MUSCAT : In a strategic step that strengthens the Sultanate of Oman’s presence on the global digital higher education map, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO-ICHEI). The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Global Summit on the Future of Higher Education held in Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China.

This partnership marks UTAS’s accession to the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE), one of UNESCO’s flagship global initiatives. The IIOE network includes more than 120 higher education institutions and academic partners across 42 countries, in addition to 13 national centers and 43 international organizations, creating extensive opportunities for international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in digital education, artificial intelligence, and innovation. The MoU aims to enhance the digital competencies of academic and administrative staff, improve the quality of digital teaching and learning, provide access to global educational and training resources, and enable participation in specialized programs and international workshops offered through the IIOE platform. The partnership also enables the university to expand its academic network with leading universities and educational institutions worldwide and to strengthen its participation in international initiatives focused on advancing higher education and integrating emerging technologies into teaching, learning, and research.

On this occasion, Dr. Nasser Salem Al Bimani, Deputy of the Vice Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies, Scientific Research and Innovation at UTAS, emphasized that this partnership represents an important strategic milestone in strengthening the university’s international presence and advancing its digital transformation agenda. He noted that joining the International Institute of Online Education opens new avenues for international cooperation, capacity building, and access to global expertise in artificial intelligence and innovation, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the university’s strategy of preparing globally competitive graduates.

Dr. Musab Alrawi, Director of the ICESCO Chair for AI Ethics at UTAS, highlighted that the partnership provides a strategic opportunity to strengthen international collaboration in responsible artificial intelligence and digital education. Dr Alrawi added that it will enable researchers and academics to benefit from global best practices in innovation and capacity building, while reinforcing the university’s role as a regional leader in promoting the ethical and responsible use of AI and supporting international initiatives in this field.

For her part, Ms. Roqaiya Saif Al Mahrouqi, Head of the International Cooperation Section, stated that the agreement will expand the university’s international partnership network and enhance opportunities for academic and research collaboration with leading global institutions. She noted that the partnership supports the university’s aspirations for international excellence and increases opportunities to participate in global programs and collaborative initiatives.

This step aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes the development of a knowledge-based society, human capital development, lifelong learning, and the competitiveness of educational institutions. It also supports the National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies (2024–2026), which aims to build national capacities, localize advanced technologies, and foster innovation and the digital economy.

The university was represented at the signing ceremony and summit activities by Dr. Nasser Salem Al Bimani, Deputy of the Vice Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies, Scientific Research and Innovation; Dr. Musab Alrawi, Director of the ICESCO Chair for AI Ethics; and Ms. Roqaiya Saif Al Mahrouqi, Head of the International Cooperation Section. During the summit, the delegation held several meetings with representatives of international organizations, universities, and global technology institutions to explore future collaboration opportunities in education, research, and innovation.

This MoU represents a significant step toward strengthening the university’s position as an active partner in international efforts to advance higher education and build more flexible, sustainable, and future-oriented educational systems capable of responding to digital transformation and evolving workforce demands.