Latest news with #OmanVision2040ImplementationFollow-upUnit
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Global report highlights advanced higher education capabilities
MUSCAT: British institution Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) unveiled on Monday in Muscat the contents of its new global report, 'Advanced Capabilities of Higher Education in the Sultanate of Oman', highlighting Oman's growing role as an international hub for higher education. The launch was held under the auspices of Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit. The report underscored the significant growth in Oman's research output, which increased by 36.9 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023. Dr Maryam al Nabhani, Director-General of Private Universities and Colleges, stated that Oman Vision 2040 has placed education, learning, research and national competencies at the heart of national priorities, forming the foundation for building a competitive and sustainable knowledge-based economy. She added that the vision has set an ambitious goal of having four Omani universities ranked among the top 500 globally in the QS rankings by 2040. Notably, Oman achieved positive results in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, with five Omani universities included, compared to only two in the 2025 rankings — reflecting the sector's rapid progress. Dr Al Nabhani explained that three private universities made their debut in the global rankings, namely Nizwa University (ranked 770-761), Dhofar University (ranked 900-851) and the German University of Technology in Oman 'GUtech' (ranked 1200-1001). Additionally, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) made remarkable progress, climbing to 334th place globally, up from 362nd in 2025. Meanwhile, Sohar University achieved a qualitative leap, advancing to the 1000-951 bracket after being ranked 1200-1001 the previous year. She attributed these positive outcomes to a strategic national approach, starting with enhancing education quality, supporting research, improving innovation ecosystems and establishing institutional infrastructure that meets international evaluation standards — including QS criteria such as academic reputation, research quality, employability, international collaboration and the ratio of international students. The QS report serves as a strategic reference document, promoting Oman's higher education institutions globally, supporting efforts to develop higher education and reinforcing Oman's position as a leading regional and global hub for education and research in line with Oman Vision 2040. Dr Moosa bin Abdullah al Kindi, Dean of the Modern College of Business and Science, stated that the release of the QS Higher Education Report on Oman marks a pivotal milestone in documenting and advancing higher education. He noted that the college's participation in this initiative aligns with its mission to actively contribute to national development through academic excellence, research and innovation. He added that Oman's continued progress towards achieving Oman Vision 2040's goals makes such partnerships a vital tool for enhancing the global presence of its higher education sector. This event reflects the nation's commitment to improving education quality and achieving institutional excellence at regional and international levels. - ONA
Muscat Daily
26-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman engages governorates to reform tourism sector
Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in cooperation with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, launched a national workshop in Muscat on Monday to address governance challenges in the development of the heritage and tourism sectors. The four-day workshop brings together representatives from 11 governorates, 17 government and support agencies, and experts in governance, planning and tourism. The event aims to enhance institutional coordination, support decentralisation, and explore sustainable approaches to managing and financing tourism services. H E Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi It also seeks to improve public-private partnerships, raise institutional efficiency, and contribute to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. H E Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said the workshop has been designed to strengthen coordination between local and national stakeholders and develop governance frameworks that support the economy and promote Omani cultural identity. 'The workshop created a platform to identify challenges, share experiences and formulate practical solutions,' he said. 'Feedback from the governors played a key role in shaping the agenda.' He emphasised the importance of empowering local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and using it to benefit future generations. The workshop would focus on three areas – governance and institutional integration to improve coordination; investment and tourism development governance to enhance the investment environment; and the development of facilities and services to upgrade infrastructure and visitor experiences. Participants are reviewing governance models and attending presentations on the role of governorates, the ministry's responsibilities and mechanisms for implementing decentralisation. Sessions highlight how stronger governance can improve institutional performance and ensure sustainable growth in line with national development goals.
