Dr. Abood bin Hamed Al Sawafi holds a B.Sc. Electrical Engineering – Electronics (Communications) from Bahrain University (1981-1985). In 1985, He was honored by HH The Emir of Bahrain (the Emir’s Shield) for his achievement at the university. He earned a Ph.D. in the same field from the University of Bradford in 1993. Dr. Abood is currently Vice-Chancellor at Al Sharqia University. He has worked as Vice-Chancellor of Sohar University, having been promoted to the position in 2007 after serving there as Deputy Vice-Chancellor since 2005. During that time he initiated several reforms in the university including overseeing the strategic plan for the University and spearheading the introduction of a quality assurance manual for the University. Prior to joining Sohar University as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Abood served for six years as Dean with Majan (University) College. During his tenure there, he planned and implemented a number of academic reforms and led the college to a University College status. In his role at Majan College, he chaired the College Academic Board, Quality Assurance Committee and the College Academic Management team. At that time, Majan College was affiliated to the University of Luton in the UK and worked under their quality assurance regime.