Salalah forum to focus on AI, hydrogen and energy systems

BUSINESS REPORTER
SALALAH, AUG 27:
Artificial intelligence, low-carbon hydrogen, renewable energy integration and grid resilience will be among the main themes of the 5th Salalah Engineering Forum, which will be held in Dhofar on September 1 and 2.
Organised by the Oman Society of Engineers in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, the two-day forum will be held at Salalah Rotana Resort under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar.
The event, themed “Engineering the Energy Transition: Applied Innovations for Resilient Clean Energy Infrastructure”, will examine practical engineering solutions aimed at improving the sustainability, reliability and resilience of energy systems. Its programme will focus on four main areas: renewable energy integration and energy storage; grid resilience and artificial intelligence in energy; decarbonisation and low-carbon hydrogen; and energy efficiency and the circular economy.
The forum will feature 31 speakers and panellists and more than 22 technical papers across four specialised scientific sessions and two panel discussions. Researchers and specialists from Oman, Libya, Qatar, Palestine, Iraq, Iran, India and Denmark are expected to participate, giving the event a broader regional and international dimension.
Organisers say the forum is intended to provide a platform for exchanging technical knowledge and examining challenges associated with the shift towards more flexible and sustainable energy systems. An accompanying exhibition will bring together private-sector and academic institutions showcasing engineering and energy-related initiatives and technologies.
Eight graduation projects representing eight universities from across Oman will also compete for the Energy Horizon Award 2026, which is aimed at recognising engineering solutions supporting energy transition and sustainability.
The forum also forms part of efforts by the Oman Society of Engineers to expand specialised professional activities beyond Muscat and strengthen links between engineering expertise, academia and national development priorities.