Latest news with #MinistryofHigherEducation
Muscat Daily
3 hours ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Team charts strategy to elevate Oman's Global Innovation ranking
Muscat – Oman's national team tasked with improving the sultanate's standing in the Global Innovation Index (GII) convened its 21st meeting on Wednesday to review strategic developments and simulation tools that could support future policy shifts. Chaired by H E Dr Saif bin Abdullah al Hadabi, Undersecretary at Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the meeting focused on applying recommendations from a recent regional workshop organised by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The workshop introduced a simulation system aimed at helping Arab policymakers assess gaps and build targeted innovation strategies. Team members discussed methodologies presented at the workshop, including the use of simulation tools to analyse GII indicators and build improvement scenarios. They also reviewed progress in formulating a medi-um-term strategic plan and outlined operational steps for both the policies and initiatives team and data management team. The GII team operates under the National Competitiveness Committee and aims to improve Oman's global innovation ranking through a unified, cross-sectoral approach. It coordinates efforts with Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, the National Centre for Statistics and Information, and other stakeholders.
Observer
3 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
Meeting looks at enhancing Oman's performance in Global Innovation Index
MUSCAT: The National Team in charge of enhancing the performance of the Sultanate of Oman in the Global Innovation Index held its twenty-first meeting under the chairmanship of Dr Saif bin Abdullah al Haddabi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation for Research and Innovation, Head of the National Team for the Global Innovation Index. The meeting reviewed the outcomes and recommendations of a working session on the International Policy Indicators Simulation System for policymakers in the Arab region. Organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), the session discussed the mechanisms of simulation and methodologies on analysing the indicators proposed during the session. The protocols included means to measure gaps and formulate scenarios on enhancing Oman's performance in the Global Innovation Index. The meeting also reviewed the progress made in preparing a medium-term plan and procedural steps to support the team tasked with policies and initiatives and the data management team. The Global Innovation Index team stems from the National Competitiveness Committee. It is entrusted with improving the Sultanate of Oman's performance in the Global Innovation Index by implementing an integrated approach to unify national efforts and engage stakeholders in the national innovation system. - ONA
Observer
3 hours ago
- General
- Observer
Omanis at 'Chinese Language Bridge' programme
MUSCAT: A delegation of students from Omani higher education institutions is participating in the 'Chinese Language Bridge' programme, hosted by the People's Republic of China. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural and educational ties between the Sultanate of Oman and China and to implement memoranda of understanding in the fields of higher education and student exchange. The delegation comprises 15 male and female students from various Omani universities and colleges. The programme is designed to enhance students' linguistic and cultural competencies while deepening their understanding of Chinese society through a variety of workshops, educational activities and field visits. The participation offers a valuable opportunity for students to engage directly with Chinese culture and contribute to building bridges of mutual understanding and cooperation between the youth of Oman and China. This initiative is organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of Oman, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Muscat, and accredited Chinese language education institutes in both countries.
Times of Oman
6 hours ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Students delegation takes part in ‘Chinese Language Bridge' programme
Muscat: A delegation of students from Omani higher education institutions is participating in the 'Chinese Language Bridge' programme, hosted by the People's Republic of China. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural and educational ties between the Sultanate of Oman and China and to implement memoranda of understanding in the fields of higher education and student exchange. The delegation comprises 15 male and female students from various Omani universities and colleges. These students were selected based on their academic excellence and demonstrated interest in the Chinese language and culture. The programme is designed to enhance students' linguistic and cultural competencies while deepening their understanding of Chinese society through a variety of workshops, educational activities, and field visits. This initiative is organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of Oman, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Muscat, and accredited Chinese language education institutes in both countries.
Observer
12 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
Pharmacists must be Omanis
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a circular 167/2025 calling for mandatory Omanization in pharmacies located within commercial complexes and hospital facilities. The directive specifically states that licenses for non-Omani pharmacists and their assistants will no longer be renewed. The decision has been widely welcomed, particularly by Omani pharmacy graduates who have long voiced concerns about the lack of employment opportunities in private pharmacies, which have been largely dominated by expatriate professionals for years. For many pharmacy graduates in the Sultanate, the circular marks a long-awaited turning point. Saeed al Amri, a recent graduate with a pharmacy degree from a local university, expressed his optimism, saying, 'My classmates and I have been waiting for a decision like this since graduation. Unfortunately, the private sector has been heavily reliant on expat pharmacists. Now, we feel a real opportunity is emerging for us.' Abdulla al Hosani, an Omani pharmacist currently working in a private healthcare facility, echoed the sentiment, stating: 'This is not just about replacing expats. It's about investing in local talent. We are well-trained and more than capable of leading the pharmacy sector forward.' Recent statistics from the Ministry of Higher Education reveal a growing number of pharmacy graduates from both local and international institutions. Yet employment rates among these graduates remain modest, particularly within private institutions, where cost considerations often lead to the hiring of lower-paid foreign workers. While the decision has been largely applauded, stakeholders agree that implementing Omanization requires parallel efforts to ensure that Omani pharmacists are fully equipped to take on their roles in the private sector. Kholood Al-Balushi, a trainee pharmacist, believes that readiness is key: 'As graduates, we must rise to the challenge. The job market is competitive, and we need to continuously improve our skills. Securing opportunities should be matched with personal development.' Some private pharmacy owners have also highlighted the importance of additional support measures, such as financial incentives or training programs to ensure a smooth transition. The Ministry of Health emphasized that the circular is part of a broader national vision under Oman Vision 2040 to create sustainable employment opportunities for is a carefully considered policy decision based on employment data and field studies. The ministry is committed to working closely with private healthcare providers to ensure that this transition is implemented effectively without compromising the quality of healthcare services. Experts believe this directive will contribute to a broader shift in private sector employment dynamics. With more Omanis entering the pharmacy field, patient communication and trust may improve due to shared language, cultural understanding, and stronger community bonds. Moreover, the decision may also encourage higher education institutions to enhance their pharmacy programs by aligning them more closely with the needs of the local job market. It is expected that government-led initiatives such as training subsidies, internship placements, and employer incentives will play a key role in supporting the Omanization process. Ultimately, the Omanization of the pharmacy profession signals a decisive step toward workforce sustainability in the healthcare sector. It not only offers a renewed sense of hope for hundreds of job-seeking graduates but also reaffirms the nation's long-term commitment to building a self-reliant healthcare system.
