Latest news with #RahmabintIbrahimalMahrouqiyah
Observer
02-08-2025
- Business
- Observer
Global universities take part in Muscat for JEDEX 2025
MUSCAT, Aug 2 The International Higher Education Exhibition 2025 (JEDEX), which began on July 31, concluded on Saturday, August 2 and was held for students, educators and academic professionals. Organised under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the exhibition marked a significant moment in Oman's academic calendar, offering a window to the world of educational opportunities. This year's edition of JEDEX featured a dynamic lineup of 70 universities, colleges and academies from within the Sultanate of Oman and beyond, including institutions from Arab, Gulf and Asian countries. The exhibition was further enriched by the participation of Oman's Unified Admission Centre and the Directorate-General of Internal and External Scholarships and Postgraduate Studies under the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. The primary objective of JEDEX is to bridge the gap between aspiring students and the institutions that shape their futures. It serves as an open forum where students, parents and education seekers can interact directly with representatives, learn about academic programmes and specialised fields and explore scholarship and admission opportunities. During her tour of the exhibition, Dr Rahma engaged with representatives from various institutions, receiving briefings on new academic programmes, innovative learning platforms and future-focused disciplines designed to meet the changing needs of the job market and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In addition to its role as an academic fair, JEDEX functions as a networking hub, fostering meaningful collaborations between local and international institutions, promoting research exchange and facilitating the development of dual-degree and exchange programmes. The exhibition, which concluded on Saturday, was held in collaboration with Horizon International Exhibitions and drew thousands of visitors, reaffirming Oman's commitment to educational excellence and global partnerships in higher learning. — ONA
Observer
21-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
6th phase of 'Eidaad' internship programme launched
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in partnership with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and various higher education institutions, launched the sixth phase of the national internship programme 'Eidaad'. The launch ceremony saw the signing of 12 agreements (cooperation protocols) between industrial and academic sectors. The agreements were signed by Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and Farid bin Khalfan al Harthy, Executive Director of Corporate Support at PDO, and representatives of the industrial and private sector institutions concerned. Eidaad is a flagship initiative that bridges the gap between academia and industry by offering a full-year practical training opportunity with leading companies in Oman. The programme is designed to provide Omani university students with an immersive, hands-on learning experience aligned with their academic specialisations and labour market demands. Dr Mariam bint Belarab al Nabhaniyah, Director-General of Private Universities and Colleges at the Ministry, in her speech emphasised the strategic significance of the initiative in achieving Oman Vision 2040. 'Empowering Omani youth and enhancing their skills to meet job market demands is one of the core objectives of Oman Vision 2040. This is evident in our ongoing commitment to providing inclusive education, lifelong learning and impactful scientific research to develop national capabilities and foster a knowledge-based society.' The launch ceremony saw the signing of 12 agreements (cooperation protocols) between industrial and academic sectors. Farid bin Khalfan al Harthy, stated: 'The Eidaad programme reflects PDO's institutional transformation and our redefined role in contributing to Oman's future. It equips Omani youth with skills that meet emerging market requirements and supports the development of a resilient, knowledge-based economy. This partnership reaffirms our long-term commitment to human capital development and creating lasting impact for future generations.' Eng Hamed bin Saif al Hadhrami, Manager of External Training and Development at PDO, also noted: 'We are proud to take part in this pioneering national initiative, which brings tangible value to the country and nurtures young talent. It is crucial that we continue to work closely with academic institutions to align educational outcomes with industry needs and to update curricula that reflect real-world challenges. This collaboration will open doors for students to enter the job market with strong foundational skills for long-term success.' Since its inception in 2020, over 1,000 students have graduated from the programme. In its current phase, more than 400 students from various institutions across Oman are expected to participate, with placements across more than 40 companies spanning multiple sectors. This phase of the programme introduces enhanced features, including the 'Specialisation Alignment Initiative' which helps students and academic advisers better understand career pathways related to specific fields of study. This empowers students to make informed decisions about their professional futures. Additionally, the programme's updated framework incorporates core competencies such as critical thinking, communication and professional ethics to better prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market. Among the participants, students Ma'ther Ali and Sheikha al Badi expressed pride in being part of the Eidaad experience. 'The programme gave us the freedom to choose meaningful projects, while also offering academic and emotional support along the way. It helped us gain practical insight into real-world environments that will serve us in our future careers.' Nisreen Abdullah, a student from the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), shared a similar sentiment: 'Eidaad has been both academically and professionally enriching. I strongly encourage all university students to join, as it offers significant value to one's future career.' The Eidaad programme stands out as a practical model for effective collaboration between higher education and the private sector - enhancing graduate readiness, fostering innovation and supporting the national agenda for sustainable economic development.
