logo
SQU concludes its annual celebration of University Day 2025

SQU concludes its annual celebration of University Day 2025

Observer12-05-2025

MUSCAT: The Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) recently concluded its annual celebration of University Day 2025, under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of SQU. The celebrations honoured a number of members in recognition of their efforts during the 2024/2025 academic year and to motivate them towards a future filled with giving and achievement.
The ceremony included a number of distinguished students, including the head of the Student Tourism Group, which is affiliated with the Department of Tourism at Sultan Qaboos University. The group's role is to spread tourism awareness to the largest possible audience inside and outside the university, and to promote the group's name and influence within the community through organising and participating in a number of events and seminars related to tourism in the Sultanate of Oman.
During the event, HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of SQU, honoured Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of the Student Tourism Group, in recognition of his efforts in organising numerous events and workshops both inside and outside the university.
Al Rawas, speaking at the event, said, "I feel proud and honoured to be among those who excelled in academic activities this year, especially since this honour bears the name of Sultan Qaboos University. It also marks the end of my university career as a badge of honour for me and the group, which will certainly have a significant impact on my personal and professional life."
It is worth noting that the group participated in six different events during the Khareef Dhofar 2024/2025, including the Omani Press Conference, which was themed "Investment - Economy - Media," in addition to the Marhaba Dhofar event, where the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism organised joint sessions between tourism sector companies in the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

SQU expands partnerships with Russian prestigious varsities
SQU expands partnerships with Russian prestigious varsities

Observer

time3 days ago

  • Observer

SQU expands partnerships with Russian prestigious varsities

MOSCOW: A delegation from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), headed by HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of SQU, concluded a strategic academic visit to the Russian Federation. The visit, which lasted several days, aimed to enhance international cooperation; and expand academic and scientific partnerships. During the visit, the SQU signed cooperation programmes with the Higher School of Economics (HSE) and the Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech); and fostered existing agreements with Moscow State University and Kazan Federal University. Cooperation opportunities in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, engineering, innovation and entrepreneurship were explored, as well. Student exchange programmes, joint research training and partnerships in technology development and entrepreneurship were also discussed. SQU expands partnerships with Russian prestigious varsities The SQU's delegation also met with the heads of universities and research centres in Kazan and Moscow, including Kazan Federal University, Kazan State Agrarian University, Sechenov Moscow Medical University, Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Higher School of Economics (HSE), Skoltech Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo Innovation Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology; and the Russian Academy of Sciences. HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of SQU, indicated that the visit sought to enhance academic cooperation, learn about best international practices and create effective partnerships in various scientific fields. The visit comes as part of SQU's commitment to strengthening its international presence and establishing effective strategic partnerships thereby maintaining its pioneering role in building international partnerships and enhancing its position as an academic institution striving for excellence and innovation at the global level. — ONA

HR forum empowers Oman's energy workforce
HR forum empowers Oman's energy workforce

