Muscat – Oman has intensified efforts to build a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy through key agreements announced at the 2024 Ejaad Leadership Forum.

The event, held under Ministry of Higher Education, Research (MoHERI) and Innovation and attended by prominent figures on Thursday, highlighted Oman’s commitment to sustainable growth and economic diversity aligned with Oman Vision 2040.

H E Dr Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy, underscored the importance of research, development and innovation in addressing Oman’s economic priorities.

MoHERI signed pacts aimed at strengthening Oman’s innovation ecosystem, prioritising local talent development and fostering international partnerships. These initiatives target growth in fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy and digital infrastructure, with plans for substantial investments in technology, education and research.

The intensified efforts include a partnership between Ejaad, Asyad Group, Dhofar Integrated Services, SLB, United Engineering Services, and Global Space and Technology to advance innovation across sectors crucial to Oman’s economic development.

Other agreements support cutting-edge research in energy, water and environmental sustainability. Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) will test ETFE coatings for corrosion resistance in high-temperature environments in the oil and gas industry. PDO will also collaborate with Sohar University on safe disposal methods for naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in produced water, aiming to reduce environmental impact in industrial settings.

In renewable energy, Oman LNG and SQU will assess wave energy technologies in Sur, aiming to modernise Oman’s energy grid with advanced storage systems to support green energy integration. An agreement betw- een Oman LNG and German University of Technology explores adding green hydrogen to Oman’s gas infrastructure, using existing networks to efficiently advance green hydrogen goals.

Additionally, Nama Water and SQU signed consultancy agreements to address water management challenges.