
Indian Schools in Oman embark on AI and Financial Literacy to future-proof learning
Muscat: The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman, Syed Ahmad Salman, unveiled a series of transformative initiatives aimed at aligning the Indian schooling system in Oman with emerging global educational trends, in a press briefing held on Saturday.
These measures reflect a visionary enhancement in curriculum and infrastructure, designed to equip students and educators with future-ready skills and resources.
As part of its strategic agenda for the 2025–27 term, the board has approved the introduction of Financial Literacy and AI (Artificial Intelligence) as part of the learning framework for students from Class 5 onwards.
A comprehensive Financial Literacy programme is being rolled out across all Indian Schools in Oman from this week onwards. This initiative is designed to foster early awareness of financial principles, empowering students with the knowledge to manage personal and household finances effectively while sparking interest in finance as a professional pathway.
The AI curriculum, which will be implemented immediately after the summer break, aims to provide students with foundational exposure to machine learning, algorithms, and responsible use of AI tools—setting a precedent for technology-led education within the region.
Salman stated. 'The integration of AI into the curriculum marks a significant milestone. Our objective is not only to familiarise students with emerging technologies but also to nurture critical thinking, innovation, and digital fluency from a young age.' The Chairman, further emphasised the board's renewed commitment to infrastructure development across schools.
An infrastructural audit is currently underway to ensure equity in access to facilities for all students, regardless of location.
Major projects are in progress at Indian School Muscat (Jibroo campus), Indian School Darsait, Indian School Seeb, Indian School Sur, and Indian School Salalah, with more schools lined up for development.
In response to growing community demand, the board has also initiated feasibility studies to establish new Indian Schools in Barka and Sinaw, reaffirming its goal of expanding access to quality education in under-served regions.
Recognising that the quality of education is intrinsically linked to the capabilities of its educators, the Board has commenced a Training Needs Assessment survey among teaching staff to identify key areas for Professional Development (PD).
A structured PD roadmap will be formulated based on these insights to enhance instructional quality across the network.
In a first-of-its-kind move, this nascently formed board has also consented for the establishment of a Sports Academy under the supervision of the Sports Committee.
The academy will nurture and train students with sporting potential and ambition, offering them structured pathways to pursue careers in sports and allied fields.
Salman concluded by reiterating the board's student-centric vision: 'Every initiative taken by this board is directed towards the holistic development of our students—preparing them as global citizens, critical thinkers, and confident individuals in a rapidly evolving world.'
He called upon the parent community and all stakeholders to extend their wholehearted support in embracing and advancing these progressive changes within the Indian Schooling ecosystem in Oman.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Times of Oman
17 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Oman welcomes ILO decision to upgrade Palestine's status to "Observer State"
Geneva: The Sultanate of Oman expressed its full support for the decision made by the International Labour Conference to upgrade Palestine's membership from a national liberation movement to a "non-member observer state" within the organization. This step is based on legal and institutional considerations consistent with the principles of international justice, equitable representation, and fair participation in multilateral organizations. Khalid Salim Al Ghamari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour for Labour Affairs, delivered a speech at the conference, affirming that the State of Palestine has consistently engaged in active and responsible participation in the organization's work. He emphasized that Palestine has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to international labour standards and has cooperated constructively with the ILO's various mechanisms. Despite the exceptional challenges it faces, granting Palestine "observer member" status will enhance its ability to convey the realities of Palestinian workers and defend their rights through official and institutional channels, Al-Ghamari noted. He stated that this decision is a technical measure that strengthens the ILO's efficiency and inclusivity, reflecting its commitment to enabling all relevant parties to contribute to achieving decent work goals and promoting fundamental labour rights, in line with the spirit of international conventions and the organization's founding principles. He added that voting in favour of the resolution reaffirms the importance of multilateralism, inclusive engagement, and ensuring representation for all peoples in international organizations. It also reinforces the ILO's role as a platform for dialogue and understanding, upholding its foundational principles away from political tensions or narrow interests. During its 113th session today, the International Labour Conference, at the high-level ministerial meeting in Geneva, adopted the resolution with 386 votes in favour, 15 against, and 42 abstentions. The 113th session of the International Labour Conference began last Monday and concluded today, with the participation of tripartite delegations representing over 187 ILO member states, including governments, employers, and workers.


