RCSI Medical University of Bahrain and Vatel Bahrain Hotel and Tourism Business School have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in education, research and professional development, establishing a strategic partnership between Bahrain’s healthcare and hospitality education sectors.
The agreement aims to promote interdisciplinary learning focused on nutrition, wellbeing and patient-centered care, in line with Bahrain’s efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles and support the WHO Healthy Cities Program.
The signing ceremony was attended by HE Sheikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, General Director of Vatel Bahrain, 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 School of Medicine, and Gary Brady, Head of Human Resources.
Under the partnership, students from both institutions will gain practical exposure to the relationship between diet and health, with opportunities to apply their knowledge in clinical and hospitality settings.
The agreement establishes a framework for structured student exchange program and joint academic initiatives, including lectures, symposia, research activities and experiential learning opportunities linking healthcare, nutrition and hospitality education.
The collaboration will also introduce a two-way student exchange integrated into RCSI Medical University of Bahrain’s Student Choice Module for Year 1 students, aimed at providing early interdisciplinary exposure and enhancing academic and cultural learning experiences.
Sheikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa GM – Vatel Bahrain
“Healthcare and hospitality are both people-centered industries that rely on interpersonal skills, resilience and service excellence. The exchange program with RCSI Medical University of Bahrain is expected to enrich the educational experience of students at both institutions and contribute to the development of competent graduates with a more global outlook and practical understanding of nutrition and wellbeing.”
Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, stated that, “This partnership represents an important step in expanding interdisciplinary learning opportunities for our students. By working closely with Vatel Bahrain, we can provide practical educational experiences that deepen understanding of nutrition and health and wellbeing while exposing our students to broader perspectives and transferable skills that will strengthen their future professional practice.”
Through the partnership, both institutions aim to strengthen Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for international higher education partnerships supporting innovation, workforce readiness and cross-sector collaboration.
