Latest news with #KhamisbinSaifalJabri
Observer
24-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Global report highlights advanced higher education capabilities
MUSCAT: British institution Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) unveiled on Monday in Muscat the contents of its new global report, 'Advanced Capabilities of Higher Education in the Sultanate of Oman', highlighting Oman's growing role as an international hub for higher education. The launch was held under the auspices of Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit. The report underscored the significant growth in Oman's research output, which increased by 36.9 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023. Dr Maryam al Nabhani, Director-General of Private Universities and Colleges, stated that Oman Vision 2040 has placed education, learning, research and national competencies at the heart of national priorities, forming the foundation for building a competitive and sustainable knowledge-based economy. She added that the vision has set an ambitious goal of having four Omani universities ranked among the top 500 globally in the QS rankings by 2040. Notably, Oman achieved positive results in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, with five Omani universities included, compared to only two in the 2025 rankings — reflecting the sector's rapid progress. Dr Al Nabhani explained that three private universities made their debut in the global rankings, namely Nizwa University (ranked 770-761), Dhofar University (ranked 900-851) and the German University of Technology in Oman 'GUtech' (ranked 1200-1001). Additionally, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) made remarkable progress, climbing to 334th place globally, up from 362nd in 2025. Meanwhile, Sohar University achieved a qualitative leap, advancing to the 1000-951 bracket after being ranked 1200-1001 the previous year. She attributed these positive outcomes to a strategic national approach, starting with enhancing education quality, supporting research, improving innovation ecosystems and establishing institutional infrastructure that meets international evaluation standards — including QS criteria such as academic reputation, research quality, employability, international collaboration and the ratio of international students. The QS report serves as a strategic reference document, promoting Oman's higher education institutions globally, supporting efforts to develop higher education and reinforcing Oman's position as a leading regional and global hub for education and research in line with Oman Vision 2040. Dr Moosa bin Abdullah al Kindi, Dean of the Modern College of Business and Science, stated that the release of the QS Higher Education Report on Oman marks a pivotal milestone in documenting and advancing higher education. He noted that the college's participation in this initiative aligns with its mission to actively contribute to national development through academic excellence, research and innovation. He added that Oman's continued progress towards achieving Oman Vision 2040's goals makes such partnerships a vital tool for enhancing the global presence of its higher education sector. This event reflects the nation's commitment to improving education quality and achieving institutional excellence at regional and international levels. - ONA
Observer
22-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Muscat wraps up nationwide 'All Oman' initiative
MUSCAT: Muscat Governorate on Sunday hosted the final round of 'All Oman' initiative, which aims to enhance community partnership and embody the national trend of decentralisation. The event was held under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat. The final round of the three-day initiative, held at Oman Convention and Exhibition Center, aims to enhance direct communication between Omani governorates and the parties entrusted with implementing Oman Vision 2040. It seeks to enlighten and empower the local community through meetings, visits and workshops to unify efforts for devising an integrated approach. The Governor of Muscat said that 'All Oman' initiative represents a real opportunity to convert the goals of Oman Vision 2040 into tangible reality through open dialogue and joint action aimed to accommodate local initiatives in all governorates of Oman, leveraging the competitive advantages of the governorates in terms of investment, economic potential, social and cultural factors that set them apart. Muscat wraps up nationwide 'All Oman' initiative He added that the realisation of development goals and the implementation of strategic plans can only be achieved through meetings that reflect the common government-private sector approach and thinking linked to the needs of the local community. For his part, Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Head of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, underscored the efforts made to ensure the success of 'All Oman' initiative, which toured all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. He also lauded the advanced level of cooperation shown by the local community and official institutions. Al Jabri pointed out that the initiative embodies the spirit of community partnership, focusing on empowering local communities and enhancing the role of governorates in development. The 'All Oman' Initiative was held under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat The initiative's activities included specialised, knowledge-transfer-oriented workshops aimed to build the capacity of the governorate's employees and target audience from various sectors, like planning, project management and the Vision's follow-up offices. In Muscat Governorate, 'All Oman' initiative included a youth meeting that showcased inspiring experiences and success stories of how young people overcame challenges and how they made tangible impacts in their respective fields through innovation. The youth meeting served as a platform for dialogue among young people and contributed to their role as active partners in implementing the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 by introducing development initiatives and projects and by engaging various segments of society. — ONA
Observer
21-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
QS to launch report on Oman's higher education
MUSCAT: On Monday, June 23, Oman will host a landmark academic event to unveil a new global report by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, titled 'The Enormous Potential of Higher Education in the Sultanate of Oman.' The event will take place at the Modern College of Commerce and Science in Muscat, under the auspices of Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit and in the presence of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. Bringing together prominent academic leaders, policymakers, representatives from Omani universities and international institutions, the event will spotlight Oman's rising profile as a global hub for higher education. The QS report presents data-driven insights and practical recommendations aimed at enhancing the performance of Omani universities in global rankings. It also emphasises the Sultanate of Oman's strategic strengths — its geographic location, cultural diversity and sustained investment in educational development — as key drivers for attracting international students and researchers. This initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, reflecting the nation's strong commitment to raising educational standards and achieving institutional excellence on both regional and international fronts.
