## 3 Results
### Improved Table Representation  
Table 1 provides a structured comparison of key studies, categorized by relevance to the GCC, global implementations, proposed solutions, and recommendations. For further details and a broader comparison, please refer to Table 2.  
Based on the findings from the 37 papers, several key themes emerge regarding the potential of blockchain technology to address challenges and improve the education sector in Bahrain and the broader GCC region:  
1. [label=(0)]
2. Credential Verification and Transparency
3. The need for secure, reliable, and tamper-proof systems for credential verification is a recurring challenge in GCC educational institutions. Traditional methods are often slow, fragmented, and susceptible to fraud, undermining trust in academic qualifications. Blockchain's decentralized and immutable ledger offers a transformative solution by enabling the secure issuance, storage, and verification of digital credentials. Studies highlight the effectiveness of blockchain-based credentialing systems in other regions, such as the USA, China, and Europe, which can be adapted to the GCC context to ensure transparency and credibility in qualifications [5]. 4. Enhancing Administrative Efficiency  
Administrative inefficiencies, particularly in managing student records and inter-institutional data-sharing, are significant obstacles in the GCC education sector. Blockchain's ability to integrate disparate systems and automate administrative workflows using smart contracts can address these challenges. Papers demonstrate successful implementations globally where blockchain has streamlined operations such as enrolment, grading, and academic record management. These solutions can significantly reduce human error and operational costs in GCC institutions [6]. 5. Interoperability Across Institutions  
The fragmentation and lack of interoperability among educational institutions are critical challenges in the GCC. Blockchain technology can act as a unified platform to enable \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{p{85.4 pt} p{85.4 pt} p{85.4 pt} p{85.4 pt} p{85.4 pt}} \hline \hline
**Author(s) and Year** & **GCC Relevance** & **Global Implementations** & **Proposed Solutions** &
\begin{tabular}{c} **Recommendations** \\ **for GCC** \\ \end{tabular} \\ \hline [PERSON] et al. [1] & Credential verification & Blockchain in Algeria & Decentralized credentialing & Centralized blockchain for GCC \\ \hline [PERSON] et al. [2] & Secure educational data & Education 4.0 blockchain & Smart contracts for data & Invest in smart contract pilots \\ \hline [PERSON] et al. [3] & Qualification verification & Digital authentication in China & Blockchain ledger & Implement blockchain repositories \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: A structured comparison of key studies, categorized by relevance to the GCC, global implementations, proposed solutions, and recommendations for GCC adoption of blockchain technology in education. seamless data-sharing and collaboration among institutions, enhancing the efficiency of cross-institutional processes such as credit transfers and academic partnerships. Examples from Iraq and European countries underscore the feasibility of implementing blockchain-powered interoperability frameworks in Bahrain and the GCC [7]. (4) Data Security and Privacy  
Ensuring the security and privacy of academic data is a pressing concern in Bahrain's education sector. Blockchain's cryptographic features provide robust protection against cyber threats, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. Studies demonstrate blockchain's ability to safeguard student records and institutional data, highlighting its potential to mitigate risks such as data breaches and unauthorized access in the GCC context [8]. (5) Equity and Sustainability  
Blockchain technology has the potential to address equity challenges by enabling marginalized communities to access education resources securely and transparently.