Global report highlights advanced higher education capabilities
The launch was held under the auspices of Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit.
The report underscored the significant growth in Oman's research output, which increased by 36.9 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023.
Dr Maryam al Nabhani, Director-General of Private Universities and Colleges, stated that Oman Vision 2040 has placed education, learning, research and national competencies at the heart of national priorities, forming the foundation for building a competitive and sustainable knowledge-based economy.
She added that the vision has set an ambitious goal of having four Omani universities ranked among the top 500 globally in the QS rankings by 2040. Notably, Oman achieved positive results in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, with five Omani universities included, compared to only two in the 2025 rankings — reflecting the sector's rapid progress.
Dr Al Nabhani explained that three private universities made their debut in the global rankings, namely Nizwa University (ranked 770-761), Dhofar University (ranked 900-851) and the German University of Technology in Oman 'GUtech' (ranked 1200-1001).
Additionally, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) made remarkable progress, climbing to 334th place globally, up from 362nd in 2025. Meanwhile, Sohar University achieved a qualitative leap, advancing to the 1000-951 bracket after being ranked 1200-1001 the previous year.
She attributed these positive outcomes to a strategic national approach, starting with enhancing education quality, supporting research, improving innovation ecosystems and establishing institutional infrastructure that meets international evaluation standards — including QS criteria such as academic reputation, research quality, employability, international collaboration and the ratio of international students.
The QS report serves as a strategic reference document, promoting Oman's higher education institutions globally, supporting efforts to develop higher education and reinforcing Oman's position as a leading regional and global hub for education and research in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Dr Moosa bin Abdullah al Kindi, Dean of the Modern College of Business and Science, stated that the release of the QS Higher Education Report on Oman marks a pivotal milestone in documenting and advancing higher education. He noted that the college's participation in this initiative aligns with its mission to actively contribute to national development through academic excellence, research and innovation.
He added that Oman's continued progress towards achieving Oman Vision 2040's goals makes such partnerships a vital tool for enhancing the global presence of its higher education sector. This event reflects the nation's commitment to improving education quality and achieving institutional excellence at regional and international levels. - ONA
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