Muscat – The six-day long Oman Science Festival 2022 got underway with an opening ceremony presided over by H E Said bin Hamoud al Mawali, Minister of Transportation, Communication and Information Technology at the Oman Convections and Exhibitions Centre on Monday.

The ceremony was attended by H E Dr Madiha bint Ahmed al Shaibaniya, Minister of Education and H E Abdullah al Sawaha, Saudi Minister of Information Technology and Communications, besides a number senior officials.

The festival – raising the slogan ‘Together we live the Passion of Science’ – targets pupils, educators, parents, students of both government and private institutions of higher education, researchers, scientists, specialists and academics, apart from those engaged in governmental, military and private institutions working in the field of science and technology.

“I am proud to open the third edition of the Oman Science Festival, and we have great hope for the future of our children as we witness their interaction with technology,” said H E Mawali.

The Saudi Minister was high praises for the festival. “What we saw today is an indication that Oman is moving in the right direction in accordance with Oman Vision 2040 under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik,” he said.

“This is an opportunity to highlight the latent talents of young men and women. We have seen scientific models and projects in the field of renewable and sustainable energy, environment, and many projects in the field of technology.”

H E Dr Abdullah bin Khamis Ambosaidi, Undersecretary for Education in the Ministry of Education and Chairman of the organising committee of the festival, said, “The third edition is more extensive than ever, with an increase in the number of halls, events and activities, and the presence of external participation in seminars and workshops. The great turnout at the opening is a proof that this festival has its special place in our country.”

On the sidelines of the festival, the Ministry of Education signed two agreements. The first was on equipping and financing the Ibn al-Nadhar Centre for Science and Innovation in the wilayat of Samail, in Dakhiliyah governorate, with the Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).

The second was with Khimji Ramdas to support 16 schools in the wilayat of Dima wa Al Tayyin in North Sharqiyah governorate.