AGU Study Evaluates Impact of Land-Based Activities on Askar Coastline
The study formed part of her doctoral thesis, supervised by Dr Sabah Al Jenaid (principal supervisor) and Dr Thamer Al Dawood (co-supervisor).
Using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery from 2015-2024, Ms. Al Aseemi analysed six spectral indices to produce more than 100 monthly maps detailing vegetation cover, soil aridity and built-up areas. Her hydrological modelling showed that the terrain is largely flat: nearly 40 per cent (approximately 5 km²) of the study area is level, with no significant elevations to influence surface-water flow. A further 23 per cent is almost flat, while 52 per cent has a gentle slope.
Built-up land expanded noticeably over the decade, rising from 9.7 per cent (1 km²) in 2015 to more than 16 per cent (about 2 km²) in 2024. Wetlands around the shoreline remained almost unchanged at 2.3 per cent (0.3 km²). Green vegetation is confined largely to gardens within residential plots, and the road network grew from 6.8 per cent (0.9 km²) to 10.5 per cent (1.4 km²) over the same period.
The spectral indices confirmed persistent aridity, a factor that heightens airborne dust and other pollutants. Analysis within the DPSIR framework indicated that escalating land-based activities have exerted continuous pressure over the past ten years, potentially increasing marine pollution along the coast.
The thesis recommends a clear action plan and overarching framework for sustainable management, in line with the Bahrain 2030 strategy, to mitigate the environmental impact of development projects on marine and coastal ecosystems.
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AGU Study Evaluates Impact of Land-Based Activities on Askar Coastline
Arabian Gulf University: Ms. Anwar Jaber Al Aseemi, a researcher in the Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, College of Education and Administrative and Technical Sciences at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), has assessed the impact of land-based activities on Bahrain's Askar coastline by employing geographic information systems (GIS) and remote-sensing techniques. The study formed part of her doctoral thesis, supervised by Dr Sabah Al Jenaid (principal supervisor) and Dr Thamer Al Dawood (co-supervisor). Using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery from 2015-2024, Ms. Al Aseemi analysed six spectral indices to produce more than 100 monthly maps detailing vegetation cover, soil aridity and built-up areas. Her hydrological modelling showed that the terrain is largely flat: nearly 40 per cent (approximately 5 km²) of the study area is level, with no significant elevations to influence surface-water flow. A further 23 per cent is almost flat, while 52 per cent has a gentle slope. Built-up land expanded noticeably over the decade, rising from 9.7 per cent (1 km²) in 2015 to more than 16 per cent (about 2 km²) in 2024. Wetlands around the shoreline remained almost unchanged at 2.3 per cent (0.3 km²). Green vegetation is confined largely to gardens within residential plots, and the road network grew from 6.8 per cent (0.9 km²) to 10.5 per cent (1.4 km²) over the same period. The spectral indices confirmed persistent aridity, a factor that heightens airborne dust and other pollutants. Analysis within the DPSIR framework indicated that escalating land-based activities have exerted continuous pressure over the past ten years, potentially increasing marine pollution along the coast. The thesis recommends a clear action plan and overarching framework for sustainable management, in line with the Bahrain 2030 strategy, to mitigate the environmental impact of development projects on marine and coastal ecosystems.
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Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Alabbasi, the Vice Dean of the College of Education, Administrative, and Technical Sciences at Arabian Gulf University (AGU), has been awarded the Emerging Scholar Award by the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children. This award is given to early-career scientists who have earned a doctorate in the fields of giftedness and creativity within the last ten years. This recognition honours Dr. Alabbasi's global efforts in the field of gifted education and creativity. Over the past few years, he has published more than 60 research papers and book chapters in internationally peer-reviewed journals. According to the global research platform ResearchGate, which includes nearly two million researchers and scientists worldwide, Dr. Alabbasi ranks among the top 96% of researchers in the field of giftedness and creativity. He is also the only Arab scholar to have contributed to the third edition of the Encyclopedia of Creativity, published by Elsevier. His research spans a wide range of topics including giftedness, creativity, innovation, emotional intelligence, and women's issues. His recognition comes at a time when AGU is strongly committed to advancing scientific research and fostering a supportive environment for researchers and scientists. The university continually strives to enhance its academic and developmental strategies by encouraging innovation across disciplines, providing funding for priority research projects within the GCC, and promoting regional and international research cooperation. AGU has ranked as the top institution in the Kingdom of Bahrain and among the top 500 universities globally in the latest Times Higher Education ranking. Scientific research contributes 60% of the ranking score, with 30% attributed to research outputs and 30% to a supportive research environment. According to the Scopus database, AGU faculty have published 2,957 research papers aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Upon receiving the award, Dr. Al-Abbasi stated, 'I dedicate this humble achievement to my country, Bahrain, which continues to support its young talents. I also dedicate it to the father of all, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who constantly emphasises the importance of investing in promising young minds through visionary government initiatives led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, and Prime Minister. I also extend my gratitude to the leadership of AGU especially the university president, H.E. Dr. Saad bin Saad Al Fuhaid, for his unwavering support of faculty members and his encouragement of impactful scientific research that addresses strategic issues of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries across various disciplines.' Dr. Ahmed Alabbasi holds a PhD in Gifted and Creative Education from the University of Georgia, USA, as well as executive certificates in Leadership and Innovation from Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School. The World Council for Gifted and Talented Children, headquartered in the United States, is the oldest and most prestigious international institution in the field of gifted education. In recognition of Dr. Alabbasi's scientific contributions, the Council has decided to grant this award for the first time to a scholar from outside the United States.
