08-07-2025
Emerging technologies are transforming higher education in Oman
Muscat – The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation inaugurated the second edition of International Conference on Emerging Technologies in Interdisciplinary Fields in Muscat on Tuesday.
Held under the patronage of H H Sayyid Nadir bin al Julandi al Said, Secretary-General of Diwan of Royal Court, the two-day event has brought together more than 35 local and international experts to explore how emerging technologies are transforming higher education and shaping the future of universities in the digital age.
In his opening remarks, Dr Hamoud bin Amer al Wardi, Dean of Mazoon College, said Oman has placed digital transformation and emerging technologies at the heart of its strategic national agenda.
'This focus is clearly reflected in the pillars of Oman Vision 2040, which aspires to build a modern digital society and a knowledge-driven economy through strategic programmes and initiatives that pave the way for the future,' he said.
Dr Wardi added that the conference serves as a tangible reflection of national efforts to embrace digital innovation and offers a platform for meaningful dialogue on the integration of advanced technologies in education.
The conference features five main sessions. The first delves into the digital future, with discussions on artificial intelligence (AI), financial innovation, and global insights into higher education in Oman. The second focuses on digital transformation in education and human-centred AI solutions.
The third session explores innovative learning through AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and virtual environments, while the fourth addresses technology, ethics, and innovation in the digital era. The fifth session examines the use of AI in linguistics and educational storytelling, from classrooms to gaming platforms.
In addition, the conference will feature three virtual sessions: Strategic Transformation from Green Competencies to Smart Decision-Making; AI, Industry 4.0 and Advanced Intelligence Systems for Resilience, Security and Interaction; and Digital Transformation and Human-Centred Innovation in Health, Justice and Markets.
Running alongside the conference is a dedicated exhibition showcasing student-led projects that highlight the practical application of emerging technologies across multiple disciplines, including humanities, information technology, business and economics, and English language studies.