UTAS students return from academic tour in Beijing
The first student delegation from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) has returned to Oman after a successful academic journey to Beijing.
This pioneering trip was part of the prestigious Royal Grant Programme for Student Trips, launched under the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The initiative aims to foster innovation and global exposure among Omani students through hands-on, international learning experiences.
This year's itinerary spans three key destinations — Beijing and Shanghai in China, and Russia. The Beijing leg served as the inaugural chapter of the journey, offering a dynamic blend of scientific, technological and cultural immersion designed to broaden students' horizons and introduce them to global innovation landscapes.
A key highlight of the visit was a field trip to the headquarters of Huawei, a global leader in information and communication technology. Students explored state-of-the-art developments in artificial intelligence, 5G networks, cloud computing, smart cities and e-learning platforms.
Real-world tech projects from various global markets provided students with practical insights into the transformative power of modern technology.
The delegation also experienced China's renowned high-speed rail by travelling to Tianjin aboard the iconic bullet train — cutting a two-hour journey to just 30 minutes through stunning scenery.
Student Taqwa al Rawahi described it as 'an unforgettable experience', highlighting the fusion of nature and urban beauty.
Raghad al Ajeeli added: 'Tianjin blends modernity and heritage - from Italian Culture Street to the illuminated Joliang Bridge. Its use of smart technologies makes it a model for sustainability.'
In Tianjin, the group toured the Airbus A320 assembly plant and the BYD-D Space Center, delving into the realms of aircraft manufacturing and electric mobility.
'Visiting both factories deepened my appreciation for China's technological prowess,' said Firas al Zadjali.
Cultural exposure was equally central to the program. At Beijing's historic Summer Palace, students were captivated by ancient Chinese architecture and serene landscapes.
'Walking through the Summer Palace felt like entering another era,' said Reem al Nabhani.
The delegation also visited the Olympic Park — home to the 2008 Summer Olympics — where they explored iconic landmarks such as the Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube.
Dr Janan al Eisa, Media and Documentation Officer, noted: 'Seeing these venues in person brought the Olympic legacy to life — it was truly inspiring.'
Another key stop was a visit to a leading AI and voice recognition tech firm, where students interacted with experts on cutting-edge applications in speech and artificial intelligence.
'This visit gave me fresh ideas for applying AI in engineering,' said student Al Muntasir al Kalbani.
Mohammed al Mayahi, Sports Activity Specialist and delegation supervisor, emphasised the long-term impact of the programme: 'These experiences help students align with Oman Vision 2040 by building innovation-driven skills. We hope they return as role models for their peers.'
To balance academics with leisure, students also explored Universal Studios Beijing and local markets, gaining a holistic taste of Chinese culture.
Following the success of the Beijing leg, UTAS is preparing to send student delegations to Shanghai and Russia, continuing its commitment to global engagement and transformative learning under the Royal Grant Programme.
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