Omani-Saudi forum explores ways to enhance knowledge cooperation
Muscat: The Omani-Saudi Knowledge Dialogue Forum commenced in Muscat, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in collaboration with the Saudi Council of University Affairs.
The forum's opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
(MoHERI). It serves as a strategic platform to enhance knowledge cooperation and expertise exchange between the two brotherly countries.
The forum aims to establish partnerships between higher education institutions in Oman and their counterparts in Saudi Arabia, strengthen scientific research collaboration through joint research programmes and researcher exchanges, promote student and academic exchanges, and encourage the establishment of research and development centres.
Dr Maryam al Nabhani, Director-General of Private Universities and Colleges, emphasised the forum's importance, stating: "This forum builds on the longstanding fraternal relations between Oman and Saudi Arabia and serves as a strategic platform to foster academic cooperation and the exchange of expertise. It aims to support institutional twinning between universities in both countries, enhance joint research programmes, promote academic and student exchange, and encourage the establishment of research and development centres." She added that the forum will focus on key topics such as entrepreneurial universities in the Gulf, the role of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions in shaping smart campuses, and mechanisms for boosting research and innovation cooperation.
Additionally, the forum seeks to boost joint investments in education, scientific research and innovation while activating communication channels between intellectual, educational, and research institutions. These efforts contribute to supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and Saudi Vision 2030.
From the Saudi side, Dr Bassam bin Abdullah al Bassam, Secretary-General, Council of Universities' Affairs, extended his gratitude to Oman for hosting the forum. "This forum is a testament to the strong fraternal ties between our two countries and serves as a catalyst for academic cooperation and knowledge exchange among educational institutions. It provides a valuable opportunity to share experiences and elevate the quality of education across the GCC," he stated.
He added that institutions of higher learning are vital hubs for knowledge production, innovation, and talent development, playing a central role in addressing national and global challenges. "This meeting is an essential step toward deeper academic and research collaboration and will pave the way for future joint initiatives," he said.
Dr Al Bassam urged participants to make the most of this opportunity by establishing strong networks that support ongoing cooperation and contribute to national development goals.
The forum is expected to produce actionable recommendations to support the development of entrepreneurial universities that are integrated with public and private sectors. Discussions will also explore curriculum development, academic accreditation, technical education and open learning. A particular emphasis will be placed on increasing Gulf visibility in international academic conferences and promoting co-authored research publications.
The event includes several dialogue sessions focusing on challenges and opportunities in building leading universities in GCC countries, highlighting the role of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions in supporting education, learning, and smart campuses, as well as cooperation in scientific research and innovation. The forum features participation from nearly 70 Saudi universities, several research centres, and all public and private higher education institutions in Oman.
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