Latest news with #UniversityofNizwa
Observer
a day ago
- Science
- 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
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.'
