MUSCAT, NOV 12
The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Muscat celebrated World Quality Day 2026 under the theme “Excellence 360°: Where Quality Powers Performance”, highlighting its commitment to promoting a culture of quality, institutional excellence and continuous improvement across its academic and administrative operations.
Organised by the university’s Quality Assurance Department, the event brought together academic staff, students and representatives of higher education institutions and private-sector organisations to discuss the role of quality in enhancing institutional performance and shaping the future of higher education.
The event opened with an address by Dr Khalid bin Salim al Abri, Assistant Vice-Chancellor of UTAS Muscat, who emphasised that quality is fundamental to advancing higher education and strengthening institutional performance.
He said that quality assurance, academic accreditation and continuous improvement are essential to enhancing teaching and learning outcomes, achieving institutional excellence and ensuring the long-term sustainability of higher education institutions.
The programme included the official launch of the event’s logo and a video presentation highlighting UTAS Muscat’s journey in quality assurance and its ongoing efforts to improve institutional performance.
Presentations explored quality from the perspective of academic accreditation and examined the role of students in higher education quality assurance, highlighting the importance of their participation in institutional development. A panel discussion titled “The Future of Quality, Excellence and University Rankings” also addressed emerging priorities in higher education, while a student-led skit presented quality from the learners’ perspective.
Dr Tayba bint Sulaiman al Hilali, Head of the Quality Assurance Department at UTAS Muscat, said quality should not be viewed merely as compliance with standards, but as an institutional culture reflected in effective practices, continuous improvement and tangible impact.
She added that the event aimed to strengthen partnerships, promote the exchange of expertise and share best practices among higher education institutions and private-sector organisations.
“The accompanying exhibition featured 12 external participants from higher education institutions and private-sector partners, providing a platform to showcase quality-related initiatives, exchange experiences and encourage innovative approaches to institutional development,” she said.
Dr al Hilali also highlighted the importance of student engagement, describing students as essential partners in advancing quality and institutional excellence.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
