Latest news with #KnowledgeOman
Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
From TEDx to KO Talks: Knowledge Oman launches new platform
Muscat: Inspired by its successful collaboration as a strategic partner for the recently TEDx event that was held at the iconic Al Zubair Museum, Knowledge Oman (KO) is now all geared to create a new initiative that celebrates local thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers through powerful storytelling and action-driven dialogue. The new initiative, KO Talks, is dedicated to empowering local voices and creating a platform for impactful conversations rooted in the Omani experience. 'Through our recent partnership with the Tedx organiser's, we have learned what it takes to create a local platform that is authentic, made by people living in Oman for Oman, to tell stories that matter to our future, our youth, and our nation,' said Knowledge Oman President, Balqees Al Hassani. 'We believe that inspiration is not something we have to look far for, it's right here within our people.' As part of the new initiative announcement, Knowledge Oman appointed a recent graduate of the National Leadership Program for Omani Middle Management in the Private Sector (ETIMAD) of the Royal Academy of Management, Usama Samir Al-Lawati, as project manager for the initiative. 'We are thrilled to have someone of Usama's caliber lead this project,' added Al Hassani. 'His strategic mindset, background, and commitment to national development makes him an ideal person to lead the initiative.' Usama Samir Al-Lawati is a Senior Strategic Program Manager at Ooredoo Oman, where he oversees key strategic programmes and projects. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (2008) and a Master's degree in Telecommunications (2010), both from the University of Washington. Al-Lawati has been a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) since 2018 and is a 2024 graduate of the National Leadership Program for Omani Middle Management in the Private Sector (ETIMAD) from the Royal Academy of Management. KO talks initiative is exclusive for people living in Oman and GCC-based voices, highlighting regional impact stories. Talks will be delivered in both Arabic and English to ensure wider engagement. Every session will end with a call-to-action that encourages ongoing community participation and initiative will be hosted regularly, each edition focused on a different theme such as youth leadership, sustainability, innovation, or women in business. Omani arts, music, and storytelling traditions will be seamlessly integrated into each event. The first edition of KO Talks is scheduled to be held end of the this year 2025, under the theme: 'Ideas for change, together we can' The event will bring together prominent speakers from across sectors to inspire and mobilize the next wave of leaders. Founded by Tariq Al Barwani, a prominent Omani technologist, entrepreneur, and social innovator. Knowledge Oman is built entirely by volunteers, the platform has grown into one of the most recognized knowledge-sharing movements in the Sultanate. Over the years, Knowledge Oman has launched impactful initiatives, collaborated with global and local partners, and empowered thousands of individuals across the country. Its success is rooted in its mission to promote learning, leadership, and community engagement.
Observer
15-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
KO honoured with Best community initiative award
MUSCAT: Knowledge Oman (KO), the leading community knowledge sharing platform, has been awarded with the prestigious Best Community Development Initiative Award at the International Business and Innovation Excellence 2025 event held recently in Muscat. Balqees al Hassani, who leads the platform for the past five years, collected the award on behalf of the team. The award represents the sixth achievement of both global and local recognition that Knowledge Oman has received since its inception in 2008 for its contributions to community development. "I am honoured to receive this prestigious award on behalf of the team,' said Balqees al Hassani, President of Knowledge Oman. 'Being recognised for the projects and work we do for the community fuels our passion to continue to go bigger and do more for the betterment of the society.' The International Business and Innovation Excellence 2025 event brought together influential leaders, visionary, innovators and changemakers from across the globe. Knowledge Oman's recognition affirms its standing as a role model in community development, driven by innovation, volunteerism and a clear national vision. Under Balqees's leadership, KO has expanded its footprint, empowering thousands of individuals through knowledge-driven programmes and community initiatives aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Founded in 2008, KO has become a pioneering platform that bridges academia, industry and civil society. The platform has received multiple awards since its inception in 2008 that includes the Best Community Leadership in 2022; International Standard Web Technology Award 2009; Brand Leadership Award in 2010; Outstanding Contribution to the Cause of Education in 2012; and the Golden Strategic Award for Culture in 2013.
Observer
01-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Collaboration to strengthen student entrepreneurship
MUSCAT: Knowledge Oman and Muscat College have embarked on an impactful collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reinforcing their shared commitment to educational and community development. This strategic partnership was initiated by the Research Centre at Muscat College and formalised during a dedicated meeting held at the college campus. The MoU was signed by Dr Araby Madbouly, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at Muscat College, and Tariq al Barwani, Founder of Knowledge Oman, in the presence of Abdullah al Farsi, Assistant Dean for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Balqees al Hassani, President of Knowledge Oman, along with representatives from both organisations. The collaboration aims to foster innovation, research and impactful community initiatives. Dr Araby expressed his enthusiasm for the renewed partnership, stating, 'This MoU reaffirms our shared vision to contribute meaningfully to Oman's knowledge economy and Oman Vision 2040. Together, we aim to nurture a generation of responsible and innovative leaders.' The partnership emphasises a stronger commitment to community development, with a particular focus on empowering students in entrepreneurship. As part of the collaboration, both institutions will work together to build a structured support system to foster the students' entrepreneurial skills through equipping students with the necessary guidance and exposure to build sustainable and socially impactful business ventures. Al Barwani said, 'Knowledge Oman remains committed to national development through education and innovation. We are proud to continue this journey with Muscat College and look forward to enabling more students to create real-world impact.' The partnership symbolises a deeper collaboration that not only fosters academic and research excellence but also promotes youth empowerment, innovation and community engagement across the Sultanate of Oman. Under the terms of the agreement, Knowledge Oman will form a dedicated team of experts to coach students, offering mentorship and startup guidance. The initiative is designed to accelerate the development of student-led startups and stimulate an entrepreneurial mindset among the youth. One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the decision to form a dedicated expert team from Knowledge Oman. This team will provide strategic support to students at Muscat College, including commercialisation advice and intellectual property guidance, to help transform their innovative ideas into viable business models that benefit the wider community.
