework for structured student exchanges and joint academic initiatives. This will enable students to learn from one another through meaningful academic and practical sessions across diverse environments. A two-way student exchange will be integrated into the RCSI Medical University of Bahrain’s Student Choice Module for Year 1 students, providing early interdisciplinary exposure and enriching their academic and cultural experiences. Faculty from both institutions will collaborate on lectures, symposia, research activities, and experiential learning opportunities that connect healthcare, nutrition, and hospitality education.

Strengthening Bahrain’s Educational Landscape

Through this agreement, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain and Vatel Bahrain reaffirm their commitment to interdisciplinary education, further solidifying Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for international higher education partnerships. This collaboration supports innovation, workforce readiness, and cross-sector collaboration.

About RCSI Medical University of Bahrain

RCSI Medical University of Bahrain is a constituent university of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, established in Dublin in 1784. The independent private university opened its doors in 2004 with a cohort of 28 medical students. Today, it serves over 1,600 students across its Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, and Postgraduate Studies and Research. As a not-for-profit health sciences institution, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain is dedicated to education, research, and community engagement aimed at driving positive change in human health globally.

About Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School

Founded in France in 1981, Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business School specializes in business management within the hospitality and tourism sectors. With over 50 campuses in more than 30 countries, the Bahrain campus, established in 2018, is part of this global network. Vatel has a distinguished international reputation, boasting over 50,000 graduates who have become leaders in the industry. According to the latest QS rankings, Vatel has consistently ranked first in France and 11th globally in hospitality management for five consecutive years.

For further details, please visit RCSI Medical University of Bahrain.

Source: Zawya

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Published on 2026-05-24 09:29:00 • By the Editorial Desk