logo
60 international institutions join ME scholarship forum in Muscat

60 international institutions join ME scholarship forum in Muscat

Muscat Daily16-02-2025

Muscat – The capital city of Muscat on Sunday hosted the third ICEF Middle East Scholarship and Partnership Summit, bringing together more than 60 international universities and institutions known for their academic programmes.
Organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, the two-day forum is focusing on student exchange, research collaboration, and challenges related to scholarships.
Held under the patronage of H H Sayyid Dr Kamil Fahad al Said, Secretary-General in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, the summit aimed to strengthen academic ties and expand opportunities for students.
H E Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, highlighted the importance of the forum in promoting knowledge exchange and enhancing agreements with regional and international institutions.
'This summit plays a key role in advancing Oman's transition into a knowledge-based economy by fostering partnerships that support education and research,' she said.
Discussions covered global higher education indicators, strategies for developing national capacities, and best practices in scholarships and training. Experts also explored the role of international students in shaping global citizenship, the significance of cultural adaptation, and the importance of Arabic language learning in cross-cultural exchanges.
The forum also showcased successful educational initiatives from Oman and the wider GCC region. It highlighted the role of small and medium enterprises in driving innovation and providing practical training for international students, further strengthening links between academia and industry.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

In Cairo, the little indie cinema that could
In Cairo, the little indie cinema that could

Observer

time5 days ago

  • Observer

In Cairo, the little indie cinema that could

In the heart of Cairo, a small cinema has for over a decade offered a unique space for independent film in a country whose industry is largely dominated by commercial considerations. Zawya, meaning "perspective" in Arabic, has weathered the storm of Egypt's economic upheavals, championing a more artistic approach from the historical heart of the country's golden age of cinema. Zawya was born in the post-revolutionary artistic fervour of the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime president Hosni Mubarak. "There was this energy where people wanted to produce and create, not just in cinema, but in all the arts, you could feel it," said Zawya founder Youssef Shazli. In the time since, it has escaped a wave of closures -- some forced -- of art centres across the capital. Egypt had long been known as the Hollywood of the Arab world, but in the decades since its mid-century heyday, the domestic industry has largely been restricted to crowd-pleasing blockbusters. "It's often said that we're lucky to have a large film industry, with infrastructure already in place," said filmmaker Maged Nader. "But the truth is this industry operates solely on a commercial logic," leaving little room for independent filmmakers, he added. Yet Zawya has survived in its niche, in part due to the relative financial stability afforded to it by its parent company Misr International Films. Founded in 1972 by Egyptian cinematic giant Youssef Chahine -- Shazli's great uncle -- the company continues to produce and distribute films. - Young talent - For Shazli, Zawya is "a cinema for films that don't fit into traditional theatres". But for young cinephiles like 24-year-old actress Lujain, "it feels like home," she told AFP as she joined a winding queue into the larger of Zawya's two theatres. Since 2014, Zawya's year-round programming -- including both local and international short films, documentaries and feature films -- has secured the loyalty of a small but passionate scene. Its annual short film festival, held every spring, has become a vital space for up-and-coming directors trying to break through a system that leaves little room for experimentation. "I didn't even consider myself a filmmaker until Zawya screened my short," said Michael Samuel, 24, who works in advertising but says the cinema rekindled his artistic ambition. For many, that validation keeps them going. "Zawya has encouraged more people to produce these films because they finally have somewhere to be seen," said the cinema's manager, Mohamed Said. When Mostafa Gerbeii, a self-taught filmmaker, was looking for a set for his first film shoot, he also turned to the cinema. Without a studio or a budget, Zawya "just lent us their hall for free for a whole day", he said, saving the young director 100,000 Egyptian pounds (around $2,000) to rent a location. People arrive at the Zawya cinema in downtown Cairo on May 1, 2025. In the heart of Cairo, a small cinema has for over a decade offered a unique space for independent film in a country whose industry is largely dominated by commercial considerations (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP) - The heir - The light of its marquee spilling onto downtown Cairo's Emad al-Din Street, Zawya is the 21st-century heir to a long artistic tradition that still lingers, though often hidden away in corners of the district's broad avenues. "It's a unique neighbourhood with an equally unique flavour of artistic and intellectual life," said Chihab El Khachab, a professor at the University of Oxford and author of the book "Making Film in Egypt". Starting in the late 19th century, the area was home to the city's biggest theatres and cabarets, launching the careers of the Arab world's most celebrated singers and actors. Today, its arteries flowing out of Tahrir square -- the heart of the 2011 uprising -- the neighbourhood is home to new-age coworking spaces and galleries, side by side with century-old theatres and bars. Yet even as it withstands the hegemony of mall multiplexes, Zawya cannot escape Egypt's pervasive censorship laws. Like every cinema in Egypt, each film must pass through a state censors before screening. "Over time, you learn to predict what will slide and what won't," Shazli said. But even the censors' scissors have failed to cut off the stream of ambition among burgeoning filmmakers. "Around Zawya, there's a lot of talent -- in every corner," Shazli said. "But what I wonder is: are there as many opportunities as there is talent? That's the real issue we need to address." —AFP

Oman's liquid H2 corridor a model for global hydrogen trade
Oman's liquid H2 corridor a model for global hydrogen trade

