GFH Acquires AMA International University of Bahrain

GFH Acquires AMA International University of Bahrain
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GFH Acquires AMA International University of Bahrain

GFH Acquires AMA International University of Bahrain

GFH Financial Group (GFH) said that it, alongside its strategic partners, has acquired the AMA International University-Bahrain (AMAIUB), building the Group’s local and regional education portfolio currently valued at USD250 million.

The transaction, valued in excess of USD100 million, will see GFH assume the lead in the management of the University on behalf of its partners, leveraging its strong and long-standing track record and experience in the sector.

Commenting on this, Group Chief Executive Officer Hisham Al Rayes said: "We are delighted to announce the acquisition of AMA International University-Bahrain by GFH and our partners."

He described this as "a strategic investment in a world-class institution that continues to rapidly build its position as one of the Kingdom’s and region’s top university destinations for both undergraduate and post-graduate studies.”

Rayes went on saying that "Investment in the education sector, among the fastest-growing the GCC region today, forms one of the key pillars of our strategy and we are focused on continuing to diversify and strengthen our portfolio with the addition of unique assets, like AMAIUB, to which we can apply our deep investment and operational know-how to deliver further growth and value for all stakeholders."

With this investment and our management of the University, we will work closely with the administration, staff, and students in order to help accelerate AMAUIB’s ability to meet and maximize its vast potential."

According to him, this includes adding resources and expertise that would further enhance the university's offering and capacity and raise the bar of international standards of higher education in the region.



Berri to Asharq Al-Awsat: US Guarantor of Israeli Stance, Negotiations Are Good

19 November 2024, Lebanon, Beirut: US special envoy Amos Hochstein meets with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut. (Hassan Ibrahim/Lebanese Parliament/dpa)
19 November 2024, Lebanon, Beirut: US special envoy Amos Hochstein meets with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut. (Hassan Ibrahim/Lebanese Parliament/dpa)
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Berri to Asharq Al-Awsat: US Guarantor of Israeli Stance, Negotiations Are Good

19 November 2024, Lebanon, Beirut: US special envoy Amos Hochstein meets with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut. (Hassan Ibrahim/Lebanese Parliament/dpa)
19 November 2024, Lebanon, Beirut: US special envoy Amos Hochstein meets with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut. (Hassan Ibrahim/Lebanese Parliament/dpa)

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri told Asharq Al-Awsat on Tuesday that the situation was "good in principle" following two hours of talks with US envoy Amos Hochstein to discuss the US proposal for a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel.

Some details of the proposal still needed to be hashed out, including technical details, he added.

He said Hochstein would settle those details before travelling on to Israel, and that Lebanon saw the United States as the guarantor of the Israeli stance.

On whether the draft under discussion was also addressed with the Israelis, he said Hochstein "is coordinating with them over it."

"This wouldn’t be the first time the Israelis renege on their pledges," he added.

Hochstein had arrived in Beirut on Tuesday and kicked off his talks with Berri, who has been tasked by Hezbollah in negotiating on its behalf.

Hochstein said he held "very constructive talks" with Berri and that there was a "real opportunity" to bring the conflict between the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah and Israel to an end.

"This is a moment of decision-making. I am here in Beirut to facilitate that decision but it's ultimately up to the parties to reach a conclusion to this conflict. It is now within our grasp," he told reporters after the meeting.