MUSCAT: The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation held a ceremony on Monday to honour the winners of the second edition of the 'We Are Oman' educational programme award for the 2024/2025 academic year.
The event also marked the launch of the third edition of the award, held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmood al Said, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, at Al Bustan Palace Hotel and attended by Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
In her speech, Dr Maryam bint Belarab al Nabhaniyah, Director-General of Private Universities and Colleges and Chairperson of the programme’s supervisory committee, emphasised that the 'We Are Oman' initiative reflects the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik aimed at empowering Omani youth and strengthening their sense of belonging and national identity.
She noted that over the past two years, the programme has evolved into a national model that links Omani identity with knowledge and creativity, promoting teamwork and innovation in line with the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040. She called on students to translate Omani identity into meaningful contributions to society, highlighting that 'true belonging is reflected through responsible work and active participation in national development'. She also announced that the upcoming third edition will feature a more comprehensive and innovative vision, focusing on entrepreneurship, digital transformation and international partnerships.
WINNERS
Saeed bin Ahmed al Rawahi from the University of Nizwa claimed first place, followed by a joint research team from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences — Atheer bint Nasser al Sulaimaniyah and Taqwa bint Ahmed al Farsiyah — in second place, while Oday bin Abdullah al Farai from the University of Nizwa took third.
In the literary category, Ahmed bin Mohammed al Shueili from Middle East College won first place in Classical Arabic Poetry, followed by Aalaa bint Mohammed al Atbiyah from Muscat University in second, and Tahani bint Said al Siyabiyah from UTAS in third.
In Nabati (vernacular) poetry, Sultan bin Saif al Saidi from the Global College of Engineering and Technology ranked first, Thuraya bint Nasser al Hinaiyah from UTAS came second, and Mohammed bin Saif al Zaabi, a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the USA, placed third.
In the short story competition, Zainab bint Salem al Shukiliyah from UTAS secured first place, followed by Walaa bint Musllam al Hajriyah from the University of Glasgow (UK), and Nasra bint Abdullah al Amriyah from the University of Al Sharqiya.
The artistic category showcased a variety of talents. Majid bin Ismail al Numani from UTAS won first place in Arabic calligraphy, while Mohammed bin Hamood al Riyami from the National University of Science and Technology earned first place in photography.
In short films, Fatma bint Mohammed al Shariqiyah from UTAS received first place, followed by Mohammed bin Hilal al Ghafri from the same university in second, and Yasir bin Khalfan al Hasani from Majan University College as joint second.
The digital arts category saw Fatma bint Said al Ajmiyah from Oman College of Management and Technology take first place in digital painting, and the animated work “Sultana” from UTAS win first place in motion graphics.
In media creativity, Osama bin Fahad al Mughairi from UTAS won first place in media articles, followed by Samira bint Saleh al Busaidiyah from the Scientific College of Design, and Issam bin Rashid al Mughizawi from the National University.
The podcast competition was topped by “Rawaa Podcast” from Sohar University, followed by “Ala Al Tawla Podcast” from the same university, and Amina bint Talib al Shiadiya from Oman College of Management and Technology in third place.
In volunteer work, the initiative “Mad – The Community Fridge” from Sohar University won first place, while Jalandi bin Salem al Hinai from the Military Technological College came second, and “Rawaa – Mango Hybridization” initiative from Sohar University placed third.
The University of Sohar was named Best Higher Education Institution for its outstanding implementation of the “We Are Oman” programme this year, recognising its leadership in promoting extracurricular and cultural initiatives that nurture national values among students.
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