Latest news with #UniversityofNizwa
Observer
20-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman boosts food security, industry, with new land deals
Muscat, May 20 As part of the ongoing efforts to promote investment and optimise the use of government land, the second day of the 20th edition of the Oman Real Estate Conference and Exhibition witnessed the signing of 46 usufruct contracts worth over RO 9 million. These agreements cover a variety of sectors that support the national economy. The agreements were signed by Eng Hamad bin Ali al Nazwani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning for Housing, in the presence of several representatives from relevant entities and investment partners. Among the agreements, 33 contracts were in the food security sector, covering an area exceeding 1,325 acres, and 12 contracts were allocated to small and medium-sized enterprises in the industrial sector, spanning over 10,000 square metres. Additionally, a contract was signed to establish a specialised sports academy on an area exceeding 26,000 square metres, reflecting support for sports infrastructure and youth sector investment. YOUTH FORUM On Tuesday, A Youth Forum was organised with the participation of a group of young Omani professionals who played a significant role in shaping and implementing the National Urban Development Strategy projects. The forum provided an opportunity to highlight achievements in recent years and reaffirm the importance of empowering youth and involving them in planning future cities in ways that reflect the aspirations of the new generation and ensure sustainable development across all governorates. During the event, the ministry honoured the three winning teams from the Housing Design Innovation Lab for their effective contributions in developing innovative housing designs that meet sustainability standards and reflect a deep understanding of Oman's geographic diversity. A total of 28 architecture students from the University of Nizwa and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat took part. The lab is one of the ministry's initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration between the government and academic institutions by involving university and college students specialising in architecture and civil engineering. The goal is to develop advanced design solutions for social housing projects tailored to coastal, mountainous and desert environments, integrating artificial intelligence concepts into urban planning and analysis processes. A total of 28 architecture students from the University of Nizwa and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat took part in the lab. They were divided into 14 teams and worked on creating advanced housing models that address environmental and financial sustainability challenges while meeting the needs of modern lifestyles.
Observer
07-05-2025
- Science
- Observer
Research team finds new fungal family
NIZWA: A research team from the University of Nizwa took part in a unique scientific breakthrough that led to the discovery of a new fungal family comprising two genera and seven species. The fungal family is distinguished for its unique ability to coexist inside ant nests. The findings were published in the international journal Studies in Mycology, one of Netherlands' most prominent publications specialised in mycology. The achievement was made through international collaboration with researchers from Brazil, China, the Netherlands and Austria. The team was led by Dr Abdullah Mohammed al Hatmi, Assistant Professor at the University of Nizwa and Head of the Microbiology Laboratory at Nizwa University's Centre for Research on Natural Sciences and Medical Sciences. Dr Al Hatmi said that the discovery constitutes a milestone in the field of fungal research, noting that the research highlights the complex symbiotic relationships between fungi and ants that date back millions of years. Dr Al Hatmi added that identifying such a new fungal family opens up vistas for understanding ecological balance and the diversity of microorganisms. He expressed Nizwa University's pride about participating in this global research and its commitment to support quality research and consolidate international scholarly partnerships. He pointed out that the discovery helps deepen our understanding of the ecological role of fungi and enhances the potential for future research into the interactions between microorganisms and insects within their natural environments. The study contributes to the development of knowledge in the fields of biodiversity and the microenvironment of living organisms. The research team collected ant nests from various plants and succeeded in accurately isolating and classifying fungal species based on microscopic, physiological and genetic analysis. The study resulted in the addition of a new family to the Chaetothyriales phylum, known for its species that are symbiotic with ants and other fungi. — ONA
Times of Oman
07-05-2025
- Science
- Times of Oman
Nizwa University Research team discovers new fungal family
Nizwa -- A research team from the University of Nizwa took part in a unique scientific breakthrough that led to the discovery of a new fungal family comprising two genera and seven species. The fungal family is distinguished for its unique ability to coexist inside ant nests. The findings were published in the international journal Studies in Mycology, one of Netherlands' most prominent publications specialized in mycology. The achievement was made through international collaboration with researchers from Brazil, China, the Netherlands and Austria. The team was led by Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Al Hatmi, Assistant Professor at the University of Nizwa and Head of the Microbiology Laboratory at Nizwa University's Centre for Research on Natural Sciences and Medical Sciences. Al Hatmi said that the discovery constitutes a milestone in the field of fungal research, noting that the research highlights the complex symbiotic relationships between fungi and ants that date back millions of years. Al Hatmi added that identifying such a new fungal family opens up vistas for understanding ecological balance and the diversity of microorganisms. He expressed Nizwa University's pride about participating in this global research and its commitment to support quality research and consolidate international scholarly partnerships. Al Hatmi pointed out that the discovery helps deepen our understanding of the ecological role of fungi and enhances the potential for future research into the interactions between microorganisms and insects within their natural environments. The study contributes to the development of knowledge in the fields of biodiversity and the microenvironment of living organisms. The research team collected ant nests from various plants and succeeded in accurately isolating and classifying fungal species based on microscopic, physiological, and genetic analysis. The study resulted in the addition of a new family to the Chaetothyriales phylum, known for its species that are symbiotic with ants and other fungi.
