Science, innovation centre to benefit over 18,000 students

AL BURAIMI: Al Buraimi Science and Innovation Centre was inaugurated on Wednesday in Al Buraimi Governorate to the tune of RO 618,000, funded by OQ Refineries and Petroleum Industries.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Madeeha bint Ahmed al Shaibani, Minister of Education.
The project spans an area exceeding 61,000 square metres and features an integrated system of educational and technical facilities. These include innovation and robotics laboratories, a planetarium, a mini-science museum, and an educational cinema, alongside specialised halls for scientific modelling and applied technology.
The centre is expected to serve 54 public and private schools, as well as universities and colleges in Al Buraimi Governorate. It aims to benefit more than 18,000 students from public and private schools, colleges, and universities, in addition to teaching, administrative, and technical staff, thereby fostering a learning environment that stimulates innovation.
Furthermore, the centre offers advanced educational programmes, including scientific laboratories, innovation workshops and digital learning environments, while supporting student projects and implementing specialised scientific programmes and competitions to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The benefits of the centre extend to supporting SMEs and stimulating the development of practical, innovative solutions, which contribute to providing quality job opportunities and enhancing economic diversification. The centre serves as a supportive platform for preparing national cadres capable of contributing to the knowledge economy, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Saif bin Hamad al Abdali, Director-General of Education in Al Buraimi Governorate, explained that the Al Buraimi Science and Innovation Centre is a qualitative addition to the educational system in the governorate.
He noted that it provides an interactive learning environment that supports the development of student skills in science, technology, and innovation, helps link theoretical knowledge with practice, fosters a culture of research and exploration among youth, and builds future skills to support the knowledge-based economy.
Omar bin Mohammed al Abri, Director-General of Corporate Affairs at OQ Refineries and Petroleum Industries, emphasised the significance of the project, stating that the establishment of the Al Buraimi Science and Innovation Centre embodies the company's commitment to supporting innovation and enhancing the educational process. He added that it represents a practical extension of OQ Group’s social investment strategy aimed at empowering education and youth, and building capacities in the fields of science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
He further noted that the centre focuses on providing a stimulating educational and applied environment that contributes to transforming ideas into value-added initiatives and projects for society, reinforcing the transition towards an economy based on knowledge and innovation. - ONA