There are few moments in life more inspiring than listening to brilliant young minds discuss ambitious ideas with confidence, humility and purpose. Such moments remind me of one of history’s greatest human achievements: the flourishing intellectual movement of the Islamic Golden Age under the Abbasid Caliphate, especially during the reign of Caliph Al Mamun in the ninth century.
At the heart of that civilisational rise stood Bayt al Hikma, the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, founded more than 1,200 years ago. It was not merely a library. It was a research institution, translation centre, innovation hub and intellectual meeting place where scholars from Arabia, Persia, India, Central Asia, Africa and beyond collaborated to expand humanity’s understanding of science, medicine, mathematics, engineering, astronomy and philosophy.
The House of Wisdom helped produce ideas that still shape modern civilisation today. Without Alhasan Ibn al Haytham and his pioneering work in optics and experimentation during the 11th century, the foundations of the modern scientific method may not have emerged as early as they did.
Without Ismail al Jazari in the 12th century, modern robotics and mechanical engineering would look very different. Without Al Biruni, humanity’s understanding of geology, geography and Earth sciences would have been delayed by centuries.
Without Ibn Sina and Al Razi, medicine and clinical practice would not have advanced at the pace they did. Even modern sociology and economic thought owe much to Ibn Khaldun and his groundbreaking ‘Muqaddimah’ in the 14th century.
Along with Omani scholars such as the linguist Al Khalil Ibn Ahmad al Farahidi and physician and pharmacist Rashid Ibn Umairah al Rustaqi. These scholars were united by a simple but revolutionary idea: Investing in knowledge creates long-term civilisational prosperity.
Today, Oman is building its own modern version of that philosophy through the Takatuf Oman programme under the umbrella of the Oman Investment Authority. Takatuf, which empowers distinguished young Omanis studying at some of the world’s leading universities, represents far more than a scholarship initiative. It is a strategic national investment in human capital, innovation and future leadership.
The programme also reflects the timeless wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him: “Seek knowledge even if you have to go to China.” In today’s interconnected world, this principle is more relevant than ever. Nations that empower their brightest minds to learn globally and contribute locally are the nation’s best positioned to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, and digital transformation.
The global evidence supporting this approach is overwhelming. According to the World Economic Forum and OECD, countries that invest heavily in education, research, and advanced skills consistently achieve higher productivity, stronger innovation ecosystems, and more resilient economies.
The world’s most competitive economies, from Singapore to South Korea, transformed themselves not primarily through natural resources, but through sustained investment in talent and knowledge. Oman increasingly understands this reality.
Today, many Takatuf scholars are already contributing across critical sectors inside and outside the Sultanate of Oman. I recently had the honour of speaking with Hamad al Dere’i from Hamra Al Duru, who overcame significant challenges to become a trusted energy trader in a major international energy company. His journey reflects the resilience and global competitiveness of Omani talent when given the right opportunities.
My former colleague, Sulaiman al Mani, has distinguished himself as a published material scientist working on carbon economy research, an area that is becoming increasingly critical as the world races toward net-zero targets and sustainable industrial systems.
Dr Rashid al Abri is contributing to the rapidly advancing field of computational biology in collaboration with researchers associated with Columbia University. Another brilliant young Omani woman scholar is conducting advanced research exploring neurological connections between human intelligence and machine intelligence alongside researchers connected to Princeton University.
These are not isolated stories. They are signals of a broader transformation quietly taking shape. In an era where nations compete fiercely for talent, intellectual property, and technological leadership, programmes like Takatuf are becoming strategic necessities rather than optional luxuries.
According to recent global estimates, intangible assets such as knowledge, innovation, research capability, and human capital now account for the majority of value creation in advanced economies. The future wealth of nations will increasingly depend not on what lies beneath the ground, but on what exists inside the minds of their people.
This is why the Return on Investment (RoI) in scholars is extraordinary. Unlike traditional investments that depreciate over time, investment in knowledge compounds across generations. A single scientist, educator, entrepreneur, physician or innovator can positively influence millions of lives over decades. The benefits extend far beyond economics into healthcare, education, diplomacy, technology and national resilience.
More than a millennium after the House of Wisdom illuminated the world, Oman is nurturing a new generation of scholars capable of contributing to humanity’s next chapter. The names and discoveries may differ, but the principle remains timeless: Civilisations rise when they honour knowledge, empower talent and invest boldly in minds.
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