Latest news with #MaryamalNabhani
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
19-06-2025
- Science
- Observer
Oman's higher education institutions make mark in world rankings
MUSCAT: The 2026 QS World University Rankings have recognised five Omani higher education institutions, including Sultan Qaboos University, University of Nizwa, Dhofar University, Sohar University, and the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech). Sultan Qaboos University achieved significant progress, climbing 28 spots to secure the 334th position globally. The University of Nizwa ranked within the 770–761 bracket, while Dhofar University was placed in the 900–851 range. Sohar University entered the rankings within the 1000–951 category, and GUtech was positioned between 1200–1001. This performance reflects the steady advancement of Oman's academic and research infrastructure, as reported by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the UK-based global higher education analyst, on its official 2026 rankings website. Dr Maryam al Nabhani, Director-General of Private Universities and Colleges at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, stated that the QS rankings are among the most prestigious global benchmarks for higher education institutions. She noted that Oman Vision 2040 includes a strategic objective for national universities to break into the global academic elite, with an emphasis on placing four Omani universities among the world's top 500 in QS rankings. She explained that the QS methodology evaluates universities based on key indicators, including academic reputation (assessed through expert surveys on teaching and research quality), employer reputation (measuring graduate employability), and faculty-to-student ratios (reflecting educational quality). Research impact is gauged through citation metrics, while international faculty and student ratios demonstrate institutional diversity and global appeal. Dr Maryam al Nabhani, Director-General of Private Universities and Colleges at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation Additional metrics encompass sustainability performance, contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), graduate employment outcomes and international research collaboration networks. Dr Maryam emphasised that these results reflect Oman's national efforts to enhance academic competitiveness in line with Oman Vision 2040. They also underscore the continuous progress of Omani higher education institutions in elevating academic standards and strengthening their global presence. HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of SQU, stated that 'this achievement is a reflection of reality and the result of dedicated efforts and continuous commitment to making Sultan Qaboos University among the best globally in various fields. It also embodies the leadership we aspire to in order to enhance the quality of education. Furthermore, it fulfils one of the key objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which includes, among its indicators, the goal of having at least one Omani university ranked among the top 300 universities worldwide by the year 2040. We hope to continue this dedication and progress towards achieving these goals for the benefit of the university and its members.' - ONA
Observer
25-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Omani-Saudi forum explores ways to enhance knowledge cooperation
Muscat: The Omani-Saudi Knowledge Dialogue Forum commenced in Muscat, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in collaboration with the Saudi Council of University Affairs. The forum's opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI). It serves as a strategic platform to enhance knowledge cooperation and expertise exchange between the two brotherly countries. The forum aims to establish partnerships between higher education institutions in Oman and their counterparts in Saudi Arabia, strengthen scientific research collaboration through joint research programmes and researcher exchanges, promote student and academic exchanges, and encourage the establishment of research and development centres. Dr Maryam al Nabhani, Director-General of Private Universities and Colleges, emphasised the forum's importance, stating: "This forum builds on the longstanding fraternal relations between Oman and Saudi Arabia and serves as a strategic platform to foster academic cooperation and the exchange of expertise. It aims to support institutional twinning between universities in both countries, enhance joint research programmes, promote academic and student exchange, and encourage the establishment of research and development centres." She added that the forum will focus on key topics such as entrepreneurial universities in the Gulf, the role of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions in shaping smart campuses, and mechanisms for boosting research and innovation cooperation. Additionally, the forum seeks to boost joint investments in education, scientific research and innovation while activating communication channels between intellectual, educational, and research institutions. These efforts contribute to supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and Saudi Vision 2030. From the Saudi side, Dr Bassam bin Abdullah al Bassam, Secretary-General, Council of Universities' Affairs, extended his gratitude to Oman for hosting the forum. "This forum is a testament to the strong fraternal ties between our two countries and serves as a catalyst for academic cooperation and knowledge exchange among educational institutions. It provides a valuable opportunity to share experiences and elevate the quality of education across the GCC," he stated. He added that institutions of higher learning are vital hubs for knowledge production, innovation, and talent development, playing a central role in addressing national and global challenges. "This meeting is an essential step toward deeper academic and research collaboration and will pave the way for future joint initiatives," he said. Dr Al Bassam urged participants to make the most of this opportunity by establishing strong networks that support ongoing cooperation and contribute to national development goals. The forum is expected to produce actionable recommendations to support the development of entrepreneurial universities that are integrated with public and private sectors. Discussions will also explore curriculum development, academic accreditation, technical education and open learning. A particular emphasis will be placed on increasing Gulf visibility in international academic conferences and promoting co-authored research publications. The event includes several dialogue sessions focusing on challenges and opportunities in building leading universities in GCC countries, highlighting the role of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions in supporting education, learning, and smart campuses, as well as cooperation in scientific research and innovation. The forum features participation from nearly 70 Saudi universities, several research centres, and all public and private higher education institutions in Oman.
