Latest news with #SQU
Muscat Daily
5 hours ago
- General
- Muscat Daily
SQU opens International Undergraduate admissions under new ‘Afaq' programme
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has officially opened applications for international undergraduate students for the academic year 2025/2026. The announcement was made by the university's Deanship of Admissions and Registration, with the application window running from Wednesday, July 30 to Sunday, August 17. This year's admission cycle marks the launch of a new strategic initiative called 'Afaq', designed to broaden access to higher education and support Oman's national development goals under Oman Vision 2040. The programme targets both international students and Omani students seeking academic specialisations not currently offered through the Unified Admission Center. SQU noted that all applications must be submitted online, and applicants must upload required documents in PDF format only. Incomplete submissions or failure to meet entry requirements will result in disqualification. Priority will be given to candidates with the highest competitive scores. Additionally, applicants holding non-Omani certificates must submit an equivalency letter from the Ministry of Education. Accepted students will be given a limited period to confirm their offer, after which unconfirmed seats will be forfeited. The university reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, stating that it reserves the right to reject any application that does not adhere to the guidelines or fails to meet admission standards. More information is available at: Inquiries can be directed to: 📧 [email protected] 📞 24141817 / 24143818 / 24142072 / 24141887 / 24146770
Muscat Daily
7 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
SQU team creates low-emission alternative to traditional bricks
Muscat – A team of students from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has developed a sustainable construction brick made entirely from local natural materials, as part of an effort to reduce the environmental impact of the building sector in Oman. Named Envibrick, the product is positioned as a low-emission alternative to traditional bricks. The student-led company behind Envibrick said the product meets key environmental needs specific to Oman, while helping lower carbon emissions. The bricks are lightweight, salt-resistant and provide high thermal insulation, reducing energy consumption in buildings. These are also insect-repellent, adding a health benefit to their environmental and cost advantages. Halima bint Khamis al Fajrani, CEO of Envibrick, said the team conducted extensive testing at the university's laboratories using specialised equipment, with results carefully documented throughout the development process. One of the main technical challenges was the initial weight of the brick, which the team overcame by replacing heavy components with lighter alternatives without compromising strength or quality. Work is ongoing to finalise the formulation and secure a patent for the product. Once the final mix is approved, the team plans to integrate 3D printing into production to meet modern construction requirements more efficiently. Envibrick recently won the Best Marketing and Promotional Idea Award at the Sultan Qaboos University Science Festival Exhibition and ranked among the top three student industrial companies. The team also participated in the Injaz Oman competition, which promotes student entrepreneurship. The startup aims to expand into the Gulf market, where demand for sustainable construction materials is growing.
Observer
21-07-2025
- General
- Observer
SQU explores AI, Emotional Intelligence in education
SALALAH: Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) officially launched the third edition of its annual Summer School, held under the theme 'The Integration of Emotional and Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education.' The programme is taking place at the Rotana Hotel in Salalah and continues until July 26, as part of the university's broader efforts to advance academic development and promote educational tourism during the Khareef Dhofar Season. This year's edition brings together approximately 50 academic participants from six higher education institutions across Oman. The six-day programme features expert-led lectures, thematic sessions, interactive discussions and field visits to key tourist and heritage sites in Dhofar Governorate. In its opening address, the organising committee welcomed the participants and highlighted the significant expansion of the Summer School since its inception. While the first edition included just three institutions, the current edition has doubled that number - reflecting the growing relevance of the school's academic themes and its role as a collaborative national platform. The committee noted that the choice of this year's theme responds to the rising integration of artificial intelligence technologies in education and the pressing need to preserve the emotional and human dimensions of teaching and learning. True innovation, it added, lies not only in technological advancement but in leveraging such tools to serve human development and social well-being. The opening day featured a high-level panel discussion titled 'Thriving Societies Through the Integration of Emotional and Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education.' The session brought together leading academic voices from Oman and abroad. Among the panellists was Dr Awadh bin Amer al Rawas, a senior academic and innovation adviser who serves as Non-Resident Dean at the University of Newfern in Georgia, and holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Sussex in the UK. Dr Al Rawas is widely recognised for his contributions to digital transformation and education reform. The programme features expert-led lectures, thematic sessions, interactive discussions and field visits Also speaking was Dr Rajiv Jhangiani, Vice-Provost for Teaching and Learning at Brock University in Canada. A global expert in open education, he sits on the boards of several international organisations that advocate for social justice in education and the ethical use of technology. Dr Jhangiani is affiliated with the Inclusive Education Lab and the British Columbia Working Group on Technology Ethics. Dr Mahmood al Maawali, a psychologist and certified trainer in career development and academic counselling, also joined the panel. He holds a doctorate in psychological counselling and has led professional development programmes across both the public and private sectors in Oman and Qatar. The session concluded with a series of forward-looking recommendations aimed at shaping academic strategies in Oman's higher education sector. These included the adoption of holistic teaching philosophies that integrate emotional intelligence with technical expertise, the development of institutional frameworks to guide ethical AI usage, and the expansion of faculty training in both soft skills and emerging technologies. The panellists also underscored the importance of designing smart learning environments that support diverse learning styles and encourage meaningful teacher–student interaction. Finally, the panel called for a redefinition of academic leadership - one that embraces emotional awareness and champions the responsible, human-centred application of artificial intelligence in education. As part of the week-long programme, the participants will engage in specialised workshops and thematic seminars. A guided field visit on the third day will showcase Salalah's natural beauty and cultural heritage, reinforcing the link between academic exploration and cultural immersion. The Summer School reflects Sultan Qaboos University's ongoing commitment to raising educational standards, fostering innovation in pedagogy, and positioning Dhofar as an emerging hub for academic and scientific exchange.
Muscat Daily
20-07-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
SQU launches 3rd summer school focused on emotional and AI integration in higher education
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Salalah – The third edition of the summer school for academic staff at higher education institutions in Oman kicked off today in Dhofar Governorate. Organized by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), the six-day event is themed 'Integrating Emotional and Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education' and is being held at the Salalah Rotana Hotel. The opening was held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, with officials and academic staff from six higher education institutions in attendance. The initiative, part of SQU's efforts to boost academic development and promote educational tourism during the Khareef season, brings together 50 participants. It features interactive workshops, expert talks, and discussion sessions aimed at balancing digital advancement with emotional intelligence in academic environments. Dr. Asma bint Saeed al Ghassaniyah, Director of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, highlighted the program's growing scope and its role in enhancing collaboration across institutions.
Muscat Daily
08-07-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
SQU developing AI-driven robot for autonomous building inspection
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – A research team at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) is developing an autonomous robotic system capable of inspecting multi-storey buildings without the need for human assistance, smart infrastructure or IoT connectivity. Funded by SQU's Deanship of Research and College of Engineering, the project is led by Dr Gulam Dastagir Khan, with Dr Muhammed Bilal Waris and Dr Taha bin Mubarak al Saadi serving as co-investigators. It brings together researchers from the departments of electrical and computer engineering and civil engineering. In its first phase, the team designed and tested a quadruped robot capable of operating standard lifts and navigating between floors using only onboard technologies. The robot uses a YOLOv11-based vision system, AprilTag markers for spatial alignment, and a robotic arm with four degrees of freedom to interact with elevator panels. Trials conducted in a four-storey building on the SQU campus demonstrated consistent sub-centimetre navigation accuracy. In the next stage, the robot will be equipped to carry out detailed building inspections. It will autonomously assess structural elements such as walls, ceilings and door frames, as well as safety infrastructure including fire alarms, extinguishers, sprinkler systems and electrical panels. The robot will also detect issues like leaks, cracks and insulation defects.
