Latest news with #RahmabintIbrahimalMahrouqiyah
Observer
28-05-2025
- Health
- Observer
Agreement with Royal College of Surgeons
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation has signed a cooperation agreement in the field of higher education and scholarships with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland — Bahrain Royal Medical University in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The agreement was signed by Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and Professor Sameer al Atoum, President of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland — Bahrain Royal Medical University. The signing of the agreement comes as a result of the relationship between the ministry and the college; and the desire of both parties to enhance and develop cooperation in the field of higher education. According to the agreement, the ministry will send a number of students to study in the Medical Commencement Programme (MCP) or the Bachelor of Medicine programme. The ministry will provide the college with a list of students selected for study at the beginning of each academic year. — 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.
Observer
24-05-2025
- General
- Observer
Arab Open University fetes new graduates
MUSCAT: The Arab Open University celebrated the graduation of the thirteenth batch which comprised 430 graduates of diploma, bachelor and master's degrees. The celebration was under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation; and with the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal al Saud, Chairman of the University's Board of Trustees, members of the board, several esteemed dignitaries and honoured guests. The ceremony commenced with a short documentary highlighting the university's journey, academic mission and its societal contributions in Oman and across the Arab region. The programme of the ceremony included a speech by the AOU Rector in the Sultanate of Oman; Prof Mohammed bin Hamdan al Badi, during which he affirmed the university's commitment to the vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. He noted that this national vision continues to inspire the development of higher education and the promotion of innovation. Following that, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud delivered a speech, highlighting the university's contributions to Oman's higher education landscape, in collaboration with other academic institutions. He emphasised the university's role in enriching Omani society with graduates in various fields of knowledge, education and training. His Highness reaffirmed the university's commitment to continuing the mission and vision of its late founder, His Royal Highness Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, may he rest in peace, advocating for the right of all to education and knowledge; and for the university's contribution to the development of Arab societies. Prof Mohammed al Zakri, President of the Arab Open University at the regional level, also addressed the graduates. He extended his congratulations and reaffirmed the university's ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality education in partnership with The Open University in the United Kingdom and in alignment with international quality assurance standards. He encouraged graduates to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired to serve their communities and contribute to national development with dedication and excellence.
Observer
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
'Share the Change' competition winners feted
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth announced the winning projects of the second edition of the 'Share the Change' competition on Tuesday night, during a ceremony held at W Muscat Hotel under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. This year's competition saw broad participation, with 119 projects submitted, out of which 25 advanced to the final stage. The results saw the project 'Fitana Bracelet' winning first place, followed by 'Sustainable Steps' in second place and 'Smart Movement Path' taking third. The 'Iqdam App' project won the award for Best Use of Modern Technology, while 'Play It Right' earned the award for Best Awareness Content. 'Khatwa App' received the first encouragement award and 'Fit Wheels' took home the second encouragement award. Speaking on the occasion, Mohammed bin Ahmed al Amri, Director General of Sports Activities, stated that the competition aligns with the ministry's efforts to implement the objectives of Oman's sports strategy in line with Oman Vision 2040, particularly under the 'Sports and Society' theme. He said that the ministry aims to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity and to make it part of daily life rather than a temporary endeavour. Al Amri noted that the second edition focused on innovative awareness initiatives, targeting societal behaviour towards adopting a healthy lifestyle. He added that the qualified projects benefitted from specialised training workshops in health, marketing, artificial intelligence and media campaigns, in addition to participating in the Muscat International Book Fair to showcase youth ideas and allow the public to vote. He affirmed the ministry's commitment to empowering youth and turning their projects into reality, in accordance with the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and with the support and follow-up of HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth. Raghad al Jalandani, representing the 'Fitana Bracelet' team, presented the idea of smart family bracelets connected to a mobile app that offers group challenges to promote health, physical activity and family bonding. She noted that the project has not been implemented yet, but the execution plan is ready, including bracelet production both locally and internationally, with a focus on cost and innovation. Nusra al Abri, from the 'Sustainable Steps' project team, explained that their project aims to convert kinetic energy from walking into sustainable electricity using smart tiles and fitness devices. The project is linked to a smart app that rewards users with points to encourage exercise and provide access to commercial and service-based offers. Fahad al Jabri, from the 'Smart Movement Path' team, outlined their project: a smart fitness track equipped with interactive screens linked to a website that tracks physical activity. The goal is to encourage walking and combat sedentary lifestyles and chronic diseases. He described the competition as an enriching experience, saying that entering the challenge and creating a community-benefitting project was exciting and rewarding. He added that the team drew from their university studies to refine the idea into a scientifically and practically feasible concept. PHOTO BY ABDULWAHID AL HAMDANI
Observer
12-05-2025
- Science
- Observer
MoHERI hosts research awareness campaign
MUSCAT: The awareness campaign 'Research and Innovation.. Closer to You' was launched under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. The meetings took place at the Ministry's headquarters on Monday. The awareness-raising meeting is part of various and diverse efforts in disseminating awareness and enhancing knowledge, to introduce the Ministry's different programmes aimed at supporting researchers and innovators, and to highlight the national achievements and outputs. Abdullah bin Said al Rashdi, Director of the Scientific Publishing and Awareness Department, delivered a speech highlighting the department's efforts in 2024 including the implementation of the 'Scientific Expedition programme', Adil bin Ibrahim al Fazari, Assistant Director of the Department of Scientific Publishing and Awareness, presented a talk about research and innovation programs and projects. He highlighted key institutional and strategic funding programmes, as well as general directions and capacity-building programs for research and innovation at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI).