Times of Oman
20-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Knowledge Oman founder joins strategic boards to bridge education with industry
Muscat: In line with its ongoing mission to empower Oman's education sector through real-world industry engagement, Knowledge Oman is taking a significant step forward as its founder, Tariq Hilal Al Barwani, expands his strategic influence by joining key academic and financial institution boards. This strategic move enhances Knowledge Oman's ability to connect classroom learning with industry practices, creating impactful opportunities for students, educators, and society at large. 'Serving on the boards of academic and financial institutions gives me a unique opportunity to understand how systems operate from within,' said Al Barwani. 'More importantly, it allows me to connect those insights to create real-world opportunities for youth, through internships, hands-on projects, and industry-academic collaboration.' "My goal is to bring the boardroom into the classroom—so students can learn from real-world decisions, not just textbooks,' he added. Tariq brings a wealth of experience to his new roles. He previously served as a Board of Trustees member at Muscat College for five years and currently holds a position on the Board of Directors at Muscat Finance. He also serves as an advisor to Nortal, a leading international digital transformation organisation. Most recently, he has been appointed as a Board of Trustees member at Majan University College, reinforcing his commitment to aligning education with industry evolution. These appointments not only strengthen Knowledge Oman's influence in shaping future-ready graduates but also reflect a growing national trend: integrating real-world expertise into academic governance to drive relevance, innovation, and long-term sustainability in education. Knowledge Oman's evolving role underscores its dedication to collaboration, innovation, and applied learning. By bridging academic institutions with market needs, the organisation is actively contributing to Oman's vision for economic development, graduate readiness, and societal advancement.
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bank Nizwa signs MoU with Knowledge Oman
Muscat: Reaffirming its dedication to raising awareness of Islamic finance and engaging meaningfully with the community, Bank Nizwa, the leading and most trusted Islamic bank in the Sultanate of Oman, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Knowledge Oman. This strategic collaboration will provide training opportunities in Islamic finance, alongside supporting key initiatives driven by Knowledge Oman. The MoU was signed by Mr. Khalid Al Kayed, Chief Executive Officer of Bank Nizwa, and Mr. Tariq Al Barwani, Chairman of Knowledge Oman, reinforcing their shared vision of empowerment through education, financial literacy, and corporate social responsibility. Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Mr. Khaled Al Kayed stated, 'At Bank Nizwa, we recognize that knowledge is a fundamental pillar of economic and social progress. This collaboration with Knowledge Oman reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of learning and financial empowerment, particularly in Islamic finance. By sharing our expertise and resources, we aim to provide valuable training opportunities that will help individuals and institutions deepen their understanding of Sharia-compliant financial solutions. At the same time, we will continue to extend our support for impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives. Through this partnership, we strive to cultivate a more informed and financially literate society, enabling individuals to make informed and responsible financial decisions, ultimately contributing to the broader development of the Sultanate.' Echoing the same, Mr. Tariq Al Barwani stated, 'We are honoured to partner with Bank Nizwa, as we recognize the immense potential of this collaboration and the collective impact we can achieve through educational initiatives that promote awareness of Sharia-compliant finance principles. By doing so, we aim to enhance capabilities and cultivate responsible financial practices. Additionally, we are excited to join forces with the bank on our social responsibility efforts. We believe that through our shared vision of empowering communities and fostering nationwide inclusion, we can not only build resilient societies but also drive meaningful progress toward a brighter and more promising future.' The MoU lays the groundwork for a series of impactful initiatives that leverage Bank Nizwa's leadership and pioneering approach in Islamic finance, alongside Knowledge Oman's extensive network and proven track record in promoting educational excellence. Under the agreement, Bank Nizwa will provide access to its training facilities for individuals from Knowledge Oman, creating a structured environment to enhance expertise in Islamic finance and support professional development. This collaboration reinforces the bank's commitment to fostering a dynamic learning ecosystem that drives financial acumen and industry growth. Beyond training and education, the partnership further extends to vital community engagement initiatives. In this regard, Bank Nizwa collaborated with Knowledge Oman to facilitate Ramadan package distributions and will participate in future community-focused projects, reinforcing its commitment to tangible social support. Through this MoU, Bank Nizwa reaffirms its pioneering role in the Islamic finance sector while embracing innovative approaches to societal development. The collaboration with Knowledge Oman exemplifies a forward-thinking model that combines financial expertise with proactive societal contributions, paving the way for sustainable prosperity and long-term progress.
