MUSCAT — His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, presided over a ceremony on Monday marking the 40th anniversary of Sultan Qaboos University, with its leadership pledging to expand its contribution to Oman’s development through education, research and innovation.

The ceremony, held at the university’s Cultural Centre under the theme “Lasting Impact”, reflected on its role in preparing generations of Omani professionals and supporting the country’s economic and social development.

His Highness Sayyid Dr Fahad bin Al Julanda Al Said, the university’s vice-chancellor, said the institution grew from the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s conviction that developing people was fundamental to building a nation.

Its opening marked a new phase in higher education and the development of national expertise, equipping graduates to contribute across a range of sectors, he said.

As the university enters its fifth decade, its achievements would provide a foundation for further progress, he added.

The vice-chancellor said the university occupied a central position in advancing Oman Vision 2040 through updated academic programmes, research and partnerships supporting an economy based on knowledge and innovation.

He credited sustained state support, institutional autonomy and an academic environment encouraging creativity with helping the university develop its teaching and research capabilities.

Under His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, education and scientific research remained among the country’s leading priorities, he said.

The university’s contribution extended beyond classrooms, with graduates taking leadership roles across sectors and research supporting national development plans, he added. Its activities had also helped shape Oman’s cultural, social and economic life and strengthen its presence in regional and international academic forums.

The ceremony featured a documentary, “Beyond Forty”, tracing the university’s journey from the emergence of its founding concept in 1980 through four decades of education, research and public service.

Combining archival material with personal recollections, the film examined the university’s influence on generations of students and the wider community.

Students Ahmed bin Batti Al Shukaili and Al Jawhara bint Salem Al Hasani also presented “The Brilliance of Forty”, a poem written by Dr Said bin Mohammed Al Maktoumi.

Sayyid Theyazin launched a commemorative postage stamp issue marking the anniversary. The collection includes four stamps, a souvenir sheet bringing them together in a single design and a first-day cover bearing the event’s postmark.

He also toured an accompanying exhibition, “Forty Years of Impact”, charting the university’s evolution from a national project to train professionals into a major institution supporting the country’s development.

The exhibition explores its founding vision, contributions to society and plans for the future.

A two-day academic symposium, organised under the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham, will begin on November 10 to examine the university’s contribution to Oman’s economic and social development over the past four decades.

It will review the role of Oman’s first university in developing national talent, advancing scientific research and innovation, supporting public institutions and businesses, and serving the community.

The anniversary programme focuses on three areas: developing people, producing knowledge and shaping the future.

It highlights the university’s work in preparing graduates for employment and public service, translating research into practical applications and strengthening collaboration with government, industry and academic institutions.

It also examines how centres of excellence, forward-looking research, innovation programmes and international partnerships can support the university’s future contribution to Oman.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Royal Family, ministers, senior officials, university council members and former university leaders, alongside representatives of government, business, academic and research institutions, staff, alumni and students.