Oman and India explore academic cooperation in higher education and scientific research

Muscat : The Indian delegation, representing the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), is currently visiting Oman to explore strategic partnerships between academic institutions in both countries.

His Excellency Dr. Saeed bin Hamad Al-Rubaie, President of UTAS, highlighted the importance of strengthening academic relations and fostering collaborative initiatives that support the development of knowledge-based economies built on innovation, scientific inquiry, and entrepreneurship.

During the visit, several topics were discussed, most notably opportunities for joint research projects in the fields of energy transition, decarbonization, emerging technologies, and artificial intelligence. The two sides also discussed enhanced cooperation in capacity building through specialized workshops and training programmes, establishment of student and faculty exchange programmes and joint research centres of excellence, in addition to sharing research infrastructure, such as laboratories and scientific testing centres.

The meeting also reviewed mechanisms to support entrepreneurship through business incubators and accelerator programs, underscoring the importance of integration between academic and industrial sectors to strengthen the broader innovation ecosystem.

Dr. Al-Rubaie provided the visiting Indian delegation a presentation outlining the history of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences and its core strategic priorities, which focus on innovation, scientific research, and entrepreneurship. He also showcased the university’s existing programmes and initiatives designed to support these efforts.