MUSCAT : The first meeting of the working team tasked with improving the status of private universities in the Sultanate of Oman at the international ranking was held today under the chair of Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Head of the Team.

The minister said that private higher education institutions should devise plans that include activities they intend to implement in a bid to enter the ranking. She also stressed the importance of cooperation and integration between public and private higher education institutions, which in turn contributes to improving the educational process and supporting scientific research and innovation.

The meeting touched on a number of initiatives undertaken by the Ministry to support the financial sustainability of private higher education institutions, as well as establishing a research base and support innovation at these institutions.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Bakhit Ahmed Al Mahri, the ministry’s Undersecretary for Higher Education, some heads of the private universities, and other officials.