Observer
26-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Workshop seeks to strengthen governance of heritage and tourism
MUSCAT: A national workshop focused on improving the governance of heritage and tourism development with Oman's governorates kicked off on Monday, May 26, in Muscat. The four-day event brings together representatives from 11 governorates, 17 government and support agencies; and a host of experts in governance, planning and tourism. Organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in collaboration with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit; and other public and private entities, the workshop aims to enhance institutional integration, promote decentralisation and find sustainable solutions to key challenges in the heritage and tourism sectors. The effort aligns with broader goals to boost public-private partnerships, empower local communities and raise institutional performance. Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, noted that the initiative is part of a series of specialised workshops designed to address sector-specific challenges. 'Our objective is to develop effective governance mechanisms that not only support the national economy but also strengthen Omani cultural identity,' he said. The workshop focuses on three strategic pillars: 1. Governance and Institutional Integration: Enhancing coordination among entities to achieve unified development goals. 2. Investment and Tourism Development Governance: Improving the investment landscape to unlock growth opportunities. 3. Development of Tourism Facilities and Public Services: Advancing infrastructure and services to improve visitor experience and support long-term planning. Participants will also explore best practices and models for tourism management governance to ensure sustainable resource use and balanced development. Discussions are shaped in part by feedback from governors and high-level officials, emphasising the importance of inclusive, locally driven solutions. The workshop features visual presentations on the role of governorates in tourism development, the Ministry's responsibilities and the benefits of decentralisation. It is part of a broader initiative to support Oman Vision 2040 by fostering integrated development across all governorates. — ONA
Observer
24-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Workshop to boost heritage and tourism governance
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in partnership with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit and several public and private stakeholders, will host a national workshop starting Monday, May 26, in Muscat. The event, titled 'Addressing the Challenges of Governance of Heritage and Tourism Development Management with Governorates', will run for four days. The workshop aims to strengthen institutional coordination between the Ministry and governorates, support decentralisation in the heritage and tourism sectors, and propose sustainable solutions for facility development and financing. It is also aligned with efforts to enhance public-private partnerships and improve overall institutional performance. The event will revolve around four core themes: governance and integration, investment and tourism development, public service and tourism facilities, and enabling frameworks covering employment, localisation, legislation, performance metrics, statistics, marketing, and media outreach. Participants will include representatives from 11 governorates, 17 national entities, and a range of experts in governance, planning, and tourism. The workshop forms part of broader strategic initiatives aimed at ensuring balanced development across Oman in line with Vision 2040. — ONA
Observer
19-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Musandam hosts 'All of Oman' Initiative
KHASAB: The activities of the "All of Oman" project were launched on Monday in the Wilayat of Khasab, marking its tenth stop in a series of field meetings organised by the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit under the auspices of Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidy, Governor of Musandam, with broad participation from representatives of government and private sectors. "The visit of 'All of Oman' project reflects the nation's steadfast commitment to applying the principle of decentralisation and enhancing direct communication between stakeholders responsible for implementing the vision and governorate development," Sayyid Ibrahim said. He added that this step underscores the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit's keen interest in monitoring the execution of plans and strategies designed to achieve the vision's ambitious goals. He further stated: "Our focus is on elevating performance levels and achieving efficiency and satisfaction to meet our economic aspirations and enhance societal well-being, while always emphasising that people are the core, purpose and foundation of the vision." This initiative aims to strengthen partnerships with governorates and empower them to formulate their developmental visions and plans, based on a decentralised approach that embodies the objectives of the ambitious national vision. The event will continue for three days. The programme includes visual presentations highlighting efforts to achieve the vision's goals, with a focus on the priority of sustainable governorate and urban development. It also features various workshops, including one on mechanisms for setting and monitoring targets, another on development methodologies, and a session on change management. These workshops aim to enhance the institutional capacities of government and private entities, contributing to sustainable development. The initiative also includes an interactive session with the youth of the governorate, engaging them in dialogue about Oman Vision 2040. The meeting further seeks to involve a number of inspiring young individuals from each governorate by showcasing their experiences and success stories.
