Under the patronage of His Highness Sayyed Asaad bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations, Affairs and Cooperation, and His Majesty’s Special Representative, Muscat University yesterday celebrated its opening and launch of operations in conjunction with the Sultanate’s celebrations of the 47th National Day. The official launch of this new centre of learning is another milestone in the development of the higher education landscape as envisioned by His Majesty Sultan bin Qaboos. The opening was attended by many dignitaries including members of Government, notable business leaders and the Founders of the University as well as the British Ambassador, His Excellency, Mr Hamish Cowell.
The ceremony included an opening speech from Mr Khalil Al Khonji, Chairman of the Board of Directors who outlined the vision of the Founders in line with needs of the sultanate. This was followed by Professor Yusra Mouzughi, Interim Vice-Chancellor of the University who talked about the establishment of the university and the objectives to providing high quality education in Oman in cooperation with Aston University and Cranfield University. This was followed by a speech from the Vice-Chancellors of Cranfield University and Aston University, in which they praised the vision and ambition of Muscat University and the strength of partnership and cooperation between the three universities.
Muscat University currently offers high quality academic programmes in its Faculty of Business and Management, Faculty of Engineering and Technology and Faculty of Logistics and Transport.
The event continued with a film entitled “Muscat University from Vision to Reality” recounting the story of the establishment of the University and outlined the process of seeking partnership with leading international universities to provide high quality graduates to the region. This was followed by a short film which detailed the story of the Muscat University logo, which is inspired by the old gate of Muscat and traditional Omani ship building techniques. The ancient Muscat Gate was the focal point for international and local commerce whilst shipbuilding represents traditional skills and craftmanship and the country’s history of seamanship and trade. The logo represents the University’s vision of respect for traditional values whilst preparing students for the challenges of working in a modern, open and dynamic environment.
Muscat University has been delighted to welcome its first cohort of students onto its Foundation, Bachelors and Masters programmes which commenced in September 2017. These students will have a unique experience in receiving lectures directly from visiting faculty from both Cranfield and Aston Universities.