Conference discusses sustainable education, digitisation

MUSCAT: A conference titled 'Digital Universities in the Arab World' kicked off on Wednesday with the aim of discussing digital innovation for sustainable and resilient higher education.
The event discusses the latest global trends in digital university education, reviewing leading experiences in transitioning towards innovative and sustainable education, and exploring collaboration prospects among Arab universities in educational technology, artificial intelligence and blended learning.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, in the presence of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and Abdulaziz bin Talal al Saud, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Open University.
Hosted by the Sultanate of Oman in Muscat and organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI), in collaboration with the Arab Open University, the two-day conference has brought together more than 300 participants, over 80 specialised speakers from 28 countries, more than 100 organisers and nearly 70 higher education institutions.
In his keynote speech, Al Saud stressed the strategic importance of the conference, noting that it focuses on two central pillars shaping the future of Arab universities: digital transformation and sustainability.
“Digital transformation in higher education is not only about expanding access and flexibility for students, but also about reducing the environmental footprint of educational institutions, achieving national sustainability goals, and preparing qualified talents capable of contributing effectively to the global digital economy,” he said.
Dr Maryam al Nabhani, Director-General of Universities and Private Colleges at the MoHERI, described the event as a “historic opportunity” to reshape the future of Arab education.
“We are living through a moment to rebuild higher education on the foundations of digitisation, sustainability and openness to the world, while preserving our values and shared identity,” she noted. “This conference represents a strategic platform for launching an Arab knowledge renaissance, capable of competing globally and contributing effectively to shaping the future.” Echoing this vision, Prof Mohammed bin Hamdan al Badi, Rector of the Arab Open University in Oman, emphasised the transformative role of digital innovation.
“This conference embodies our commitment to supporting innovation and development in higher education,” he said. “It will explore the transformative potential of digital innovation in reshaping learning, teaching and research, ensuring that Arab universities remain at the forefront of the global educational landscape. These efforts align closely with the strategic priorities of Oman Vision 2040, which place higher education, research, innovation and sustainability at the heart of national progress.”