logo
UTAS 'Summer of the Future' programme gets wide participation

UTAS 'Summer of the Future' programme gets wide participation

Observer07-07-2025
AL MUSANNAH: The University of Technology and Applied Sciences – Al Musannah continues to deliver its 'Summer of the Future' programme, drawing wide participation from various community groups.
The programme reflects the university's deep commitment to its societal mission and its pivotal role in human development.
The initiative is part of a broader series of community-centred programmes launched by the university to enhance life skills, cultivate innovation and foster entrepreneurship among youth, aligned with a clear vision that sees education to empower a capable generation contributing effectively to national development.
Dr Nasser bin Salem al Baimani, Assistant Vice-Chancellor of UTAS–Al Musannah, emphasised that the university plays a vital role in supporting comprehensive development through educational and training programmes that respond to community needs. 'The Summer of the Future programme is a practical embodiment of the university's societal responsibility. We view education as a tool for building both individuals and society,' he said.
Dr Al Baimani also noted the university's focus on nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, encouraging scientific research that addresses local issues and supports sustainable development. He stressed that such initiatives contribute to preparing national talents capable of participating in building a sustainable knowledge economy, in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Oman to produce medical diagnostic machines locally
Oman to produce medical diagnostic machines locally

Observer

timea day ago

  • Observer

Oman to produce medical diagnostic machines locally

A strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr Mohammad Mahmoodi, CEO of Carbon Technologies, and Dr Frank Vitzthum, Board Member and CTO of R-Biopharm, Germany, in the presence of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, on Tuesday. Under the MoU, advanced diagnostic manufacturing will be localised in Oman, supporting technology transfer and enhancing the country's health innovation ecosystem. The partnership will enable integration of state-of-the-art assay technologies into its local production lines, supporting both national and regional healthcare priorities. 'It is a milestone MoU in Oman's journey towards eliminating tuberculosis and other diseases from the country, and both communicable diseases and NCDs,' said Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. 'I'm optimistic and this will pave the way for various scientific advancements in the country, especially when it is located near SQU and within the Innovation Park Muscat. We have begun, and we look forward to having an international consortium to eradicate both communicable and non-communicable diseases. We look forward to collaborating with regional, national and international partners so that we can cooperate with the leading players,' she added. Speaking to the Observer, Dr Mohammad Mahmoudi, Chief Executive Officer of Carbon Technologies, said that this collaboration is a testament to Oman's growing capacity in innovation-driven industries and its strategic openness to global partnerships. 'Together with R-Biopharm, we aim to elevate diagnostic standards, nurture Omani talent and contribute to national healthcare resilience,' Dr Mohammad added. Aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, the MoU supports national goals in biotechnology, scientific research and industrial innovation. Speaking on the sidelines of the signing ceremony, Eng Said bin Nasser al Salmi, Board Member of Carbon Technologies, said that the MoU would open up more opportunities to leverage Carbon Technologies as a leading Omani company and expand local R&D capabilities to serve both domestic and international markets in the healthcare industry and position Oman among the leading innovation hubs in such sectors. Dr Dirk Dressler, Head of Business Development at R-Biopharm AG, said, 'We are honoured to partner with Oman's Carbon Technologies. This collaboration reflects our confidence in Oman's capabilities and our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible diagnostics across the region."

UTAS Musannah research paper wins award at Cardiff conference
UTAS Musannah research paper wins award at Cardiff conference

