The Arab Open university was first conceptualized by His Royal Highness, the late Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz; may his soul rest in peace. It started as a concept in 1996, for the study of which an elite group of Arab education ministers, experts and others convened. After considering all aspects of the project, they saw the possibility of its application. Yet, there had to be a strategic partnership with one of the internationally renowned entities, so this was crowned by signing a partnership with the Open University in the UK which pioneered in this kind of education since its inauguration in 1969. This partnership entailed that the Arab Open University utilize the curricula offered at the OU-UK including courses with powerful content, and within fields that are in demand on the labor market.

AOU-Bahrain’s Vision and Mission can be summed thus :

• Disseminating collegiate education across the Arab World.
• Reaching out to all of those who missed their chances in education, regardless of their age, gender or nationality.
• Endorsing the specialized fields required on the labor market.

AOU’s first branch was established in Kuwait. Hence it was selected as Head Quarters in 2002, and then other branches followed currently, in nine Arab countries.