MUSCAT, OCT 26
More than 90 participants from Oman and across the Arab world gathered at the Arab Open University in Muscat for the Arab Innovators and Creators Conference, showcasing innovative projects and exploring ways to translate research into practical solutions.
Held under the theme ‘Inspiring Innovation, Prosperous Development’, the three-day conference brings together 22 Arab innovators, along with researchers, academics and specialists in innovation and entrepreneurship.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Saif bin Abdullah al Haddabi, Chairman of the Research and Innovation Authority.
The conference is organised by the Research and Innovation Authority (RIA) in cooperation with the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and the Arab Open University, in coordination with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO).
The event aims to strengthen cooperation among Arab innovators, showcase inventions and patents, and address barriers to bringing ideas from the development stage to commercial markets. It also seeks to build sustainable networks that support research, entrepreneurship and innovation across the region.
Speaking at the opening, Dr Mahmoud bin Abdullah al Abri, Secretary of the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, said investing in human potential and translating knowledge into sustainable development were essential to the future of nations.
He noted that projects presented by young innovators demonstrated the ability of Arab talent to develop solutions to challenges facing their communities.
Prof Dr Mohammed bin Hamdan al Badi, President of the Arab Open University in Oman, said the conference aimed to empower creative minds and transform innovative ideas into projects with tangible economic and social benefits. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting innovation and nurturing talent.
Prof Dr Mohammed Sanad Abu Darwish, Director of the Department of Science and Scientific Research at ALECSO, highlighted the growing importance of innovation in enhancing economic competitiveness and addressing challenges across the Arab world. He stressed the need to align creative ideas with community needs to achieve meaningful development outcomes.
In a keynote presentation, Nasreen bint Yahya al Balushi, Acting Head of the Research and Innovation Capacity Building Department at the Research and Innovation Authority, outlined Oman’s research and innovation programmes, funding mechanisms, technical infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives.
The first day featured discussions on the Arab innovation landscape, barriers to commercialisation, intellectual property, financing and the role of incubators in helping innovators bring their projects to market. Participants also explored research and innovation priorities for the Arab region towards 2040.
An accompanying exhibition showcased prototypes, models and project presentations, providing a platform for participants to exchange expertise and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Among the projects on display was a smart platform developed by Syrian engineer Raneem al Saleh of the Higher Institute for Seismological Research and Studies at Damascus University. The platform is designed to assess structural damage caused by conflicts and earthquakes in Syria and help identify suitable approaches to rehabilitation.
Al Saleh said the conference offered an opportunity to connect with fellow Arab innovators and benefit from their experience and support in further developing the project.
Another initiative, presented by Dhari al Shammari of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, focuses on an innovative strategy to manage soil salinity in Kuwait and the wider Gulf region.
The project examines the causes of soil salinity and seeks to develop practical solutions to mitigate its effects. Al Shammari welcomed the opportunity to exchange knowledge with fellow Arab innovators and expressed hope that the conference would continue to serve as a platform for regional cooperation.
Over the three days, the conference seeks to strengthen connections among innovators, researchers and potential partners while supporting the development and commercialisation of promising ideas.
The event reflects broader efforts to strengthen the Arab innovation ecosystem and harness research and technology to address economic, environmental and social challenges.
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