Unesco Chair Aflaj contract extended
NIZWA: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) has extended the contract of the Unesco Chair in Aflaj Studies at Nizwa University for another four years under the new name: Unesco Chair in Aflaj Studies and Socio-hydrology.
The extension of the contract affirms the scientific role the University of Nizwa plays in documenting traditional and cultural knowledge and its sustainable management, particularly with regard to the Omani aflaj system, an ancient irrigation system that combines environmental, social and cultural aspects.
Dr Abdullah bin Saif al Ghafri, Professor of the Unesco Chair in Aflaj Studies and Sociohydrology said: 'The change of the name comes in response to global scientific trends towards socio-hydrology, an interdisciplinary field that studies the relationship between human societies and their water resources. It highlights water management, water justice and the behaviour of individuals and institutions towards water as well as the associated cultural and developmental dimensions.
He pointed out that since its launch in 2021, the Unesco Chair in Aflaj Studies has achieved a number of scientific and academic accomplishments including the publication of dozens of research papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, the introduction of specialised university courses on aflaj, the production of radio and documentary programmes and the provision of field consultations for farmers and aflaj managers.
He added that the University of Nizwa has played a pivotal role in supporting the project since its inception, providing basic funding and academic and logistical support, in addition to support from ministries and government agencies, such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Diwan of Royal Court, the Oman Water Society, among others.
He stated that the Chair continues to expand its network of research collaborations with universities and scientific centres in several countries, including Japan, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Morocco and Iran. This strengthens its scientific presence internationally and facilitates the exchange of knowledge about traditional water systems.
He pointed out that the Omani aflaj system is receiving increasing attention from international researchers, due to its natural sustainability and harmony between humans and the environment. He emphasised that the Chair seeks to become an international centre specialising in socio-hydrology. — ONA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
8 hours ago
- Observer
Unesco Chair Aflaj contract extended
NIZWA: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) has extended the contract of the Unesco Chair in Aflaj Studies at Nizwa University for another four years under the new name: Unesco Chair in Aflaj Studies and Socio-hydrology. The extension of the contract affirms the scientific role the University of Nizwa plays in documenting traditional and cultural knowledge and its sustainable management, particularly with regard to the Omani aflaj system, an ancient irrigation system that combines environmental, social and cultural aspects. Dr Abdullah bin Saif al Ghafri, Professor of the Unesco Chair in Aflaj Studies and Sociohydrology said: 'The change of the name comes in response to global scientific trends towards socio-hydrology, an interdisciplinary field that studies the relationship between human societies and their water resources. It highlights water management, water justice and the behaviour of individuals and institutions towards water as well as the associated cultural and developmental dimensions. He pointed out that since its launch in 2021, the Unesco Chair in Aflaj Studies has achieved a number of scientific and academic accomplishments including the publication of dozens of research papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, the introduction of specialised university courses on aflaj, the production of radio and documentary programmes and the provision of field consultations for farmers and aflaj managers. He added that the University of Nizwa has played a pivotal role in supporting the project since its inception, providing basic funding and academic and logistical support, in addition to support from ministries and government agencies, such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Diwan of Royal Court, the Oman Water Society, among others. He stated that the Chair continues to expand its network of research collaborations with universities and scientific centres in several countries, including Japan, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Morocco and Iran. This strengthens its scientific presence internationally and facilitates the exchange of knowledge about traditional water systems. He pointed out that the Omani aflaj system is receiving increasing attention from international researchers, due to its natural sustainability and harmony between humans and the environment. He emphasised that the Chair seeks to become an international centre specialising in socio-hydrology. — ONA
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Oman's higher education institutions make mark in world rankings
MUSCAT: The 2026 QS World University Rankings have recognised five Omani higher education institutions, including Sultan Qaboos University, University of Nizwa, Dhofar University, Sohar University, and the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech). Sultan Qaboos University achieved significant progress, climbing 28 spots to secure the 334th position globally. The University of Nizwa ranked within the 770–761 bracket, while Dhofar University was placed in the 900–851 range. Sohar University entered the rankings within the 1000–951 category, and GUtech was positioned between 1200–1001. This performance reflects the steady advancement of Oman's academic and research infrastructure, as reported by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the UK-based global higher education analyst, on its official 2026 rankings website. Dr Maryam al Nabhani, Director-General of Private Universities and Colleges at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, stated that the QS rankings are among the most prestigious global benchmarks for higher education institutions. She noted that Oman Vision 2040 includes a strategic objective for national universities to break into the global academic elite, with an emphasis on placing four Omani universities among the world's top 500 in QS rankings. She explained that the QS methodology evaluates universities based on key indicators, including academic reputation (assessed through expert surveys on teaching and research quality), employer reputation (measuring graduate employability), and faculty-to-student ratios (reflecting educational quality). Research impact is gauged through citation metrics, while international faculty and student ratios demonstrate institutional diversity and global appeal. Dr Maryam al Nabhani, Director-General of Private Universities and Colleges at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation Additional metrics encompass sustainability performance, contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), graduate employment outcomes and international research collaboration networks. Dr Maryam emphasised that these results reflect Oman's national efforts to enhance academic competitiveness in line with Oman Vision 2040. They also underscore the continuous progress of Omani higher education institutions in elevating academic standards and strengthening their global presence. HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of SQU, stated that 'this achievement is a reflection of reality and the result of dedicated efforts and continuous commitment to making Sultan Qaboos University among the best globally in various fields. It also embodies the leadership we aspire to in order to enhance the quality of education. Furthermore, it fulfils one of the key objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which includes, among its indicators, the goal of having at least one Omani university ranked among the top 300 universities worldwide by the year 2040. We hope to continue this dedication and progress towards achieving these goals for the benefit of the university and its members.' - ONA
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
SQU advances 28 places, ranks 334 in QS World University Ranking
Muscat: Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has continued its progress in the QS World University Rankings 2026 for the second consecutive year, advancing by twenty-eight places to reach the 334th position globally. This marks a new achievement for the university in this ranking and reflects SQU's continuous efforts to continually improve its performance and progress. The number of universities included in this year's QS ranking reached 1,503, out of a total of 8,467 universities worldwide, with the addition of 112 new universities this year. The indicators for academic reputation, employment outcomes, research citations, and international research network have shown clear progress this year. This reflects SQU's strong commitment to graduating highly competent students and its continuous efforts to advance the research sector and support its researchers—making them exemplary figures cited across various research fields. HH Sayyid Dr. Fahad bin Al Julanda Al Said, SQU Vice Chancellor, stated that 'this achievement is a reflection of reality and the result of dedicated efforts and continuous commitment to making Sultan Qaboos University among the best globally in various fields. It also embodies the leadership we aspire to in order to enhance the quality of education. Furthermore, it fulfills one of the key objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which includes, among its indicators, the goal of having at least one Omani university ranked among the top 300 universities worldwide by the year 2040. We hope to continue this dedication and progress toward achieving these goals for the benefit of the university and its members.' SQU has made significant progress in the QS World University Rankings by Academic Programs 2025. Its petroleum engineering major reached 25th place globally, while its nursing major reached 32nd place, making it one of the top 50 majors globally. These achievements affirm SQU's commitment to continuing its leading academic and scientific journey in higher education and research, and to strengthening its status as a prestigious global academic institution.
