العربية
Sohar University is set to host the official ground-breaking ceremony for its new Innovation Building, alongside the signing of a research chair agreement and a research grant agreement. The event will take place on Wednesday, 1st October 2025, on the university campus, under the patronage of Her Excellency Professor Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation.
The new Innovation Building represents a strategic step towards fostering an environment of scientific research and entrepreneurship, not only at the university level but also nationally. It will be the first innovation centre of its kind among private higher education institutions in the Sultanate of Oman. Its establishment aligns with the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040, which has prioritised scientific research, in addition to developing national capabilities across various scientific and technical fields.
The university affirms that the project embodies its commitment to supporting scientific research and innovation by allocating a portion of its budget to research projects and providing modern infrastructure. This infrastructure includes advanced laboratories, scientific and industrial incubators, and programmes that support entrepreneurship and partnerships with the public and private sectors.
Upon completion, the Innovation Building will provide an integrated ecosystem allowing students and researchers to transform their ideas into viable projects. It will also host various research and community events, such as hackathons and open research days, alongside collaborations with local and international industrial institutions.
It is worth noting that during the event, the university will sign an agreement to establish a UNESCO Chair – in partnership with the Regional Centre for Quality and Excellence in Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – focused on Emerging Sustainable and Renewable Energy Technologies. This chair is the first of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman and reflects the university’s continuous commitment to strengthening scientific research and embedding innovation in the fields of energy, sustainability, and emerging technologies. A research grant contract, funded by the family of Dr. Sulaiman Bin Ahmed Al Hoqani, will also be signed to support scientific research and young researchers.
This project and the research chair are expected to mark a significant milestone in the progress and achievements of Sohar University, reinforcing its pioneering role in supporting sustainable development and innovation, and contributing to community service and meeting the needs of the national economy.