Latest news with #YahyabinSalamalMandhari
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
12-02-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman to host regional summit on higher education partnerships
Muscat – Oman will host the second edition of the ICEF Middle East Scholarship and Partnership Summit 2025, showcasing the country's commitment to advancing higher education and fostering regional and international collaboration. The two-day event, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation (MoHERI), begins on February 16 and aims to strengthen academic ties across the Gulf and beyond. The summit will bring together officials, decision-makers, and stakeholders from Gulf Cooperation Council countries, along with representatives from over 60 universities and international organisations. The discussions will focus on enhancing scholarship programmes, student exchange initiatives, and research partnerships while addressing the challenges faced by higher education institutions in aligning their programmes with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Yahya bin Salam al Mandhari, Director General of Scholarships at MoHERI, said the forum provides a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas. 'This international forum will address challenges in training and qualifying national cadres, developing sustainable scholarship programmes, and strengthening knowledge and scientific relations between educational authorities in the Gulf, Arab, and international countries.' The summit will also promote sustainable partnerships between government funding bodies and academic institutions aiming to attract international students. Discussions will emphasise the importance of international accreditation for universities and encourage collaboration with policymakers to improve scholarship initiatives. Key activities include dialogue sessions, bilateral meetings, and workshops aimed at sharing global best practices in higher education, science, and technology. Officials from MoHERI, along with representatives from local and international institutions, will meet to discuss strategies for capacity building and cooperation. The forum's agenda also aligns with Oman's broader goals of developing human capital and preparing national cadres to meet future challenges. It seeks to foster collaboration with higher education institutions worldwide, including through discussions linked to the NAFSA Global Conference. The ICEF Middle East Summit underscores Oman's pivotal role in shaping the regional higher education landscape, enhancing academic ties, and preparing its workforce for global challenges.
