GFH acquires AMA International University

GFH to assume management of the University, leveraging its expertise and track record in the education sector. GFH Financial Group (GFH) announced today that it has finalized the acquisition of AMA International University-Bahrain (AMAIUB) with its strategic partners, adding to the Group’s local and regional education portfolio, which is presently valued at US$250 million and rising. The acquisition, which is expected to be worth more than $100 million, will see GFH take the lead in managing the international university on behalf of its partners, utilizing its strong and long-standing track record and experience in the field. 

AMAIUB, which began operations in the Kingdom in 2002, has quickly established itself as a premier source of higher education for students from the region. It is the Kingdom’s second-largest institution, after the University of Bahrain, and provides international quality undergraduate and graduate programs in finance and business administration, computer science, and engineering.

The University had about 2,500 students enrolled in its various degree programs as of the 2020 academic year. Following the University’s successful accreditation from the Higher Education Council at the end of 2019, which allowed it to begin enrolling students from throughout the GCC and beyond, this figure is likely to climb dramatically in the future years.

The University’s status as the Kingdom of Bahrain’s first and only ABET recognized private university adds to the University’s strong appeal and reason for the investment. With accreditors from Harvard, MIT, and other world-renowned schools, ABET is the foremost global accrediting authority in applied sciences, engineering, computing, and technology. Similarly, the European Council for Business Education (ECBE), a prestigious worldwide non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of academic and professional learning institutions in economics, business, management, and related subjects, has accredited AMAUIB courses.

“We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of AMA International University-Bahrain by GFH and our partners,” stated Mr. Hisham Alrayes, CEO of GFH. This is a wise investment in a world-class institution that is rapidly establishing itself as one of the best universities in the Kingdom and the region for undergraduate and post-graduate education. One of the key pillars of our strategy is to invest in the education sector, which is one of the fastest-growing in the GCC region today.

We’re working to diversify and improve our portfolio by adding unique assets like AMAIUB to which we can apply our deep investment and operational expertise to generate even more growth and value to all stakeholders. We will work closely with the administration, staff, and students as a result of this investment and our management of the University to enable AMAUIB to meet and maximize its tremendous potential. This entails bringing in more resources and experience to improve its offerings and capability while also raising the bar for excellence in international higher education.

During the COVID-19 epidemic, the University successfully continued to deliver hybrid online and on-campus education to students, and is now enrolling students for the second term of the 2020-2021 academic year. The University has maintained high levels of learning and delivery of its world-class programs throughout its various faculties and degree programs, Thanks to following the best health and safety regulations.

About GFH Financial Group B.S.C.

GFH is one of the most well-known financial conglomerates in the Gulf. Asset management, wealth management, commercial banking, and real estate development are among the company’s businesses. The Group’s operations are concentrated in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), North Africa, and India. GFH is listed in Bahrain Bourse, Kuwait Stock Exchange and Dubai Financial Market. For more information, please visit www.gfh.com Source: https://gfh.com/press-release/gfh-acquires-ama-international-university-bahrain.

WeTeach is the leading private education finder website for parents, students and teachers in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Launched in 2020, by Abdul Hamid Al Asfoor (Managing Director of Albayan Media Group), WeTeach has become the most exclusive and leading platform to find schools, universities, learning centers and tuition teachers.