Latest news with #HamdanalFazari
Observer
6 days ago
- General
- Observer
Workshop looks at advancing coastal water sustainability
SUHAR: As part of its commitment to advancing scientific research and environmental sustainability, Sohar University hosted a high-level workshop on Monday entitled: 'Assessing the Impact of the Decision Support System for Coastal Waters (DISCO) on Stakeholders'. The event was organised in collaboration with the Directorate-General of Fisheries Research at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and comes as part of the ongoing activities under the DISCO research project, which is strategically funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and receives a funding support from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The workshop commenced with a keynote address by Prof Kelvin Bwalya, Director of Research Development at Sohar University. He began by warmly welcoming the delegates on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Dr Hamdan al Fazari, quoting, "I extend a warm welcome to all the delegates to this prestigious event. Sohar University is always happy to host internationally recognised events to reaffirm our commitment to meaningful research that aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Oman Vision 2040." Prof Bwalya further expressed pride in the university's collaboration on a Nasa-funded research project alongside esteemed partners from the USA and Oman's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. Dr Dawood al Yahyai, Director-General of Fisheries Research, delivered another keynote address. He emphasised the critical role of the DISCO system in advancing sustainable marine resource management and enabling data-driven environmental decision-making through cutting-edge monitoring technologies. Led by Prof Dale Kiefer, Principal Investigator from the University of Southern California, the research team presented the developmental journey of the DISCO system and its technical capabilities in monitoring oceanographic and environmental conditions of coastal waters. Presentations were also delivered by Suad al Bimani from the Marine Science and Fisheries Centre, highlighting the key challenges facing Oman's coastal ecosystems. Dr Scott Burg and Prof Rakesh Belwal from Sohar University presented the methodology used for stakeholder impact assessment, which is part of the new evaluation phase of the project supported by Nasa. The scientific programme featured six main sessions, including live demonstrations, scientific presentations and interactive discussions. The participants were divided into two parallel focus groups to evaluate user needs, provide feedback on the system's capabilities, and explore ways to enhance its adoption and impact across relevant sectors. The event brought together experts and representatives from major national institutions, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Royal Navy of Oman, OQ, Majis Industrial Services, Sultan Qaboos University, the National University of Science and Technology, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences and Sohar University.
Observer
13-04-2025
- Science
- Observer
Sohar University VC presents paper at Beirut conference
SUHAR: Dr Hamdan al Fazari, Vice-Chancellor of Sohar University, participated in the 22nd International Conference of the Arab Academy of Sciences, held in Beirut, Lebanon, on April 11–12. He presented a research paper titled 'Artificial Intelligence and its Potential to Transform Higher Education in the Arab States.' The conference centred on the theme 'Higher Education in the Arab World: Artificial Intelligence.' In his presentation, Dr Al Fazari underscored the significance of the theme, emphasising the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reshaping the higher education landscape across the Arab world. He noted that AI holds immense promise for personalised learning, improved student outcomes, enhanced teaching practices and a strengthened research ecosystem. Dr Al Fazari's paper explored how AI-powered tools and platforms can revolutionise teaching and learning processes, enabling adaptive learning environments, personalised feedback and support for educators in adopting innovative teaching methodologies. He examined the current integration of AI in higher education (HE), assessing the opportunities, ethical implications, labour market alignment and the overall readiness of Arab states to embrace this digital shift. He pointed out that some Arab nations have already begun integrating AI into both academic programmes and administrative functions. This move reflects a growing recognition of the role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in equipping students with the skills required for the evolving job market. Concluding his paper, Dr Al Fazari stressed the importance of aligning academic offerings with technological advancements. He stated that by embracing AI technologies and best practices, Arab universities can position themselves as pioneers in the AI era, delivering world-class education and preparing students for the demands and opportunities of the future.
Observer
10-02-2025
- Science
- Observer
Sohar University, Unesco hosts AI conferences
SUHAR: Sohar University officially inaugurated the Artificial Intelligence Conference: Navigating Digital Skills and Decent Work; and the Sohar University Research Conference (SURC8) on Sunday, at its campus. The conferences are organised in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) — Doha Regional Office and the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. These two significant events aim to enhance research and innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) and various academic disciplines, providing a platform for students and researchers to showcase their innovations. The conferences also focus on fostering digital and professional skills, exploring global digital transformation and strengthening international collaborations between Sohar University and global organisations. A major goal of the conferences is to contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs) through the integration of AI and modern technologies across sectors. The first day began with an address from Dr Hamdan al Fazari, Vice Chancellor of Sohar University, who emphasised the university's commitment to equipping students with the skills needed to meet market demands in the AI era. He highlighted Sohar University's integration of AI technologies into its educational and administrative processes, including AI-powered chatbots for student support, virtual classrooms for remote learning and predictive analytics for identifying at-risk students. Dr Al Fazari also discussed the importance of ethics in AI and the transformation of jobs in the digital age. In addition to the local experts, the event featured international keynote speakers from Australia, Finland, China, US, Lebanon and Qatar. These speakers covered a range of topics, including AI ethics, AI in higher education and the future of jobs with AI. Notable speakers included Dragan Gasevic from Monash University, Australia, who explored Ethics and Rational AI and Prof Abdulnasir Hossen, Unesco Chair on AI at Sultan Qaboos University, who addressed the Future of Skills and Job Transformation with AI. Dr Anasse Bouhlal, Regional Programme Specialist for Higher Education and TVET at Unesco, and Bader Suliman al Harthy, Assistant Secretary-General at the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, emphasised the importance of digital transformation for economic and social progress in Oman. They also acknowledged the need for the integration of digital skills and technologies across various sectors. The first day concluded with an interactive panel discussion, moderated by Nur Naha Binti Abu Mansor, Dean of the Faculty of Business at Sohar University. The discussions will continue over the next two days, offering a rich exchange of ideas and insights among academics, researchers and professionals in AI and scientific research.
