Latest news with #FahadalJulandaalSaid
Muscat Daily
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
674 publishers from 35 countries to participate in Muscat book fair
Muscat – The 2025 edition of the Muscat International Book Fair will open on April 23 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, under the patronage of H H Sayyid Dr Fahad al Julanda al Said, Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University. The Ministry of Information revealed details of the fair at a press conference on Wednesday, highlighting an expanded cultural programme and broad international participation, reinforcing its position as one of Oman's leading literary and cultural events. H E Mohammed bin Said bin Mohammed al Balushi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Information, said that North Sharqiyah governorate will be the Guest of Honour for this year's edition. The region's cultural and historical identity will be featured through dedicated exhibitions and activities showcasing its scientific contributions, heritage landmarks and development projects across its wilayats. More than 74 media professionals from 50 international organisations have been invited to cover the fair, in addition to local and regional outlets and social media content creators focused on books and culture. Several cultural activities will be broadcast live during the fair. Ahmed bin Saud al Rawahi, Director of the Muscat International Book Fair, announced participation of 674 publishing houses from 35 countries, including 640 direct participants and 34 through local representatives. 'Attendees can expect a diverse range of publications, panel discussions and cultural showcases designed to engage a broad audience of book lovers, academics, authors and publishers,' he said. The 2025 edition will also include 'Saudi Cultural Days', featuring a special pavilion highlighting the kingdom's literary and artistic contributions. The initiative aims to deepen cultural ties between Oman and Saudi Arabia. According to Rawahi, more than 681,000 book titles are listed on the fair's website, reflecting the growing scale of the event and its role in promoting reading. Alongside literary offerings, the fair will host youth workshops, interactive sessions and thematic exhibitions aimed at fostering a culture of reading and learning across generations.
Muscat Daily
17-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
SQU launches programme to attract international students
Muscat – Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has unveiled a new programme called 'Afaq', aimed at attracting both international and Omani undergraduate students. The initiative is part of the university's strategic efforts to improve its global ranking and align with Oman Vision 2040. The programme is designed to offer educational opportunities to international students wishing to pursue studies at SQU, as well as to Omani students who seek specialisations not available through the Unified Admission Center. This move aims to further diversify the student body and enhance the overall academic environment at the university. According to H H Sayyid Dr Fahad al Julanda al Said, Vice Chancellor of SQU, the programme is an important step in the university's broader efforts to improve its international standing. 'International student admission is a key indicator of a university's global ranking,' he said. 'This programme will help increase campus diversity, enriching both academic and cultural experiences for students.' A total of up to 300 students, both international and Omani, will be admitted under the programme each year. Importantly, these additional seats will not impact the number of places available to Omani students through the Unified Admission Center. The new seats will be spread across various colleges and specialisations, excluding the College of Medicine and Health Sciences. International students will be able to apply directly through the university's official website, while Omani applicants must register through the Unified Admission Center. All students accepted into the programme will be required to adhere to the same academic standards and regulations. H E Dr Fahad added that the Afaq programme reflects a new vision for the university to establish itself as a world-class academic destination.
