Latest news with #Eidaad
Observer
21-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
6th phase of 'Eidaad' internship programme launched
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in partnership with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and various higher education institutions, launched the sixth phase of the national internship programme 'Eidaad'. The launch ceremony saw the signing of 12 agreements (cooperation protocols) between industrial and academic sectors. The agreements were signed by Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and Farid bin Khalfan al Harthy, Executive Director of Corporate Support at PDO, and representatives of the industrial and private sector institutions concerned. Eidaad is a flagship initiative that bridges the gap between academia and industry by offering a full-year practical training opportunity with leading companies in Oman. The programme is designed to provide Omani university students with an immersive, hands-on learning experience aligned with their academic specialisations and labour market demands. Dr Mariam bint Belarab al Nabhaniyah, Director-General of Private Universities and Colleges at the Ministry, in her speech emphasised the strategic significance of the initiative in achieving Oman Vision 2040. 'Empowering Omani youth and enhancing their skills to meet job market demands is one of the core objectives of Oman Vision 2040. This is evident in our ongoing commitment to providing inclusive education, lifelong learning and impactful scientific research to develop national capabilities and foster a knowledge-based society.' The launch ceremony saw the signing of 12 agreements (cooperation protocols) between industrial and academic sectors. Farid bin Khalfan al Harthy, stated: 'The Eidaad programme reflects PDO's institutional transformation and our redefined role in contributing to Oman's future. It equips Omani youth with skills that meet emerging market requirements and supports the development of a resilient, knowledge-based economy. This partnership reaffirms our long-term commitment to human capital development and creating lasting impact for future generations.' Eng Hamed bin Saif al Hadhrami, Manager of External Training and Development at PDO, also noted: 'We are proud to take part in this pioneering national initiative, which brings tangible value to the country and nurtures young talent. It is crucial that we continue to work closely with academic institutions to align educational outcomes with industry needs and to update curricula that reflect real-world challenges. This collaboration will open doors for students to enter the job market with strong foundational skills for long-term success.' Since its inception in 2020, over 1,000 students have graduated from the programme. In its current phase, more than 400 students from various institutions across Oman are expected to participate, with placements across more than 40 companies spanning multiple sectors. This phase of the programme introduces enhanced features, including the 'Specialisation Alignment Initiative' which helps students and academic advisers better understand career pathways related to specific fields of study. This empowers students to make informed decisions about their professional futures. Additionally, the programme's updated framework incorporates core competencies such as critical thinking, communication and professional ethics to better prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market. Among the participants, students Ma'ther Ali and Sheikha al Badi expressed pride in being part of the Eidaad experience. 'The programme gave us the freedom to choose meaningful projects, while also offering academic and emotional support along the way. It helped us gain practical insight into real-world environments that will serve us in our future careers.' Nisreen Abdullah, a student from the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), shared a similar sentiment: 'Eidaad has been both academically and professionally enriching. I strongly encourage all university students to join, as it offers significant value to one's future career.' The Eidaad programme stands out as a practical model for effective collaboration between higher education and the private sector - enhancing graduate readiness, fostering innovation and supporting the national agenda for sustainable economic development.
Muscat Daily
21-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman launches new phase of industry-academia skills programme
Muscat – Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) has launched the sixth phase of the Eidaad programme – aimed at deepening collaboration between industry and academia – in cooperation with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and higher education institutions. Eidaad is a national internship initiative offering one-year placements for university students in leading companies across the sultanate. The programme focuses on applied learning in fields aligned with market needs, equipping participants with technical expertise, communication skills and professional competencies suited for Oman's evolving economy. The sixth phase was formalised on Monday with a signing ceremony at Arab Open University. The agreement was signed by representatives of MoHERI, PDO, academic institutions and private sector partners. Speaking at the event, H E Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrooqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, said the programme is part of efforts to align education with Oman Vision 2040 goals. 'Enabling Omani youth by nurturing their capabilities and skills to better prepare them for the rapidly changing job market is one of the strategic goals of Vision 2040.' Hamed al Hadhrami, External Learning and Development Manager at PDO, described the initiative as a national effort to align academic outcomes with real-world demands. 'It is key that we continue to work together to align academic outputs with industry needs and enhance curriculum development to address industry challenges,' he said. Since its inception in 2020, over 1,000 students have graduated from the Eidaad programme. In the current phase, more than 400 students from across Oman's higher education institutions are expected to be placed in over 40 companies spanning various sectors. Farid al Harthy, PDO's Executive Director of Business Support, said the initiative reflects the company's wider transformation strategy. 'Eidaad is a tangible example of PDO's Journey of Transformation, 'ForOman'. By equipping young Omanis with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a changing world, we're helping to build a resilient, knowledge-based economy.' To support ongoing development, the programme has also enhanced its mapping module, providing students and academic advisors with information on career options linked to their academic specialisations. The module is part of efforts to help students make informed career decisions while strengthening their readiness for the modern workforce.
Times of Oman
21-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Sixth phase of National Programme "Eidaad" launched in Oman
Muscat : The Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, in cooperation with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), today launched the sixth phase of the National Program for Training University Students, titled "Eidaad" (Eidaad), under the patronage of Her Excellency Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, at the Arab Open University in Seeb. The "Eidaad" program is a national training program that extends over a full academic year and targets students in their penultimate year at public and private higher education institutions in the Sultanate of Oman. It aims to provide students with basic skills by exposing them to the work environment and its requirements for a sufficient period of time. This program is part of efforts to enhance cooperation between the industrial and academic sectors by providing participants with the technical expertise, knowledge, and skills necessary to meet the requirements of the labor market. This edition of the program is being attended by 28 higher education institutions (both public and private), along with 41 sponsoring companies and institutions from the industrial and private sectors. The number of graduates from the program since its first edition in 2020 has exceeded 1,000 students. The ceremony included the announcement of the creation of an advanced career path mapping unit, which aims to provide students and academic advisors with a more comprehensive view of academic specialisations and related jobs, helping them make informed career decisions. A detailed visual presentation was also given on the program's components. 12 cooperation agreements/protocols were also signed between the industrial, private, and academic sectors. These agreements were signed on behalf of the Ministry by Her Excellency Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, and on behalf of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), by Farid bin Khalfan Al Harthy, Executive Director of Corporate Support at the company, and on behalf of the industrial and private sector institutions by several representatives. It's worth noting that the primary objectives of the "Eidaad" program are to strengthen the link between the three sectors: academics, represented by public and private higher education institutions, and industry in the Sultanate of Oman, and to provide systematic training opportunities for higher education students, with the goal of creating meaningful employment opportunities in the labor market after graduation.
