Arabian Gulf University signs contracts to complete US$260M King Abdullah Medical City and expand campus infrastructure

BAHRAIN—The Arabian Gulf University (AGU) has signed a series of strategic contracts to accelerate completion of the US$260 million King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Medical City and to advance major upgrades to its academic, research, and student facilities.

The agreements were signed during a ceremony attended by senior government officials, including Bahrain’s Minister of Education, Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma, and Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer Sultan Al Marshad.

According to AGU, the projects form part of its long-term strategy to strengthen its academic, research, and service infrastructure while supporting innovation, high-quality education, and an enhanced university experience across the Gulf region.

King Abdullah Medical City nears completion

The flagship King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Medical City, located near Durrat Al Bahrain, is being developed through a grant from Saudi Arabia under the supervision of the Saudi Fund for Development.

The project covers approximately 82,000 square metres, with the first phase scheduled for completion this year.

Once operational, the medical city will house more than 280 beds and provide specialised healthcare services designed to strengthen Bahrain’s healthcare system.

AGU awarded Kanoo Information Technology the contract to deploy an integrated digital ecosystem for the medical city.

The project includes information technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, healthcare information systems, institutional platforms and digital integration solutions to ensure the facility meets international operational standards from the outset.

The university also signed an agreement with Al Salam Projects Company to supply and install furniture, interior fittings and non-medical equipment.

These installations will prepare the facility for operation while creating a modern and efficient environment for healthcare professionals and patients.

Campus and student infrastructure upgrades

Alongside the medical city, AGU signed several contracts to modernise its main campus, student housing and support facilities.

Naz Al Khaleej Company will upgrade the water distribution network at the university’s student housing complex in Zallaq.

The project includes constructing two water tanks, each with a capacity of 4,000 cubic metres, and replacing ageing pipelines and related infrastructure across approximately 20,000 square metres to improve water quality and ensure reliable long-term service.

The university will also install electronic gates and access control systems at student residences to strengthen security and improve traffic management.

The project further includes new buildings and air-conditioned waiting areas for student transport services.

Research, training and recreational facilities

To enrich campus life, Mohamed Jalal Contracting Company will renovate the AGU Club in Zallaq by upgrading existing facilities and constructing new football, volleyball, basketball and padel courts.

The project also includes the complete refurbishment of the club’s squash courts.

Meanwhile, Kontra will expand the Medical Skills and Simulation Centre by adding 24 advanced medical simulation rooms across 900 square metres, increasing the centre’s total capacity to 44 simulation rooms and strengthening clinical training programmes.

AGU has also partnered with MAR Global to modernise research laboratories at its main campus through infrastructure upgrades, new laboratory furniture, specialised equipment and improved flooring to support advanced scientific research.

In addition, Al Yousif Building Materials Company will relocate and renovate the university’s animal research facility.

The new centre will feature dedicated support services, an advanced functional layout and self-contained infrastructure designed to prevent cross-contamination between research activities while ensuring safe and humane housing for research animals.

The King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Medical City is expected to generate more than 1,000 jobs and strengthen Bahrain’s capacity for specialised healthcare, medical education and clinical research.

The facility is being constructed on land near Askar donated by His Majesty King Hamad and funded through a grant from the late Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.