HBKU Launches Annual Workshop Series on University Mental Health

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) commenced its Annual Workshop Series on University Mental Health with a launch event at Education City’s Minaretein Building. 

Held February 16 and 17, the workshop brought together educators, health professionals, university counselors, and others to discuss the current state of mental health service and support within the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) higher education sector. The workshop commenced with an opening speech delivered by Dr. Mariam H. Al-Mannai, Vice President for Student Affairs, HBKU, followed by a welcome address by the university’s Acting Provost and Associate Provost for Teaching and Learning, Dr. Alaa Al-Fuqaha. An overview of proceedings was provided by Dr. Rudwan Abdul-Al, MD, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, HBKU.

Over the course of two days, participants discussed a variety of topics shaping the GCC’s university mental health ecosystem, including on-campus support services, accreditation for mental health programs, and cultivating wellness and other positive behaviors. Beyond HBKU, Qatar’s academic institutions were represented by Qatar University, Georgetown University in Qatar, and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar. Participants also received key insights from mental health practitioners and staff working at Oman’s Sultan Qaboos University, Saudi Arabia’s King Saud University, Shaqra University and Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University. 

Speaking after the conclusion of the workshop, Dr. Maryam Al-Mannai, Vice President, Student Affairs, HBKU, said: “Qatar and the GCC continue to make great strides in the provision of higher education. With even greater numbers of students opting to study in the region, the need for high quality mental health support on campuses will inevitably grow. Like HBKU, the GCC’s academic institutions not only recognize the importance of university mental health, but are also willing to share their experiences of developing relevant services. This workshop series will provide a platform for exchanging dialogue and sharing best practices.” 

Dr. Al-Mannai added: “This series has been established as a platform for university mental health across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The second edition of the University Mental Health Forum will take place in Bahrain in October 2025, with the decision made to hold this forum annually in different locations.”

Dr. Rudwan Abdul-Al said: "This event marks the beginning of a collaborative effort among universities in the region. It has come in response to a pressing need in the higher education sector to promote the mental health of university students. By the grace of God, it will represent a significant milestone in this field, contributing to advancing higher education toward new and innovative horizons. This initiative has already begun to yield results, as it has been adopted by the Gulf Cooperation Council as a regular meeting bringing together specialists in the field of university mental health. Congratulations to Hamad Bin Khalifa University for its prominent and pioneering role in this regard."

Developed by HBKU’s Office of Student Affairs, the Annual Workshop Series on University Mental Health aims to foster dialogue, share insights, and promote collaboration among key stakeholders to ensure students achieve their academic goals while maintaining health and wellness. The university looks forward to hosting more specialized events and collaborating in various areas of university mental health with regional and international entities in the future.