01 November 2015
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain - Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain's national carrier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ahlia University providing select students and graduates with on-the-job-training and internship opportunities: to enhance their professional capabilities and in support of their academic research projects and graduation requirements. The signing ceremony took place at Gulf Air's headquarters in Muharraq between Mrs. Sohair Faisal Khalfan, Gulf Air Senior Manager People Development and Mr. Husain Habib, Ahlia University Manager Professional Relations.

Satisfying the needs of Bahrain's labor market and further enhancing students' and graduates' technical skills and knowledge base, Ahlia University students can now receive hands-on experience: enrolling in internships, receiving on-the-job training and participating in seminars held by members of Gulf Air's workforce in order to supplement students' academic knowledge with practical experience across their areas of study/research.

Speaking at the signing ceremony Mrs. Sohair Faisal Khalfan, Gulf Air Senior Manager People Development, said: "Gulf Air has trained Bahraini graduates in the past, and continues to do so, providing them with critical work experience in their fields, that has helped them secure employment opportunities and advancement early on in their careers. This MOU cements our drive to promote and develop Bahrain's human resources while paving the way for greater opportunities for our Kingdom's workforce.

Mr. Husain Habib, Ahlia University Manager Professional Relations said, "Gulf Air is one of the most prestigious companies in the region and Ahlia University is honoured to join forces with our national carrier to share knowledge, skills and experiences in support of Bahraini students. We are delighted to have Gulf Air on board to help hone our students' abilities, and bridge the gap between academia and the workplace."

Gulf Air provides comprehensive training for Bahrainis and leads the way amongst regional competitors in terms of nationalization - recording 64% Bahrainisation in 2014. As a key employer committed to developing a national workforce of aviation professionals Gulf Air collaborates with local institutions to develop the skills of young Bahraini aviation professionals in the Kingdom further reinforcing its commitment to the local community. Most recently, the airline signed an MOU with Bahrain Polytechnic providing the tertiary education institute's Information Technology students and graduates the opportunity to perform final year industry projects and obtain valuable industry experience in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the airline's Information Technology Department.

About Gulf Air
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, commenced operations in 1950, becoming one of the first commercial airlines established in the Middle East. Today, Gulf Air is a major international carrier serving 43 cities in 24 countries spanning three continents. The airline operates one of the largest networks in the Middle East, with double daily flights to over 10 regional cities, from its hub at Bahrain International Airport. Gulf Air serves all its destinations with a combination wide and narrow body fleet totalling 28 modern aircraft. Renowned for its traditional Arabian hospitality, evidenced by the airline's signature family and business friendly products, Gulf Air is committed to being an industry leader and developing products and services that reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of its passengers.

Gulf Air connects Bahrain to the world and, as such, is a key national infrastructure asset, serving as a powerful driver for the economy and supporting the Kingdom's on-going economic growth.

Gulf Air was the Title Sponsor of the 2015 FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX and is the Official Airline of the Bahrain International Airshow 2016.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Azza Mubarak Matar
Senior Manager Communications
Gulf Air Tel: +973 17338765 / +973 39652012
Email: Azza.Matar@gulfair.com
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© Press Release 2015