Sohar University hosts forum on university twinning

MUSCAT: Sohar University hosted the Third ALECSO Forum on the Twinning of Arab Universities under the theme 'The Productive University.' The two-day forum is organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in cooperation with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and attended by Prof Dr Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, alongside a number of dignitaries, university presidents, experts, and academics from various Arab and international institutions.
The forum brings together 36 experts and academics from 16 countries, including Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Germany, Slovenia, Singapore and Spain. Participants presented research papers, case studies, and discussion sessions exploring the future of higher education, innovation, and the evolving role of universities as drivers of knowledge economies.
In her opening address, Dr Rahma underlined that the concept of the productive university rests on an educational strategy that responds to societal needs and global challenges. “It seeks to bridge the gap between academia and the labour market, linking theory with practice and developing students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” she stated.
Professor Dr Amar stressed that adopting the “productive university” model transforms universities into engines of economic and social development. “A productive university not only graduates qualified talent but also generates knowledge, transfers technology, and provides innovative solutions to national and global challenges,” he said, adding that this model enhances global university rankings through stronger research output, patents and partnerships.
Prof Dr Mohamed Sand Abu Darwish, Chair of the Forum’s Scientific Committee and Director of Science and Research at ALECSO, concluded the opening session by noting the global transformation in the role of universities—from traditional academic institutions into dynamic engines of knowledge economies and influential soft power actors shaping public policy and innovation.
On the sidelines of the event, several academic and research cooperation agreements were signed, reflecting ALECSO’s ongoing efforts to advance higher education in the Arab world and Sohar University’s commitment to fostering research excellence and knowledge production.
The initiative also aligns with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which aspires to build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, partnerships and human capital development.