Global conclave to explore AI’s role in education

MUSCAT, NOV 15
Educationists, policymakers, researchers and experts from Oman and abroad will gather in Muscat for the Global Education Conclave Oman 2026 to exchange ideas and explore innovative approaches to preparing educators and institutions for the future.
The two-day conclave, scheduled for November 18 and 19 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre Auditorium, is being held under the aegis of the Ministry of Education and hosted by the Board of Directors of Indian Schools Oman.
Themed ‘Empowering Educators for Future-Ready Institutions’, the event will bring together school leaders, policymakers, educators and specialists from Oman, the UK, the UAE and India to examine how teachers and educational institutions can respond to a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Among the prominent speakers are Hussain al Lawati, member of Majlis Ash’shura and a leadership consultant, who will address leadership and human capital, and Prof Ibrahim al Qaryouti of Sultan Qaboos University, an expert in inclusive education and early intervention, who will focus on inclusive learning.
Craig Williamson, Head of School at ABA Oman International School and Chair of the IB Association in Oman, will share insights into international school leadership. Prof Dr Ugur Guven, aerospace scientist and CEO of Prometheus Space, London, will explore how space science can inspire STEM education, while Sarah al Maawali, an inclusive learning strategist, will discuss building inclusive school cultures.
They will be joined by Prof Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), and Dr Ram Shankar, Professor and Director of the CBSE Regional Office and Centre of Excellence in Dubai, UAE, along with other educationists and senior officials from education ministries.
Speaking to the Observer on the sidelines of a press briefing, Syed Salman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Indian Schools Oman, said the programme would focus on five key areas: competency-based education, AI and digital pedagogy, inclusive classrooms, educator well-being and leadership, and 21st-century skills.
Keynote sessions will examine the evolving role of teachers as nation-builders and the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in education.
Panel discussions will address the practical implementation of competency-based education, inclusive learning and differentiated teaching. They will also explore the importance of character, values and ethics in nurturing responsible global citizens beyond academic achievement.
The programme will feature workshops on instructional and transformational leadership, the responsible adoption of AI in schools, aerospace engineering as a gateway to STEM education, and preparing students for an uncertain future. Exhibitions of arts and crafts, alongside a special exhibition on care and special education, will also be part of the event.
“Teachers are the true architects of any nation’s future, and the pace of change in education today asks us to equip them as never before. We are honoured to host this Conclave under the aegis of the Ministry of Education, and to welcome leaders from Oman and across the world to Muscat. Our hope is that educators leave with fresh ideas, stronger partnerships and the confidence to lead their schools into the future,” said Salman.
Principals, vice-principals, department heads, counsellors, special educators, teachers and ministry officials from Omani and international schools are expected to attend.
The conclave aims to strengthen professional development, encourage the exchange of teaching practices, foster collaboration among institutions and enhance educational leadership. Participation will be by invitation only, with the programme providing a platform for experts to address some of the most pressing challenges confronting education systems.
Also present at the press briefing were Ramakrishna GV, Finance Director; Krishnendu S, Academic Director; Vinobha MP, Educational Adviser; Amar Srivastava, Head of Learning and Development at the Board of Directors; and Dr Gokuladas VK of the Office of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman.