Latest news with #FahdbinalJulandaalSaid
Observer
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Observer
SQU launches programme to accept international students
Muscat - Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has announced the launch of the 'Afaq' programme for the admission of international and Omani students to undergraduate studies as part of its plans to support the enhancement of its international ranking and in line with Oman Vision 2040. The program aims to provide educational opportunities for international students wishing to study at Sultan Qaboos University, as well as for Omanis who wish to study certain specializations but were not able to obtain them at the university as a result of the selection process through the Unified Admissions Center, according to clear and specific conditions and fees, without affecting the number of allocated seats for which Omani students compete through the Unified Admissions Center each year. The program is scheduled to begin implementation starting from the next academic year. Sayyid Dr. Fahd bin al Julanda al Said, President of the University, said that this step comes as part of the University's efforts to enhance its international ranking, as the acceptance of international students is one of the indicators of international rankings. Dr. Fahd added that the program will contribute to increasing student diversity on campus, enhancing students' academic and cultural experiences. The university president indicated that the program aims to accept a maximum of 300 international and Omani students, without affecting the number of allocated seats that Omani students compete for through the Unified Admissions Center each year. The new seats will be distributed across various colleges and specializations, except for the College of Medicine and Health Sciences. International students applying for the program will be able to register through the university's official website, while Omani students will be able to register through the Unified Admissions Center, subject to clear and specific conditions. All accepted students will be subject to the same academic rules and regulations.
Muscat Daily
01-03-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Winners of SQU's AI-enhanced drone competition announced
Muscat – The second edition of Oman AI-Enhanced Drone Competition concluded on Thursday at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), held under the patronage of H H Sayyid Dr Fahd bin al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of the university. Organised by SQU's College of Engineering in collaboration with Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the competition is part of the Makeen Initiative for digital competency development. It aims to raise awareness on drone applications, enhance technological skills among Omani youth, and support economic growth by fostering expertise in AI-integrated drone technology. It also prepares participants for regional and international competitions. Winners were announced in two categories. In the Remote Control Category, Sanad al Salmi from SQU secured first place, followed by Luqman al Saqri from Military Technical College. In the AI-Powered Autonomous Control Category, Osama al Rawahi and Yusuf al Shuaili from SQU won first place, while Ayah al Balushi, Sumaiya al Shamli and Zainab al Mahrouqi, also from SQU, took second place. The competition attracted 120 participants, including students and jobseekers from diverse disciplines. It was conducted in two phases. The first, held from July to September 2024, focused on manual drone operations. Participants completed a 15-hour intensive programme covering drone types, applications, regulations, safety protocols, and practical training in drone assembly and piloting through virtual simulators, controlled indoor environments and open-air flights. The second phase, in January 2025, was dedicated to AI-powered autonomous control. The top 40 participants from the first phase advanced to workshops on AI integration, computer vision and algorithm development. The training combined theoretical learning with hands-on experience in virtual simulations and real-world lab testing. The final competition rounds began mid-February 2025. In the Remote Control Category, 30 participants competed in the first elimination round, with 20 advancing to the second round and ten finalists competing for the top prize. In the AI-Powered Autonomous Control Category, 20 participants started in the first round, 16 progressed to the second, and 14 moved to the third, with the final ten competing in the concluding round at the end of February.
Observer
08-02-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's industrial growth: FDI surges by 51.9%
MUSCAT: Oman will celebrate Industry Day 2025 on Sunday, emphasising the role of supply chains and local content in enhancing the industrial sector. Under the patronage of HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin al Julanda al Said, President of Sultan Qaboos University, the event highlights the government's commitment to strengthening the manufacturing industry and attracting investment. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) has reported significant growth in Oman's industrial sector, with foreign direct investment (FDI) in manufacturing reaching RO 2.13 billion by the end of Q3 2024—a 51.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023. INDUSTRIAL SECTOR'S EXPANDING ROLE IN OMAN'S ECONOMY Dr Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Under-Secretary for Commerce and Industry at MoCIIP, emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing challenges faced by industrial establishments. Oman's Industrial Strategy 2040, which received Royal approval in May 2024, is a cornerstone of the country's efforts to build a robust industrial future. Industrial activities contributed RO 6.09 billion to GDP by the end of September 2024, reflecting a 5.4% increase from the previous year. The manufacturing sector alone grew by 8.5%, reaching RO 2.69 billion at constant prices. These figures demonstrate the industrial sector's increasing impact on the national economy, contributing 19.5% to GDP, with manufacturing accounting for 10%. Dr. Masan also highlighted efforts to modernise the industry, including automation programs, supply chain optimisation, and technology-driven investments. Initiatives such as the Omani Product Identity, Oman Numbering Center, and the Itqan Program aim to enhance local manufacturing capabilities and global competitiveness. Dr Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Under-Secretary for Commerce and Industry at MoCIIP. ENHANCING LOCAL SUPPLY CHAINS & LOGISTICS The 2025 Industry Day, themed 'Supply Chains', will focus on strengthening local content in logistics services to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and attract investment. Mazen bin Humaid al Siyabi, Assistant Director General of Industry at MoCIIP, emphasised that effective supply chain management is crucial in today's rapidly evolving industrial landscape. Al Siyabi reported that from January to November 2024: - 84,116 industrial licenses were issued - 697 customs exemption requests were submitted - 4,466 exemptions were granted for machinery and equipment - 363 Omani Product Identity certificates were issued He underscored that strong supply chains enhance operational efficiency, manage risks, improve cash flow, and strengthen Oman's position in the global industrial market. OMAN'S TRADE BALANCE AND INVESTMENT CLIMATE According to Eng. Jassim bin Saif Al Jadeedi, Technical Director at MoCIIP, Oman's trade balance reached RO 37.3 billion by November 2024, reflecting an 8.86% increase from 2023. The trade surplus stood at RO 7.14 billion, driven by a 7.7% rise in exports and a 10.6% growth in imports. He attributed this performance to Oman Vision 2040's economic policies, which have successfully: - Increased non-oil sector productivity - Enhanced infrastructure for industrial investment - Created a competitive investment environment EMPOWERING SMES & LOCAL MANUFACTURING Tawfiq bin Abdul Hussain Al Lawati, Chairman of the Industry Committee at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasised that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) account for 90% of Oman's industrial sector. Supporting SMEs through incentives, exemptions, and industrial sone policies will boost local content, enhance job creation, and strengthen economic diversification. Meanwhile, Shaikh Dr Hilal bin Abdullah al Hinai, Chairman of the Omani Industry Association, highlighted that 70% of Omani industrial firms now hold international quality certifications like ISO, reinforcing their ability to compete globally. He noted that local content in key industries reached 30% in 2023, with plans to increase it to 50% by 2030. — ONA