Observer

time19-05-2025

  • Observer

HR forum empowers Oman's energy workforce

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has launched the inaugural Energy Sector Human Resources Forum, held under the auspices of Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals. Taking place from May 19–20, 2025, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the forum aims to reshape human capital development in the energy sector in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. DRIVING TRANSFORMATION THROUGH HUMAN CAPITAL Bringing together executive leaders, HR professionals, academics, and policymakers, the forum underscores the urgency of building an agile, future-ready workforce amid rapid changes in the global energy landscape. The event highlights Oman's efforts to promote economic diversification and empower its national workforce. In his opening speech, Eng Salim al Aufi emphasised the forum's role in fostering collaborative thinking and policy innovation. He stressed that empowering Omani talent, enhancing workplace well-being, and nurturing supportive environments are vital to boosting institutional performance and national competitiveness. He called on participants to reimagine HR strategies, strengthen academia-industry ties, and advance public-private cooperation. Held under the theme 'Strategic Human Resources in the Energy Sector,' the forum tackled four priority areas: 1. Leadership Resilience in navigating economic and technological disruption. 2. Innovative Omanization, bridging the gap between education and employment. 3. Future Skills, focusing on digital transformation and workforce upskilling. 4. Mental Health & Safety, promoting stability and productivity at work. The first day featured four interactive workshops facilitated by industry experts. These sessions encouraged participants to propose practical, actionable solutions to HR challenges, which will be reviewed for integration into sector-wide policies. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP AND ACADEMIA-INDUSTRY DIALOGUE A CEO panel headlined the first day, offering insights into labour market shifts, talent retention, and the impact of digitalisation on leadership models. On the second day, the forum hosted an academic session titled 'Integration of Knowledge and Energy', featuring top university leaders from Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, and the German University of Technology in Oman. The session focused on aligning academic curricula with industry needs and fostering R&D partnerships to support energy innovation. Participants also joined expert-led knowledge exchange sessions exploring practical solutions to the forum's key themes. Attendees were awarded participation certificates, reinforcing the forum's emphasis on engagement and learning. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND AGREEMENTS The forum also served as a platform for signing several high-impact agreements and MoUs aimed at advancing workforce development and sector innovation. Highlights included: PDO & SMEDA: Supporting SMEs in the solar energy sector through the Ishraq Programme. PDO, Oman LNG & Sur LNG: Enhancing talent mobility through a joint MoU on talent acquisition PDO & Takatuf: Providing advanced human capital services. Shell & Takatuf Petrofac Oman (TPO): Launching training programs for technical operators. OPAL & Oman Energy Institute: Developing clean energy training programmes. OPAL & TPO Centte: Expanding vocational training opportunities. MEM & Rihal: Creating a digital dashboard to monitor rig and jack-up contracts for greater transparency. A PLATFORM FOR SUSTAINABLE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The forum concluded with a commitment to transforming dialogue into action. Recommendations and insights generated during the event will be submitted to the Ministry of Energy and Minerals to inform future policies and initiatives. As a cornerstone initiative, the Energy Sector Human Resources Forum marks the beginning of a structured, long-term approach to building a resilient, skilled, and competitive national workforce—paving the way for a more integrated, innovative, and sustainable energy future in Oman.

Opportunities matter as much as skills, says educator
Opportunities matter as much as skills, says educator

Observer

time13-05-2025

  • Observer

Opportunities matter as much as skills, says educator

Possessing the right skills is essential, so is creating opportunities for young people to explore and secure meaningful career paths, opines Dr Ali bin Saud al Bimani, who, drawing from his vast experience as both an educator and vice-chancellor at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and NU. He voiced a growing concern — the increasing challenge of youth unemployment in Oman. The debate over job market success is far from straightforward. Some argue that a strong academic foundation is the key to securing employment, while others emphasise the importance of specialised skill sets tailored to 21st-century industries. Another perspective champions vocational training as a viable and necessary alternative. This divide is further reflected in the sheer number of applications received for job vacancies. 'For a vacancy of 20, there are often over 1,000 qualified applicants. When only 20 are selected, does it mean the remaining 980 lack skills? Or is this simply a reflection of the limited job opportunities available?' Dr Al Bimani posed a thought-provoking question, highlighting the intricate web of factors that influence employment outcomes — qualifications, experience, industry demands, and, above all, the realities of a highly competitive job market. Each year, the country produces approximately 50,000 high school graduates and around 25,000 university graduates — an impressive testament to the government's strong commitment to education. However, despite this investment, the economy is not expanding at a pace that can absorb such a large influx of skilled individuals. He says, as a result, thousands of graduates find themselves struggling to secure positions in both the public and private sectors, leading to rising concerns over unemployment and underemployment. Dr Al Bimani cautions against the tendency to assign blame, emphasising that the focus should instead be on structural solutions. He underscores the urgent need for Oman to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and foster private sector growth. "Expanding economic opportunities is the most sustainable way to bridge the employment gap and ensure that the nation's talented youth have access to meaningful careers," he said. He stressed the critical role of Industrial Internships, hands-on training in bridging skill gaps, and effective entrepreneurship structure at universities advocating for stronger workforce development programmes that combine academic learning with practical life experience. He pointed out three major areas of untapped potential that could serve as engines of economic growth. First, Oman's 3,165-kilometre coastline — stretching along the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Gulf — offers immense opportunities for the fishing and marine industry. Investing in fish processing and export infrastructure could create new jobs and empower Omani entrepreneurs. Second, the country's plentiful sunshine is a largely untapped resource for solar energy generation and potentially innovative battery storage. Third, Oman's diverse mineral resources make it a unique global phenomenon if utilised wisely. Capitalising on these natural advantages could not only boost economic diversification, but also position Oman as a leader in a sustainable economy less dependent on oil and gas resources supporting 2040 vision.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store