Muscat Daily

time2 days ago

  • Muscat Daily

UTAS Musannah research paper wins award at Cardiff conference

Musannah – University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) Musannah has won the Best Research Paper Award at the International Conference on Business and Technology (ICBT Cardiff 2025), hosted by Cardiff University in the United Kingdom. The winning paper, titled Innovation Drivers: Success Factors of Business Incubators in the Sultanate of Oman in Line with Oman Vision 2040, was presented by a research team from the university's College of Economics and Business Administration, comprising Dr Nasser bin Salem al Bimani, Dr Alamelu Mangai Raman, Dr Jafar Ali Khan and Prof Mohammad Tasleem. The paper analysed key factors influencing the success of business incubators in Oman and the role of these in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, contributing to sustainable economic diversification. According to team members, their study relied on precise scientific methodologies and field data analysis, drawing on leading international experiences in supporting business incubators. The aim, they added, was to 'provide practical recommendations that could help develop the innovation system in Oman, in line with the pillars and priorities of Oman Vision 2040'. UTAS stated that the recognition highlights the university's growing academic standing both regionally and internationally. 'It underscores our commitment to enhancing the role of scientific research in serving national development plans and building partnerships with global institutions to transfer knowledge and expertise to national cadres.'

White hydrogen adds new dimension to Oman's energy transition
White hydrogen adds new dimension to Oman's energy transition

Observer

time2 days ago

  • Observer

White hydrogen adds new dimension to Oman's energy transition

Oman has established itself as a regional leader in green hydrogen, driven by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and Hydrom's successful launch of large-scale projects, competitive auctions, and the securing of international investments. Building on this momentum, the country is now turning its focus to white hydrogen, also known as natural hydrogen, geologic hydrogen, or gold hydrogen. A recent agreement between Sohar Port and Freezone and the Swiss company Hynat marks a key step in evaluating and developing the full value chain of this resource. This reflects Oman's ongoing commitment to diversifying its hydrogen portfolio in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the National Strategy for an Orderly Transition to Net Zero. White hydrogen forms naturally through geological processes and is stored in subsurface reservoirs. It does not require carbon-intensive production, offering a low-emission alternative suitable for industrial use, mobility systems, and export. If discovered in viable quantities with high purity, white hydrogen could strengthen Oman's energy sustainability, support export growth, and position the country as a frontrunner in a rapidly evolving global sector. Developing white hydrogen comes with several technical challenges. It is difficult to estimate how much hydrogen exists underground, where it is located, and how easily it can be recovered with the required purity. Even in high concentrations, hydrogen is often mixed with gases like nitrogen or methane, which must be removed using efficient and affordable methods. Hydrogen's small molecular size makes it prone to leakage through fractures in rocks or poorly sealed wells. To manage this, Oman needs better tools for subsurface imaging, reservoir modeling, and real-time monitoring. Long-term exposure to hydrogen can also weaken metals used in drilling and pipelines, requiring stronger materials and site-specific designs. Large-scale production will depend on safe and cost-effective systems for extraction, compression, storage, and handling. Innovations in drilling techniques, sealing materials, and surface infrastructure will be critical to achieving technical reliability and cost control. To unlock investment, detailed pre-feasibility and feasibility studies are essential to evaluate geological potential, infrastructure needs, project economics, and environmental impact. Artificial intelligence can support these efforts by predicting gas composition profiles, refining subsurface models, and designing more effective separation processes. Combined with techno-economic modeling, life cycle assessment, and geospatial analysis, these tools will enhance decision-making and reduce investment risks. Academic institutions such as Sultan Qaboos University can play a central role in advancing white hydrogen development through interdisciplinary research and curriculum innovation. Research platforms like the Oil and Gas Research Centre and the Sustainable Energy Research Centre can foster collaboration across petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, earth sciences, and environmental science. Priority research areas in white hydrogen include techno-economic feasibility studies, sustainability assessment, advanced gas separation techniques, subsurface hydrogen migration, AI-assisted gas composition prediction, and geospatial resource mapping. These efforts can help shape regulatory frameworks, guide pilot project design, and support evidence-based investment planning. At the same time, modernizing academic programs through specialized elective courses in white hydrogen systems, energy geoscience, and techno-economic analysis can help prepare a skilled workforce to meet the demands of this emerging sector. Oman is already leading the region's energy transition. White hydrogen adds a strategic new dimension, opening pathways for low-emission innovation and industrial growth. Through accelerated feasibility studies, advanced R&D, and strong partnerships, Oman can turn this emerging resource into a key pillar of energy security and economic resilience.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store