Observer
23-06-2025
- Observer
Technology conference aims to shape the future of learning
Muscat: In a major step toward transforming the educational landscape in Oman and beyond, Onsor organised the Educational Technology Conference under the theme 'Towards an Inspiring Educational Future Powered by Advanced Technologies.' The event was held under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. The conference brought together a lineup of international education experts, policymakers and tech innovators to explore the future of learning in an increasingly digital world. Central to the discussions was the transformative role of immersive technologies — such as virtual and augmented reality — and their potential to enhance creativity, engagement and real-world readiness among students. Moath bin Ahmed al Hinai, CEO of Onsor, emphasised the organisation's commitment to reshaping education through cutting-edge tools. 'At Onsor, we believe that education is the cornerstone of building a sustainable future,' he said. 'Immersive technologies offer a revolutionary tool to transform learning into a comprehensive and inspiring experience, enabling students to engage in realistic and safe educational scenarios.' The conference unfolded across three main pillars: The Educational Forum: A platform for in-depth dialogue on the latest digital innovation trends in education. Educational leaders shared global best practices and future-forward strategies for teaching and learning. Attendees explored how advanced technologies can transition traditional classrooms into vibrant, interactive spaces that promote active learning and creativity. Live demos showcased applications not only within academic settings but also across sectors such as healthcare, aviation, safety and vocational training. Participants and observers alike praised the event for reinforcing the importance of integrating technology across the learning spectrum. By creating experiential environments that mimic real-world challenges, immersive technologies were recognised as a key enabler of skill-building and career- readiness in the digital age. The conference also served as a catalyst for strengthening partnerships between governments, educational institutions, and tech innovators. Many noted the significance of aligning educational strategies with the broader objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and global digital transformation goals.
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
18-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Forum highlights integration between academic, industrial sectors
More Omani students will benefit from the Siraj Foundation, an endowment foundation supporting education, during the 2025-2026 period, turning their dreams into reality, as announced by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. This announcement was made at the First Annual Forum to Enhance Integration between the Academic and Industrial Sectors, held under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, at the Ministry's General Diwan office on Wednesday. During the forum, 18 agreements were signed to promote community engagement in enhancing education, with the primary goal of strengthening partnerships between higher education institutions and society. These agreements aim to cultivate a culture of endowment in support of education, focusing on raising awareness among students, teaching staff and administrative departments, as well as encouraging participation in educational institution events and activities. The forum also featured visual presentations from private higher education institutions, public and private sector organisations; and the Siraj Education Endowment Foundation. The Ministry also presented the Ejaad platform, emphasising cooperation between the academic and industrial sectors. Engineer Mahmoud bin Khalfan al Hadidi, CEO of the Siraj Foundation, expressed pride in expanding the network of partnerships with educational institutions to enhance social solidarity and support students in need. The Foundation is actively implementing initiatives and programmes to support education in Oman, including the "University Student Sponsorship" initiative and the "Siraj Advantages" electronic platform, which facilitate donations and support for students pursuing higher education. The First Annual Forum to Enhance Integration between the Academic and Industrial Sectors brought together institutions from both sectors and was attended by CEOs of public and private sector organisations, as well as presidents and deans of private higher education institutions. In his opening speech, Yahya bin Salam al Mandhari, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, emphasised the importance of aligning higher education with the needs of the labour market to contribute to sustainable development, in line with Oman Vision 2040. The forum aimed to exchange experiences in areas such as scientific research, training for graduate students and financing projects in private higher education institutions, highlighting the significance of developing a flexible educational system to meet the demands of the changing times and supply the labour market with skilled national talents.