Observer

time6 days ago

  • Observer

Oman's liquid H2 corridor a model for global hydrogen trade

MUSCAT, JUNE 2 A landmark agreement signed recently by Oman to establish the world's first trade corridor for liquid hydrogen (H2), marks a pivotal step in consolidating the Sultanate's position as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. This was the central message of a recent article by Attaqa, a Washington-based Arabic-language platform dedicated to energy news and analysis. Titled "Exporting Liquefied Hydrogen Represents a Qualitative Leap for Oman and a Promising Opportunity for Middle East Countries", the article summarizes the views of several international energy experts who see the agreement as a model for global hydrogen trade. The proposed Liquid Hydrogen Corridor will connect the Port of Duqm in Oman with the Port of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, enabling the transport of liquid hydrogen deeper into Europe via logistics hubs in Germany and beyond. Key players in this groundbreaking initiative include Hydrom—the master planner of Oman's green hydrogen sector—and OQ, the Sultanate's integrated global energy group. Oman's leadership in this transformative venture has earned international praise. Salah Mahdi, Global Director of Hydrogen at Chart Industries, a major player in hydrogen liquefaction and transport technologies, described the project as a "qualitative leap" that reflects a forward-thinking vision combining ambition and pragmatism. By taking a pioneering role in this initiative, Oman is demonstrating its intent to go beyond exploring hydrogen potential and instead develop a large-scale, integrated value chain. The country is leveraging not only its abundant renewable energy resources and strategic geographic location but also its growing partnerships with European nations, he said. 'If this project is implemented well—and initial signs are promising—this corridor could become a global model for intercontinental hydrogen trade,' Mahdi told Attaqa. He called Oman's decision to adopt liquid hydrogen a 'strategic choice,' noting that liquefied hydrogen, like LNG, can be transported in bulk over long distances. Mahdi highlighted the project's integrated system, which includes large-scale hydrogen production, advanced liquefaction, refrigerated container shipping, and regasification facilities in Europe. Such an ecosystem, he said, could serve as a clean energy artery linking the Middle East with Europe. Chart Industries, he said, is currently collaborating with a number of developers in the MENA region to produce and liquefy hydrogen locally for eventual export to Europe. He noted in this regard that, as a pioneer in this field, Oman would set standards and establish infrastructure models for other Arab countries to emulate. Matt Moran, Managing Director of Moran Innovation LLC, a leading player in hydrogen liquefaction, emphasized Oman's early leadership in the liquefied hydrogen sector. He cited the nation's abundant solar potential, low-cost land, trained workforce, existing gas infrastructure, and access to seawater and methane as significant advantages. He also stressed the importance of learning from other hydrogen export projects, such as Australia's shipments to Japan, and highlighted Germany and the Netherlands as natural trade partners due to their strong demand, infrastructure, and LNG ties. Frank Wouters, Chair of the Hydrogen Alliance for the Middle East and North Africa, noted that while liquefied hydrogen is gaining momentum, it's one of several viable transport methods—others include ammonia or liquid organic hydrogen carriers. Interest in liquefied hydrogen led to the recent creation of the Dii Liquid Hydrogen Taskforce (DLHTF) by Dii Desert Energy, a leading international public-private network focusing on green hydrogen. Wouters, who leads the taskforce, said its mission is to clarify the benefits and challenges of this emerging energy carrier.

QS and Modern College of Business and Science Announce Strategic Partnership in Zanzibar
QS and Modern College of Business and Science Announce Strategic Partnership in Zanzibar

Times of Oman

time7 days ago

  • Times of Oman

QS and Modern College of Business and Science Announce Strategic Partnership in Zanzibar

Muscat – QS Quacquarelli Symonds, global higher education experts and compiler of the QS World University Rankings, will hold the annual QS Africa Forum at the Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport Hotel from 3-4 July. The forum will address issues related to the theme 'Maximising Africa's Potential: Scientific Research, Knowledge Transfer, Innovation, and Skills for a Thriving Future' and is co-hosted by the Modern College of Business and Science. QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the world's leading provider of services, analytics, and insights to the global higher education sector, is pleased to announce the QS Africa Forum 2025, co-sponsored by the Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS), Oman's leading institution for business and applied sciences. The event will be held in Zanzibar in July 2025 under the theme 'Maximizing Africa's Potential: Scientific Research, Knowledge Transfer, Innovation, and Skills for a Thriving Future.' Under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, this landmark event will bring together leaders from academia, industry, and government to engage in critical dialogues on harnessing higher education as a catalyst for Africa's transformation. The forum aims to explore how to maximise the continent's vast potential by equipping emerging generations with future-ready skills, knowledge, and opportunities to drive economic growth, innovation, and societal progress. 'We are honored to co-sponsor the QS Africa Forum 2025, a significant platform that aligns perfectly with MCBS's commitment to fostering global academic partnerships and supporting the growth of East Africa as a key player in the international knowledge economy,' said Executive Chairman, Dr Muneer Al Maskari. 'This forum will empower the region to maximize its educational and innovation potential through effective knowledge transfer and capacity building.' Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice-President, said: 'The QS Africa Forum is a pivotal and transformative event that unites leaders from universities, academia, industry, and government. Its mission is to foster collaboration, champion sustainability, and serve as a catalyst for innovation and thought leadership to tackle vital contemporary challenges. We would like to thank our hosts, The Modern College of Business and Science, for their outstanding support in making this event possible.' Guest speakers include: ▪ Dr. Bismark Tyobeka, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, North-West University, South Africa ▪ Prof. Kayode Ijadunola, Vice-Chancellor, Elizade University, Nigeria ▪ Hon. Lela Muhamed Mussa, The Minister of Education and Vocational Training Revolutionary, Government of Zanzibar ▪ Dr Muneer Al Maskari, Executive Chairman, Modern College of Business and Science ▪ Prof. Qurashi Mohmed Ali, President, National University, Sudan The QS Africa Forum 2025 is a premier event for higher education leaders, researchers, and investors, with sessions dedicated to Africa's potential in scientific research, innovation, and skills development. This Forum focuses on knowledge transfer as a key enabler of sustainable development and the pathways for collaboration between African Higher Education Institutions and leading educational institutions worldwide.

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