Observer
20-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Survey to identify skills needed in economic sectors
Muscat, April 20 The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation on Sunday launched the Employers Survey 2025. The project, being implemented by the Ministry's Department of Statistics and Information, seeks to study the compatibility of higher education outcomes with the requirements of the national labour market. In particular, the project will identify the skills and competencies required in various economic sectors. The project deals with the collection of data on the first six months of the year (until June 30) from various establishments that have employed higher education graduates between 2018 and 2025. Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, who patronised the event, said in comments about the project that it represents a fundamental pillar in devising educational policies and linking them to labour market needs in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. This, she observed, will help enhance the competitiveness of the national economy. She emphasised that the project is a pioneering national initiative reflecting the Ministry's commitment to developing higher education policies closely aligned with labour market needs, thus achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and keeping pace with leading global practices. Her Excellency highlighted the crucial role of private sector institutions in the success of this project, noting that the analysis of the survey data will contribute to guiding higher education policies, developing academic programmes and ultimately enhancing business sustainability and productivity by providing a qualified workforce that meets market demands. Maitha bint Dawood al Lawatiyah, Assistant Director of the Statistics and Information Department, explained that the updated version of the survey targets approximately 4,400 companies across various economic sectors in the Sultanate of Oman. She stated that the project aims to equip higher education graduates with the skills required by the labour market, reduce the gap between education and employment, and contribute to improving academic curricula in line with current and future labour market demands. Qais al Haji, Director of Career Counseling and Alumni at the University of Nizwa, affirmed the University's continued support for such initiatives, expressing pride in the University's role as the Golden Sponsor of the project. He said: 'The University of Nizwa firmly believes in the importance of these surveys in enriching educational institutions with accurate data on labour market needs for various and evolving skills. Such efforts enable institutions to adopt modern strategies and adapt curricula to meet both local and global market changes, thereby contributing to the realisation of Oman Vision 2040.'
Observer
20-04-2025
- Observer
Historic monuments are proofs of human connect
The Sultanate of Oman on Sunday celebrated World Heritage Day under the theme "Heritage Resilience in the Face of Disasters and Conflicts". The event seeks to raise public awareness about the value of cultural heritage and the need to protect it against challenges that arise from natural factors or human activities. Held under the auspices of Eng Ibrahim bin Saeed al Kharusi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage, the celebration programme included an operetta presented by students from the University of Nizwa, folklore performances by traditional Omani troupes, theatrical shows by students from schools in the governorates of Muscat and A'Dakhiliyah Governorate and an art exhibition. From the delicate crafts that have been practiced until today, to the trade networks that played a major role in linking the ports of Dibba, Sohar, Qalhat, and Sumhuram with the ports of Cochin in India, Canton in China, and Mombasa on the African coasts, the Sultanate of Oman has always cherished bilateral relations built upon the exchanges that took place in the past. For Oman, the various archaeological sites, including the UNESCO-listed ones, are not just static ruins, but rather tangible evidence of the ingenuity of the Omani people. The country is built upon such a rich culture and heritage, as stated by Engineer Yusra bint Khalaf al Subhiya, Director General of Antiquities at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. According to her, the copper caravans that embarked from Dahwa, Safafir, Bat, Qamira, and Maysar to civilizations in Sindh, the Mediterranean, Dilmun, and Malukha during a time when roads were guided by the star of Suhail, without digital maps or GPS, stand as testaments to the rich heritage that Oman enjoys today. "Oman's celebration of World Heritage Day is an opportunity to renew the national commitment to preserving cultural and human heritage. It is not just symbolic of the past, but a pillar of sustainable development and a motivation to promote cultural tourism and build bridges of understanding between peoples," she said. 'This commitment is evident not only in the preservation of stones and inscriptions, but also in the preservation of the living memory embedded in the details of life. From folk tales shared by lantern light in mud lanes to grandmothers' rituals, songs sung during harvest seasons, ships departing from seaports to architecture that harmonizes with the sun and wind, the Sultanate of Oman affirms that heritage is not only what is seen in stone, but what is lived in the conscience and sung in the hearts," she told people from diverse backgrounds. The Sultanate of Oman has five historic sites on the World Heritage List, namely Bahla Fort (1987), archaeological sites in Bat, Al-Khatam, and Al-Ain (1988), five Omani aflaj, the traditional irrigation system in Oman (2006), the site of the Frankincense Land (2000), and finally the ancient city of Qalhat (2018). Oman's celebration of World Heritage Day was approved by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) based on the Convention on Cultural and Natural Heritage approved by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris in 1972.
