Latest from Observer
Observer
3 hours ago
- Observer
Oman Airports urges flight check amid regional unrest
Muscat: Oman Airports has issued an advisory urging all passengers travelling through Muscat International Airport to check the latest status of their flights with the operating airlines before heading to the airport, amid escalating regional developments. The statement comes as several destinations in the region may be affected by temporary airspace closures or operational disruptions. Travellers bound for affected locations are advised to stay in close contact with their airlines to confirm schedules and avoid potential delays or cancellations. 'In light of the current developments in some neighbouring countries, we encourage passengers flying to impacted destinations to coordinate directly with their carriers prior to arriving at the airport,' the advisory stated. The airport operator emphasised that proactive communication is essential to ensure smooth travel plans and minimise inconvenience. It also reiterated its ongoing commitment to passenger safety and operational readiness. 'We appreciate your cooperation and wish you a safe journey, God willing,' the statement concluded. Passengers are encouraged to follow updates via official airline channels and Oman Airports' communication platforms.
Observer
12 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
From ideas into actions: 'Start-up Weekend' to empower youth
Al Khabourah, June 19 The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and thriving in Oman as the global innovation event 'Start-up Weekend' kicks off this weekend at Al Khabourah Vocational College. This internationally renowned competition, licensed by the US-based organisation Techstars, is held under the supervision of the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) for three days. Yahya bin Ibrahim al Niyadi, Director of Al Khabourah Vocational College, emphasised the importance of the event, saying: 'Hosting Start-up Weekend reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation among students. It's inspiring to see so many young talents working together to create solutions that could shape Oman's future economy. This can be a major step in the entrepreneurial and innovation fields to encourage our youth to show their ideas turning into real projects and meeting expertises.' Start-up Weekend is no ordinary event, it's an intense, hands-on experience that gathers entrepreneurs, developers, designers and marketers under one roof to transform raw ideas into real start-up concepts. The participants form teams, develop prototypes and pitch their final projects to a panel of expert judges and all within one weekend. With the theme of 'Innovate, Build, Launch', this year's edition in Oman features the participation of 70 students from leading educational institutions, including Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Nizwa University, the University of Buraimi, A'Sharqiyah University, Oman College of Health Sciences, and vocational colleges from Suhar, Shinas, Al Seeb, Sur and Al Khabourah. The projects span across vital sectors such as technology, industry, healthcare, sustainability, agriculture, finance, sports and mobile applications, showcasing the depth and diversity of youth-driven innovation in Oman. The competition will be in four phases: idea pitching, team formation, project development with expert mentorship and final presentations. It not only promotes a strong culture of entrepreneurship, but also builds lasting connections between students and real-world investors, developers and start-up coaches. As the final day approaches, anticipation grows for the pitch session, where the most promising start-ups will be recognised – not just with prizes, but with the opportunity to move from prototype to product, from dream to enterprise.
Observer
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Observer
Holiday announced for Hijri new year
Muscat:Oman has announced that Sunday, June 29, 2025, will be an official public holiday for both public and private sector employees. The holiday is in observance of the Islamic New Year, marking the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijrah) to Madinah. This occasion also marks the beginning of the Hijri year 1447. Authorities extended their greetings to the public, praying for peace and blessings as the new Hijri year begins.
Observer
12 hours 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
12 hours ago
- Science
- 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.
