Latest news with #RahmabintIbrahimalMahrouqi
Muscat Daily
07-05-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Oman hosts regional meet on boosting Arab university rankings
Muscat – Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation launched a regional symposium in cooperation with Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization on Wednesday aimed at improving the global standing of Arab universities. Titled 'Improving the Ranking of Arab Universities in Global Rankings and the Mechanism for Entry into the Arab University Rankings and University Accreditation', the two-day symposium was held under the patronage of H E Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. The symposium aims to enhance the academic reputation of Omani universities and improve their regional and international competitiveness. It has brought together experts and academics from across the Arab world to share insights on aligning institutional practices with global standards, improving research quality, and navigating the evolving landscape of university rankings and accreditation systems. Yahya bin Salam al Mandhari, Director General of Scholarships at the ministry, emphasised the critical role private universities and colleges play in strengthening Oman's academic profile. He highlighted the national goal of placing four Omani universities among the world's top 500 in the QS World University Rankings by 2040, adding that progress is already being made. 'Sultan Qaboos University is currently ranked 362 globally, while Sohar University is placed in the 1001-1200 band,' Mandhari said, noting that seven Omani universities are now included in the QS rankings, including one public and six private institutions. Dr Mahmoud bin Abdullah al Abri, Secretary of Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, underscored the growing strategic importance of university rankings. 'These are no longer just indicators of academic reputation,' he said. 'Rankings now serve as vital tools for shaping education policy, attracting international students, facilitating research and forging global partnerships.' He added that the symposium provides a valuable platform for Arab universities to exchange experiences and explore ways to enhance institutional performance amid rapidly evolving global standards.
Muscat Daily
21-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Survey seeks private sector feedback on graduate readiness
Muscat – Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation launched Employer Survey 2025 on Sunday to assess alignment of higher education outcomes with the demands of the labour market. The survey, which will run till June 30, targets organisations that have hired graduates from Omani higher education institutions since 2018. It aims to identify key skills and competencies needed across economic sectors, supporting curriculum reform and national employment strategies. H E Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, said the survey is 'a cornerstone in shaping educational policies' that respond to national priorities. She added that it supports Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to enhance economic competitiveness and sustainability. 'The survey's findings will guide the development of academic programmes and help equip graduates with skills required for a future-oriented job market,' she said. H E Rahma emphasised the need for collaboration between higher education institutions and the private sector in providing accurate data on graduate employment and qualifications. The ministry acknowledged the role of other government bodies supporting the survey, including Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Ministry of Labour, the National Centre for Statistics and Information, and Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit. The Employer Survey invites feedback from CEOs, HR professionals and recruitment managers on graduate performance and institutional needs. It will also gather data on vocational training and qualification programmes. The survey forms part of Oman's wider efforts to align academic output with economic development goals and to expand the use of data in policymaking and workforce planning.
Muscat Daily
16-02-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
60 international institutions join ME scholarship forum in Muscat
Muscat – The capital city of Muscat on Sunday hosted the third ICEF Middle East Scholarship and Partnership Summit, bringing together more than 60 international universities and institutions known for their academic programmes. Organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, the two-day forum is focusing on student exchange, research collaboration, and challenges related to scholarships. Held under the patronage of H H Sayyid Dr Kamil Fahad al Said, Secretary-General in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, the summit aimed to strengthen academic ties and expand opportunities for students. H E Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, highlighted the importance of the forum in promoting knowledge exchange and enhancing agreements with regional and international institutions. 'This summit plays a key role in advancing Oman's transition into a knowledge-based economy by fostering partnerships that support education and research,' she said. Discussions covered global higher education indicators, strategies for developing national capacities, and best practices in scholarships and training. Experts also explored the role of international students in shaping global citizenship, the significance of cultural adaptation, and the importance of Arabic language learning in cross-cultural exchanges. The forum also showcased successful educational initiatives from Oman and the wider GCC region. It highlighted the role of small and medium enterprises in driving innovation and providing practical training for international students, further strengthening links between academia and industry.
Muscat Daily
29-01-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Muscat Dialogue concludes with call for scientific transparency
Muscat – The Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue concluded with the adoption of the 'Muscat Declaration', which calls on scientists and scientific organisations to take a more active role in society to increase trust in scientific knowledge and institutions. The declaration stresses the importance of transparency, neutrality, independence, and honesty in scientific work. The third and final day of the dialogue, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation in collaboration with the International Science Council (ISC), featured a series of key discussions and parallel workshops. Among the highlights was a main session that explored the relationship between emerging technologies and the evolution of the sciences. Three parallel sessions followed, covering topics such as 'The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Science Systems,' 'The International Science Agreement for Sustainable Development,' and 'The Future of Gender Equality in Science.' These sessions provided valuable insights into the current challenges and future opportunities in these critical areas. The evening session included further discussions on 'Science Education for Our Future,' addressing the need for equipping future scientists with the skills to tackle global challenges. It also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research in polar sciences and examined issues of social cohesion and inequality. A final discussion session reflected on science as a global endeavour, emphasising its role in bridging divides and fostering collaboration to address shared challenges. On the sidelines of the dialogue, Her Excellency Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, met with several international delegates, including Professor Muhammad Izman Sharifuddin from Malaysia and Professor Rémi Quirion from Canada, to explore potential collaborations in higher education, research, and innovation. The 'Muscat Declaration' concluded by calling for global action to ensure science remains a universal force for good. It advocates for open science, international cooperation, and the fair evolution of scientific systems in the face of emerging technologies and global inequalities. The declaration also underscores the importance of improving the representation of women and underrepresented groups in scientific governance and initiatives, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable scientific community. In its closing remarks, the dialogue affirmed that science, as a universal endeavour, has the power to bridge divides, foster trust, and catalyse collective action on global challenges, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Muscat Daily
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Oman to host regional office of International Science Council
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – A memorandum of intent was signed between Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and International Science Council (ISC) during Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue, which began on Monday. The agreement outlines plans for a regional office of ISC to be established in the Middle East, with Muscat as its headquarters. The memorandum was signed by H E Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and Sir Peter Gluckman, President of ISC. The regional office is expected to facilitate exchange of international expertise, foster collaboration in scientific research and innovation, and promote activities such as researcher exchange, conferences, workshops and technology transfer. It also aims to support the growth of start-ups in the region. H E Dr Saif bin Abdullah al Haddabi, Undersecretary for Research and Innovation, described the regional office project as a 'milestone' for Oman. 'Establishment of the ISC regional office in Muscat is global recognition of Oman's role in the Middle East and North Africa region. It reflects the international community's trust in Oman's ability to bring together diverse perspectives and address global challenges, whether political or scientific.' Highlighting the significance of the dialogue in Muscat, H E Haddabi said, 'This global science event has been in planning for years, particularly the ISC General Assembly, which will convene on January 29-30. Delegates from more than 132 countries will gather marking its first in-person meeting since its establishment in 2018 through merger of International Social Science Council and International Council for Science.' He further emphasised that hosting the Global Knowledge Dialogue and ISC General Assembly strengthens Oman's position as a hub for science, technology, research and innovation. 'This exercise aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which aspires to place the sultanate among advanced nations in these fields,' H E Haddabi said. The agreement on the ISC regional office marks a significant step for Oman in advancing regional and global scientific cooperation, positioning the sultanate as a key player in addressing pressing challenges through research and innovation.