Times of Oman
19 hours ago
- Times of Oman
UAE sets global benchmark in peaceful nuclear energy development
Abu Dhabi: The UAE continues to cement its status as a global role model in developing a peaceful nuclear energy programme that adheres to the highest standards of safety, transparency, and international cooperation. This comes at a time when the world is increasingly turning to reliable energy sources that can support the transition to climate neutrality. From the outset, the UAE adopted a collaborative and open approach, forging robust international partnerships, most notably with the Republic of Korea and the United States, to drive forward its nuclear ambitions. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), highlighted the international stature of the UAE's peaceful nuclear energy programme. He highlighted the country's success in developing a global model for integrating nuclear power into a diverse and innovative energy portfolio. Al Hammadi noted that this achievement is rooted in the visionary leadership of the UAE, a clearly defined roadmap, and a firm commitment to the highest standards of safety and transparency, underpinned by strong international cooperation. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Hammadi added that the UAE has been a pioneer in international cooperation and coordination within the nuclear energy sector. He pointed to the country's significant efforts in this vital field, which culminated during the COP28 with over 30 nations pledging to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050 as part of the drive toward climate neutrality. Additionally, nearly 120 companies and banks worldwide committed to supporting this ambitious goal. He also highlighted the innovative model of international cooperation between the UAE and the U.S, which addresses the demands of the modern era and its rapid technological advancements, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and data centres. Al Hammadi emphasised that securing clean and reliable energy sources, such as nuclear power, is essential to support initiatives like the ''Stargate UAE'' project. Launched by a consortium of tech companies, the initiative aims to position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the global AI revolution. For their part, key UAE entities, led by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), play a central role in advancing the UAE's nuclear programme. Through a robust network of strategic and technical international partnerships, these institutions have facilitated knowledge transfer, experience exchange, and the development of specialised human capital. Cooperation with the Republic of Korea has served as the cornerstone for the successful development of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. Over time, this partnership has expanded to include new investment opportunities in international ventures, including the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). On the regulatory front, the UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) maintains agreements with its Korean counterpart covering joint inspections and capacity building. These ties are further strengthened through regular meetings to monitor technological advancements and regulatory developments. With the United States, the UAE has signed a series of strategic agreements aimed at advancing nuclear innovation and sustainability. These include a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to develop solutions for producing hydrogen, water, and steam at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The UAE has also partnered with TerraPower to support the development of advanced reactors, and signed an MoU with General Atomics (GA), a leading US advanced technology solutions company, to collaborate on using advanced technologies and materials for nuclear energy supply. Most recently, a partnership was announced with GE Vernova to jointly evaluate the deployment of the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology internationally. As part of its efforts to expand its network of strategic partnerships, the UAE is actively exploring avenues of cooperation with China in the development and operation of nuclear power plants, both domestically and in third countries. Areas of collaboration include the operation and maintenance of nuclear facilities, the development of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, nuclear fuel supply chains, and investment opportunities. In parallel, FANR has strengthened its ties with counterpart agencies through agreements that enhance cooperation in nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation, and capacity building, further reinforcing the UAE's commitment to global nuclear governance. In a move that underscores the expanding international footprint of the UAE's nuclear programme, ENEC has signed a cooperation agreement with Romania. As part of the agreement, the UAE will support the development of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project in Romania, backed by an investment of $275 million. The UAE continues to affirm its leadership as a regional model for countries pursuing nuclear energy as a strategic option. UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have concluded the first bilateral cooperation initiative in the nuclear regulatory industry. The cooperation follows the 2019 agreement on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy between the two nations. This was followed by regulatory partnerships focused on exchanging expertise, enhancing legislative frameworks, and strengthening emergency preparedness. Further expanding its regional outreach, the UAE and Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at COP28. The MoU sets the framework to explore opportunities for cooperation in advancing the use of peaceful nuclear energy and knowledge exchange.


Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Pact to advance urban air mobility in Oman
MUSCAT, JUNE 6 AeroVecto, an Oman-based startup specialising in sustainable air mobility solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Romanian-based LYNEports, a digital planning platform for advanced air mobility infrastructure, to support the rollout of hybrid electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aviation services in Oman and the wider GCC region. The partnership is set to take advanced air mobility services, currently in its nascency in Oman, to the next level. A number of Omani startups, in partnership with key players in the global international, are gearing up to introduce uncrewed air mobility services for, among other fields, cargo deliveries, passenger transportation, ambulance services, medical deliveries and even disaster relief. AeroVecto is credited with developing Shuttle, a hybrid eVTOL aircraft purposely built for mass public transportation. According to the company, the high-capacity aircraft will enhance current ground-based public transport by enabling convenient point-to-point travel. With a focus on passenger volume and comfort, Shuttle aims to revolutionise urban and intercity mobility, introducing a new era of clean, efficient and scalable air transport. Through the partnership, LYNEports will assist in planning and simulating AeroVecto's Shuttle network, ensuring each site meets aviation-grade safety standards, operational viability and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, by leveraging LYNEports' AI-driven platform, AeroVecto can evaluate ideal locations, model flight routes and visualise integrated transport systems, accelerating the adoption of advanced air mobility across Oman. 'At AeroVecto, our vision is to make high-capacity aerial commuting a practical reality for cities across the region. We are excited to partner with LYNEports to advance vertiport planning and route optimisation of the Shuttle network, enabling efficient urban air transport for the masses,' said Fahad al Riyami, CEO of AeroVecto, in a statement. 'We're excited to support AeroVecto in bringing their innovative vision to life,' said Rasha Alshami, CEO of LYNEports. 'Their commitment to solving real public transport challenges in the region aligns perfectly with our mission to make AAM infrastructure accessible, safe and well-planned from day one.' AeroVecto's vision extends beyond aircraft development; the company is also designing "Shuttle Hubs" — dedicated vertiports strategically located in urban centres, coastal areas and atop buildings to facilitate seamless boarding and integration with existing transport networks. The Shuttle platform includes variants for cargo delivery, emergency response and premium travel, showcasing its versatility across sectors. Oman is making significant strides in developing its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, aligning with the Oman Vision 2040 goals for sustainable and smart transportation. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) has initiated the formulation of a national AAM strategy. This strategy focuses on integrating drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into urban transport systems to alleviate congestion and enhance connectivity. Last July, Oman's national passenger transportation company Mwasalat announced a partnership with US VTOL aircraft manufacturer Odys Aviation to support the development of Aerial Logistics Programmes in the GCC based on the latter's hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, Laila. Additionally, with the goal of supporting workforce development linked to this emerging sector, a leading college in Muscat has announced a partnership with aircraft maker Boeing to launch the an Air Taxis and Advanced Air Mobility programme designed to provide undergraduate aviation students with opportunities for research, curriculum enrichment and participation in business challenges related to urban air mobility. Together with regulatory support from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and other stakeholder agencies, these developments underscore Oman's ambitions to become a regional leader in advanced air mobility. HIGHLIGHTS Oman is making significant strides in developing its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, aligning with the Oman Vision 2040 goals for sustainable and smart transportation