MUSCAT: The Research and Innovation Authority on Thursday concluded a two-day governance experts workshop in collaboration with an international consultancy firm overseeing the development of the National Biotechnology Strategy. The workshop, held at Novotel Muscat Airport Heights, forms part of the approved scope of work for the strategy and reflects ongoing national efforts to establish a comprehensive framework for the biotechnology sector in the Sultanate of Oman.
The event was held under the auspices of Dr Saif bin Abdullah al Haddabi, Chairman of the Research and Innovation Authority and Head of the Steering Committee for the project. The workshop brings together key stakeholders and technical experts to review governance structures and sectoral priorities as the strategy moves into its advanced stages of preparation.
The initiative is being implemented in cooperation with strategic partners, including the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, as well as the Oman India Fertiliser Company (OMIFCO), which is funding the project. The collaboration underscores the growing importance of biotechnology as a strategic enabler of economic diversification, research excellence and sustainable development in line with Oman Vision 2040.
During the workshop sessions, participants reviewed the priorities of biotechnology sub-sectors and examined proposed governance models aimed at regulating and advancing the sector. Discussions focused on integrating feedback and amendments submitted by various application-focused working groups to ensure that the strategy reflects a unified national vision. The objective is to reach a broad consensus among stakeholders before transitioning to the next phase of the strategy’s development.
Experts also continued collecting and analysing information related to governance frameworks and regulatory structures governing biotechnology and genetic data protection in Oman. The discussions addressed international best practices in biotechnology governance, oversight mechanisms, ethical considerations and institutional coordination to ensure that Oman adopts a robust and future-ready regulatory environment.
The workshop builds on the outcomes of previous expert sessions dedicated to white, green and red biotechnology applications, which were held from December 1 to 3, 2025. The relevant committee tasked with regulating biotechnology applications, products and the protection of genetic data in Oman had approved the outcomes of those sessions during its fourteenth meeting. The committee emphasised the importance of incorporating a comprehensive governance framework and a well-defined economic model into the final strategy document.
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