Muscat – The Ministry of Education (MoE) on Monday announced its readiness for the upcoming Oman Science Festival from October 10 with the participation of several global agencies including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Unesco.

“The Oman Science Festival is a forum for science and scholars, which will be held over a period of six days at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, gathering more than 70 scientific corners with 452 activities in different fields,” said H E Dr Abdullah bin Khamis Ambosaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Chairman of the Main Committee of the Oman Science Festival.

Addressing a press conference on the third edition of the festival, H E Ambosaidi informed that a number of international organisations such as IAEA, the World Food Organization (FAO), Unesco, ISESCO, the University of Glasgow and the Calcio Institute of Technology from Germany have confirmed their participation in the event.

A large number of governmental, private, military and security institutions of Oman are also taking part in this mega science festival, he added.

The festival, which has entered its third edition this year, will present a number of scientific concepts, scientific competitions and workshops, and technological devices and applications in an attractive and enjoyable way for students, teachers and general members of society.

“The festival aims mainly to communicate science to students and members of the society in an easy and interactive way that stimulates creative thinking, and to create a positive trend towards science, innovation and scientific research. The festival also aims to keep pace with global trends based on the dissemination of science and technology and the expected future changes and developments,” the undersecretary explained.

This year’s festival – themed ‘With science we meet again’ – will host four scientific discussion sessions that address contemporary global issues over two consecutive days, bringing together a group of professors and academics from international organisations and government institutions from Oman and outside.

H E Ambosaidi thanked and appreciated all the sponsoring companies of Oman Science Festival for their “good care and active participation in the success of this scientific event”.

He also lauded the government, military and security institutions, government companies, private sector players, and the media agencies for their active cooperation in holding this festival. He extended thanks and appreciation to all the staff at the MoE.

A promotional film for the festival was also launched during the press conference, after which Dr Maya al Azari, the Head of the Scientific Committee of the Festival, gave a presentation on the vision, goals, activities, and pillars of the six-day event.

Dr Maya is the educational expert in the Minister’s office and the acting director of the Innovation and Scientific Olympiad Department in the ministry.

During her presentation, Dr Maya said that the festival – to be held over an estimated area of 12,000sqm – aims to spread scientific culture among the various segments of society, whether they are school students, students of higher education institutions or simply those who are interested in science.

“The festival represents a link between students and sectors concerned with science and innovation,” the chief of the organising committee added.