العربية
Sohar University, represented by the Human Resources Department, organized for the fourth consecutive year the 4th Higher Education Institutions Admin Gathering for 2026 on Thursday, 23 April 2026. The forum brought together a distinguished group of specialists and experts in administrative fields from various higher education institutions, with the aim of enhancing institutional excellence in non-academic services in line with international best practices.
The forum was held under the theme “Enhancing Institutional Excellence in Non-Academic Services through ISO Standards” and focused on the importance of applying international quality standards to improve institutional performance and enhance the efficiency of services provided, thereby increasing stakeholder satisfaction and strengthening the competitiveness of educational institutions.
The gthering program featured several key themes and specialized sessions. It commenced with a welcoming address delivered by Dr. Mohammed Al Maqbali, Pro Vice Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs, who emphasized the University’s commitment to advancing institutional quality and excellence.
This was followed by a keynote presentation titled “Measuring the Quality of Non-Academic Services and ISO Standards: Insights from GCC Countries,” delivered by Mr. Mohammed Al Ameri, Strategic Consultant and Human Resources Expert at Khalifa University. His presentation highlighted regional experiences in implementing quality systems and their impact on enhancing institutional performance.
The forum also included two main sessions. The first addressed international ISO standards and was presented by Mr. Mohammed Al Jahowri, Lead Auditor at Bureau Veritas Middle East, who discussed key global practices and applications in quality management systems. The second session focused on the experiences of national higher education institutions in quality assurance systems and ISO certifications—specifically the Sohar University experience. It was presented by Mr. Badr Al Zaabi, Director of Procurement and Contracts Department, and Eng. Ibrahim Al Farsi, Director of Information Technology Services Department, who highlighted key institutional practices in implementing quality standards.
The gathering also featured a panel discussion on the challenges and future opportunities for aligning ISO standards within higher education institutions in the Sultanate of Oman, with participation from the session speakers, who shared their expertise and insights in this field.
The organizers emphasized the importance of continuing such initiatives, which contribute to knowledge exchange and the strengthening of a culture of institutional quality. The organization of this forum reflects Sohar University’s commitment to supporting institutional development and building effective partnerships with higher education institutions, contributing to the enhancement of administrative services and improving performance efficiency in alignment with international standards.