Manama: AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation (MKF), through its Rayaat Scholarship Programme, has announced the launch of its first international training programme for students outside the Kingdom of Bahrain, in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bahrain and Qingdao Harbour Vocational & Technical College, a leading Chinese institution specialising in applied education and vocational training.
The initiative will provide four engineering students sponsored by MKF with an opportunity to gain advanced practical experience and exposure to the latest technologies and industry practices, strengthening their professional readiness while broadening their international outlook.
Running from 18th August to 2nd September, the two-week programme will take place at Qingdao Harbour Vocational & Technical College in China. As the country’s first educational institution dedicated to the ports and logistics sector, the College plays a key role in developing specialised technical talent for the maritime industry through advanced programmes in port operations, marine technology and modern logistics management.
The four participating engineering students were selected based on rigorous academic and technical criteria to ensure they gain maximum value from the experience. They will also form the first delegation from Bahrain and the Middle East to undertake training at the College.
Combining hands-on learning with professional development, the programme will introduce participants to advanced engineering technologies and practices within an educational environment that bridges academic knowledge and practical application. The experience also marks a new milestone in MKF’s efforts to provide its students with high-quality learning opportunities while strengthening academic and training ties between Bahrain and China.
Her Highness Shaikha Zain bint Khalid Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of MKF, emphasised the importance of cross-border exposure in developing national capabilities, highlighting that practical international experience remains critical to aligning youth competencies with market needs.
“We are proud to launch the first international training programme for Rayaat students outside Bahrain. We believe that providing them with direct access to advanced global learning environments broadens their professional horizons and sharpens essential technical skill sets. These international opportunities empower our youth to navigate fast-evolving industries and contribute meaningfully to the Kingdom’s long-term economic development.”
Ni Ruchi, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Bahrain, commended the initiative as a key milestone in bilateral educational cooperation, noting that such partnerships build vital bridges for knowledge exchange and youth development between both nations.
MKF expressed its appreciation to the Chinese Embassy in Bahrain for facilitating the initiative, and to Qingdao Harbour Vocational & Technical College for hosting the students and delivering a comprehensive technical curriculum.
MKF was established in 2011 as a non-profit organization registered and licensed by the Ministry of Social Development in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Foundation strives to create a positive social impact in education and empower local talent to reach their full potential through learning opportunities that equip them with knowledge, skills, and practical experience, ultimately benefiting both the individual and the nation.
