Latest news with #SultanQaboosUniversity
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman unveils Hadatha Centre to promote cybersecurity innovation
MUSCAT, JULY 1 The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, in collaboration with the National Center for Information Safety and Sultan Qaboos University, has opened the Hadatha Centre for Cybersecurity Industry. The inauguration ceremony was chaired by Dr Ali bin Amer al Shaidani, Under-Secretary for Communications and Information Technology, with His Highness Dr Fahd bin Jalandi Al Said, President of Sultan Qaboos University, and other senior officials in attendance as well. The Hadatha Centre will enhance research, innovation, and development in cybersecurity and position Oman as a regional hub for digital security. It will create a thriving academic community that attracts innovation and stimulates cutting-edge solutions. Eng Badr bin Ali Al Salhi, Director General of the National Center for Information Safety within the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology said: "The launch of the 'Hadatha Centre for Cybersecurity Industry' comes in line with the National Cybersecurity Industry Programme. The centre will create specialized national capabilities, guard digital sovereignty, and drive economic diversification in a sector envisioned to be worth more than $10 trillion worldwide by 2030." Eng Al Salhi continued further: "Supported by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and universities, the centre will provide financial and technical assistance to aid students and researchers in developing local solutions and tech start-ups, promoting national security and economy." One of the key priorities of the centre is to create a culture of innovation for Omani youth by providing them with the facilities and resources so they can contribute to the sector. Through the development of the National Cybersecurity Industry Programme, the centre will facilitate coordination between academic institutions, government departments, and private sector stakeholders. The initiative also aims to stimulate investment in the cybersecurity field, supporting economic and social development while localising technologies in line with global trends. It will prioritise skills development among young Omanis, enabling them to produce competitive, locally developed cybersecurity products suitable for export to regional and international markets. Dr Mohammed bin Mani' Baitsuwailim, Associate Professor at the College of Engineering, and Director of the Communications and Information Research Center at Sultan Qaboos University, commented, "The centre is a research nucleus that supports student projects and fuels innovation in cybersecurity. It is playing a vital role in preparing students for the employment sector and business entrepreneurship in the Sultanate, while building national capacities that can propel digital development and sustainable growth in Oman in the long term." "A comprehensive cybersecurity programme will take effect in September 2025 for an entire school year. It will provide worthy students with useful concepts through practical training and professional workshops. The participants will then proceed to conduct individual research under the mentorship of experienced scholars from the technical committee of the centre, who have extensive experience in cybersecurity technologies." Dr Baitsuwailim added. This initiative supports Oman Vision 2040 through the promotion of economic diversification, digital sovereignty, and human capital development. Hadatha Centre reflects a focus on innovation, skills, and entrepreneurship that aligns with the vision to build a sustainable knowledge economy and make Oman a regional technology leader.
Observer
3 days ago
- Science
- Observer
‘Ghost plume' found beneath Oman harmless
The huge column of hot rock, known as a mantle plume or a 'ghost plume', which rises from deep inside the earth beneath Eastern Oman, has been identified by experts as harmless, not causing any volcanoes or obvious signs on the surface like other plumes around the world. 'This discovery of the long-hidden plume of magma beneath Oman's Salma Plateau is important because it shows that there may be many more hidden plumes beneath continents, quietly shaping landscapes and even plate movements without creating volcanoes,' said Harith al Kubaisy, Research Assistant at the Earthquake Monitoring Centre, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). Scientists explain that these ghost plumes may carry heat from deep inside the earth to the surface, affecting how the planet cools down and evolves over time. This finding changes the way we think about the Earth's inner workings, as not all plumes are visible at the surface. 'Normally, mantle plumes are detected when they melt rocks and create volcanoes, like those seen in Hawaii or Iceland. But the Dani plume, as scientists have named it, stays hidden because Oman's crust is very thick (over 100 kilometres deep), preventing the hot material from reaching the surface to form volcanoes,' he added. First detailed in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters, the finding reveals a new class of deep mantle plumes that shape continents silently, without the typical signature of surface volcanoes. While plumes typically leave a visible volcanic trail — like Hawaii's island chain—the Dani plume's evidence may have been erased by subduction activity in the nearby Makran zone. Still, researchers say this finding opens the door to discovering more 'ghost' plumes, particularly in regions with similar thick crusts, such as Africa. As seismic technologies advance, more silent subterranean forces shaping Earth's history may come to light. Researchers from different countries used data from earthquakes around the world, collected by a network of seismic stations in Oman and the UAE, to create 3D images of the Earth's interior. These images showed a large area where seismic waves travel more slowly, indicating the rock is hotter than its surroundings. The plume rises from more than 660 kilometres underground all the way up towards the crust. 'Although there is no volcanic activity linked to the Dani plume, scientists have found other signs of its existence. The land above it is slightly higher than surrounding areas, suggesting the hot plume is pushing the ground upwards from below, which is called dynamic uplift. They also noticed special changes in deep underground layers, which occur when temperatures are higher,' Al Kubaisy said. The study has also found that this hidden plume may have affected the movement of the Indian tectonic plate about 40 million years ago. The plume's heat and rising flow could have nudged the plate, slightly changing its direction as it moved towards Asia.