Observer
05-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
‘Align media messages with Vision 2040 priorities'
MUSCAT, MAY 5 The Government Communication Centre convened its 28th coordination meeting, bringing together representatives from media institutions and government entities across the Sultanate of Oman. The session forms part of a long-standing series of engagements aimed at fostering dialogue, aligning narratives, and enhancing institutional collaboration in the field of strategic communication. The gathering comes at a time of fast-evolving media and communication technologies, offering a timely platform to discuss developments, share expertise, and explore integrated approaches to public messaging. The initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which calls for modernising communication frameworks and reinforcing the role of media in national development. Addressing the meeting, Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Head of the Implementation Follow-up Unit for Oman Vision 2040, underlined the need to tailor strategies to suit the distinct circumstances of each development phase. He noted that ongoing coordination among institutions is critical to showcasing progress and ensuring the visibility of national achievements. 'Each period comes with its own context, and we must adapt our performance monitoring and implementation efforts accordingly,' said Dr Al Jabri. 'It is essential to highlight institutional accomplishments within a broader ecosystem, as most strategic projects are deeply interlinked.' Dr Al Jabri further stressed the need for government agencies to synchronise their media content with national priorities, ensuring coherence in messaging and programme delivery under the Oman Vision 2040 framework. He also urged institutions to embed the economic dimension within their communication outputs, encouraging them to articulate their contributions to economic growth and national resilience. 'Every government entity has an economic impact — it must be made visible. Moreover, economic risks must be factored into institutional performance to sustain effectiveness and inform policy outcomes,' he noted. The Government Communication Centre's ongoing meetings serve as a vital conduit for dialogue and policy alignment in a rapidly changing media landscape. By reinforcing inter- agency partnerships and updating communication strategies, the initiative supports transparent governance, informed citizen engagement, and the unified advancement of Oman Vision 2040 objectives.
Observer
13-02-2025
- Business
- Observer
OCCI launches 14 initiatives to boost economic growth
MUSCAT: Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) has unveiled 14 strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the Sultanate's business environment, fostering economic diversification, and strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors. The initiatives were announced at the conclusion of a four-day development workshop organised in collaboration with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit. The workshop, which saw participation from over 300 representatives of 20 government and private entities, culminated in the approval of the initiatives and the signing of their executive plans. The closing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Head of the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, and Shaikh Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI's Board of Directors. The event underscored the Chamber's commitment to aligning its strategic directions with Oman Vision 2040, a national blueprint for sustainable economic development. THREE PILLARS OF STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT The 14 initiatives are structured around three core pillars: improving the business environment, enhancing economic development in governorates, and expanding the base of economic diversification. Each pillar addresses specific challenges and opportunities within Oman's economic landscape. 1. Improving the Business Environment (6 Initiatives). The first pillar focuses on creating a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Key initiatives include: - Smart Guide to Commercial and Investment Legislation: A digital platform that consolidates all relevant laws and regulations, with automatic updates to ensure accessibility and accuracy. - Technical Team for Economic Laws Review: A cross-sectoral team tasked with reviewing economic regulations and submitting recommendations to relevant authorities. - Private Sector Conference: A platform for public-private dialogue to address challenges, explore opportunities, and improve the investment climate. - Chamber's Events Guide: A comprehensive calendar of planned events with clear procedures and follow-up mechanisms. -*Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships: Regular meetings with ministers to discuss sectoral challenges and propose incentives for improving the investment environment. -*Center for Economic Research and Studies: A research hub providing specialized studies and consultations to support decision-making in both public and private sectors. 2. Partnership in Economic Development of Governorates (4 Initiatives): The second pillar aims to decentralize economic growth by empowering governorates. Initiatives under this pillar include: - Takamul Initiative: Enhancing collaboration between OCCI branches and governorate offices to promote private sector participation in local development programs. - Opportunities Initiative: Identifying investment opportunities and competitive advantages in each governorate, supported by in-depth studies and conferences. - Support and Establishment Initiative: Facilitating the establishment of companies based on local investment opportunities to drive sustainable growth. - Empowerment Initiative: Training programs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to maximize local content and increase their participation in national projects. 3. Expanding the Economic Diversification Base (4 Initiatives): The third pillar seeks to reduce Oman's reliance on oil revenues by diversifying its economy. Key initiatives include: - Mazaya Initiative: Reviewing and proposing competitive investment incentives to enhance Oman's attractiveness to foreign investors. - Delegations Initiative: Developing a regulatory framework for managing trade delegations and business forums with target markets. - Global Connection Initiative: Launching a digital platform to streamline the organization of trade delegations and events. - Omani Industries Project: Promoting Omani products in international markets through participation in global exhibitions. ALIGNING WITH OMAN VISION 2040 The initiatives reflect OCCI's commitment to supporting Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes sustainable economic development, private sector empowerment, and economic diversification. Zakaria bin Abdullah al Saadi, CEO of OCCI, highlighted the Chamber's collaborative approach, stating that the workshop's outcomes were the result of extensive dialogue and joint efforts with stakeholders from both public and private sectors. Khalfan bin Suleiman al Bahri, Director of the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Office at OCCI, emphasized the importance of continuous cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of the initiatives. He noted that the newly established office would oversee the execution of detailed plans to achieve the desired impact.
