MUSCAT: Dr Ahmed bin Jumaa al Riyami, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs and Official Spokesperson of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), has been awarded the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Civil Service Medal in recognition of his contributions to civil service, administrative development and institutional advancement.
The honour was presented during a ceremony held in the Kingdom of Bahrain under the auspices of Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain, and attended by the Secretary-General of the GCC. The ceremony honoured distinguished Gulf professionals in civil service, social affairs and labour.
The award recognises Dr Al Riyami’s career spanning more than 27 years in higher education and civil service, during which he held seven senior leadership positions, including deanships at the Colleges of Applied Sciences in Ibri, Sur and Al Rustaq, and roles in quality assurance and academic support affairs.
Dr Al Riyami contributed to the institutional transformation that led to the establishment of UTAS through the merger of technical colleges and colleges of applied sciences. He also played a role in developing the University’s organisational structure and administrative frameworks, as well as overseeing the placement of more than 1,800 employees within the new structure.
His contributions also included initiatives to develop human resources, strengthen administrative and financial governance, improve employment procedures and enhance institutional accountability. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he chaired three strategic task forces tasked with ensuring the continuity of educational and administrative operations, including the organisation of student accommodation, graduation ceremonies and remote elections for student advisory councils.
In addition, Dr Al Riyami chaired the Administrative Accountability Council for eight consecutive years and contributed to the development of employment, academic and research regulations. He also supervised the Tajawob platform for complaints and suggestions, supporting institutional communication and engagement.
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