Observer
4 days ago
- Science
- Observer
This device designed by Omani students slashes car emissions by 50%
MUSCAT: Students Omar bin Issa al Barmani and Tamim bin Yousef al Maamari, guided by their supervisor Majid bin Khalfan al Muqbali, have designed AEROCARBON — a low-cost, eco-friendly device that filters vehicle exhaust using fragments of barodite rock. The innovative filter works by triggering a chemical reaction between carbon dioxide, humidity, and the rock, converting the harmful gas into calcite, effectively reducing carbon emissions at the source. The student team from Naeem bin Masoud Basic Education School in Al Batinah North Governorate won first place in the environmental category at ITEX 2025, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The invention underwent rigorous testing at Sultan Qaboos University, which confirmed its effectiveness in significantly cutting exhaust emissions. The compact system includes a car exhaust filter, circular mesh, Arduino board, screen and carbon emission sensor — making it both practical and scalable. It was also honoured with a special award from Saudi Arabia's Tuwaiq Academy, further cementing its regional significance. Al Barmani said: 'The AeroCarbon device reduces carbon dioxide emissions from vehicle exhausts by installing a special filter containing braudtite rock fragments which convert carbon dioxide into calcite, an indicator of carbon dioxide absorption from vehicle exhaust. The development of the invention went through several steps, procedures and practical experiments. These included testing the sample before and after the experiment in a specialised laboratory at Sultan Qaboos University. The results proved the device reduced carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere.' Al Maamari, said: 'The invention was selected from among the teams participating in the National Olympiad for National Innovations, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence through the Innovation and Scientific Olympiad Department in Al Batinah North Governorate. We received technical and scientific support through visits to the school, and through discussion sessions. The device achieved first place in the Sultanate of Oman in the field of scientific innovations in science and mathematics and represented the Sultanate of Oman at the ITEX 2025, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Al Maqbali, the student team supervisor, said: 'Participation in the exhibition was an opportunity and a global platform to exchange experiences with creators and innovators from different countries of the world, and to view various projects in all diverse scientific fields. The exhibition is a global platform and a window for specialists in the fields of inventions and innovations, investors and businessmen specialised in this field. The two innovators aim to further reduce air pollution caused by vehicle exhaust fumes, utilise Oman's natural resources, use inexpensive, environmentally friendly alternatives to reduce air pollution in areas with high traffic density, and spread the culture of innovation among members of society. — ONA
Observer
25-06-2025
- Health
- Observer
The heroes of nanotech
Five years ago, a quiet first-semester student, Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed al Lawati, walked into my entrepreneurship class at Sultan Qaboos University. Today, he stands as an award-winning pioneer in nanomedicine, authoring over 20 peer-reviewed papers and leading international research teams. His remarkable journey, shared on the 10th episode of "Business Class" podcast with the Oman Daily Observer's Editor-in-Chief, Abdullah bin Salim al Shueili, reveals the passion driving Oman's unsung scientific heroes and the immense potential of nanotechnology. The Power of a Village Dr Abdullah's foundation was built at home. Raised by doctor parents who pursued knowledge globally (in Japan and Canada), he witnessed innovation firsthand while appreciating Oman's own advancements. This environment was not just supportive; it was collaborative. He co-authored research papers with his family, nurturing a profound love for discovery. Returning to Oman from Japan and Canada, he pursued medicine at SQU with a clear mission: to position his nation on the global map of life-saving innovation. "It takes a village," he emphasises, highlighting the crucial role families and communities play in igniting scientific curiosity for future generations. A Purpose Forged in Passion Dr Abdullah's drive is palpable: Contributing to saving lives. His prolific research, garnering national and international acclaim, focuses on one of healthcare's most revolutionary frontiers: nanomedicine. But what does this mean? Understanding nanotechnology can be simplified by imagining and engineering materials and devices at the scale of individual atoms and molecules – that's the nanoscale (1-100 nanometers). A human hair is about 80,000 nanometers wide. At this tiny scale, materials behave differently, unlocking unique properties. The heroes of nanotech Nanomedicine holds a high potential. This field uses nanotechnology to revolutionise treatments. Think of nanoparticles as incredibly precise delivery vehicles. They can be designed to target directly and carry drugs straight to diseased cells (like a smart missile), sparing healthy tissue. It also enhances effectiveness and delivers higher drug concentrations exactly where needed. In audio, it reduces side effects by minimising damage to healthy areas, treatments become safer and more tolerable. It also enables new diagnostics by detecting diseases earlier and more accurately using nanosensors. The global nanomedicine market, valued at over RO 57 billion and projected to double by 2030, underscores its transformative potential. Dr Abdullah is at the forefront of harnessing this power for Oman and the world. Lessons from Rough Seas The path of a doctor-scientist is rarely smooth. Dr Abdullah shared poignant moments that shaped him. The unsuccessful resuscitation of an elderly patient and facing the grieving family laid bare the profound value of life and the harsh reality of medicine's current limits. Conversely, witnessing a patient defy a terminal prognosis – living far beyond expectations – became a powerful testament to science's unexplored potential and the hope driving his research. These experiences fuel his determination to push boundaries through nanomedicine, seeking solutions where conventional methods fall short. Oman's Nobel-Worthy Future Dr Abdullah embodies the exceptional talent emerging in Oman. His journey, from an SQU classroom to the cutting-edge labs of nanomedicine, proves that passion, nurtured by family and community, can yield world-class innovation. His work is not just about awards; it's about pioneering treatments that could save countless lives. Oman possesses such promising minds, capable of Nobel-worthy breakthroughs. It is our collective duty – media, institutions, businesses and the public – to cultivate an environment of "meaningful curiosity", actively support research and champion these young heroes. By investing in them, we invest in a healthier, more innovative future for Oman and humanity. Dr Abdullah is not just a researcher; he is a role model, proving that tiny technology can lead to giant leaps for mankind.
Al Bawaba
25-06-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Oman Air and Nation Brand Office Forge Strategic Partnership to Elevate Oman's Global Positioning and Narrative
In a landmark step to amplify Oman's presence on the world stage, Oman Air has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nation Brand Office, aligning the Sultanate's national airline with Oman's flagship promotional brand initiative launched by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik earlier this agreement cements a powerful alliance between two national entities committed to placing Oman's identity, culture, and values at the forefront of the global travel experience. As one of the first institutions to formally embrace the Oman Promotional Brand, Oman Air will serve as a flagship channel for storytelling, bringing to life the essence of Oman's Nation Brand through every journey it operates.'This partnership is more than symbolic, it's strategic,' said His Highness Dr. Faris bin Turki Al Said, Assistant Professor at Sultan Qaboos University and a member of the Nation Brand Technical Team. 'Oman Air represents our first impression to the world. Infusing our national brand across such a visible platform sends a strong, unified message about Oman and the opportunities it offers in tourism, investment, and as a thriving destination overall.'Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, added: 'We have always carried the soul of Oman across continents from our cabin service to our iconic hospitality. This MoU signals a new chapter, where our brand and our nation's brand walk hand in hand. We are proud to be one of the key strategic partners of this initiative, and even prouder to be part of the journey shaping how Oman is seen, felt, and remembered around the world.'Under the agreement, the Nation Brand Office will work closely with Oman Air to co-develop brand integration initiatives, jointly position Oman in key strategic markets, and unlock new storytelling opportunities. These include immersive workshops, branding alignment across touchpoints, frontline training, and co-branded participation in global tourism and aviation events. This collaboration builds on earlier efforts, such as the wearing of brand brooches by Oman Air spokespersons and logo visibility during key media engagements, now expanding into a more comprehensive and sustained brand activation strategy.
