العربية
Recognizing that scientific research and innovation are fundamental drivers of economic growth and societal progress, Sohar University held an official ceremony on Wednesday morning to lay the foundation stone of the Innovation Center and sign a number of agreements. The event was held under the patronage of H.E. Prof. Rahma Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, and was attended by a distinguished gathering of Excellencies, honorable members, officials, and representatives of academic and industrial institutions.
The Innovation Center, with an estimated construction cost of nearly five million Omani Rials, supported by the University’s Board of Trustees and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, marks a significant milestone in the University’s journey of advancing research and entrepreneurship. The Center aims to foster a culture of creativity, support researchers and students in transforming ideas into economically valuable products and services, and create an enabling environment for innovation and knowledge transfer. It will serve as a bridge between academia and industry, contributing to national economic development and meeting societal needs. The Center will be equipped with advanced laboratories, business incubators, and innovation spaces that empower students and researchers to transform their ideas into impactful projects.
The ceremony included several segments, beginning with the Royal Anthem and recitation of the Holy Qur’an, followed by a multimedia presentation about the Innovation Center. This was followed by an address from Prof. Hamdan Al Fazari, Vice Chancellor of Sohar University, who stated:
“The establishment of the Innovation Center is a pioneering step to support research and innovation. It will be the first of its kind among private higher education institutions in Oman, playing a prominent and vital role in fostering innovation through creating an environment that encourages creativity and provides a complete ecosystem of innovation. This includes entrepreneurship education, specialized incubators, industry partnerships, and hosting events such as hackathons, research forums, and exhibitions of successful innovations aligned with technological development, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence. The Center will stand as a beacon of innovation in Oman. This vision is fully aligned with the Ministry’s strategy to build a vibrant and productive research and innovation sector, integrated with other national and international sectors. I would also like to note that the Ministry generously provided financial support of 300,000 OMR to empower the Center and enable it to achieve its goals.”
The event also featured a presentation by Sheikh Anis Al Mamari, CEO of the Oman Educational and Training Investment Company, who highlighted project details. He noted that the Innovation Center will cover 17,457 square meters and include specialized laboratories, an Intellectual Property office, and an international business accelerator, in addition to cafés, a clinic, workshops, meeting halls, and administrative offices.
H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Almedaires, Director General of the UNESCO Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education, delivered a speech in which he praised the new research partnership with Sohar University.
The program also included a brief presentation by Prof. Hussein Kazem on the newly launched Research Chair in Emerging Renewable and Sustainable Energy Technologies, inaugurated during the ceremony. A number of agreements were signed, including with Ooredoo Oman, the UNESCO Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education, as well as a research grant in the name of the late Dr. Suleiman Al-Houqani.
Sohar University affirms that the new Innovation Center will be a leading hub for research and entrepreneurship in Oman, contributing actively to community service, advancing sustainable development goals, and ensuring a prosperous knowledge-based future. The Center aligns with the Oman Vision 2040, focusing on national talent and capabilities to build an ambitious nation, a vibrant society, and a thriving economy.