Muscat – The capital city of Muscat on Sunday hosted the third ICEF Middle East Scholarship and Partnership Summit, bringing together more than 60 international universities and institutions known for their academic programmes.

Organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, the two-day forum is focusing on student exchange, research collaboration, and challenges related to scholarships.

Held under the patronage of H H Sayyid Dr Kamil Fahad al Said, Secretary-General in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, the summit aimed to strengthen academic ties and expand opportunities for students.

H E Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, highlighted the importance of the forum in promoting knowledge exchange and enhancing agreements with regional and international institutions.

“This summit plays a key role in advancing Oman’s transition into a knowledge-based economy by fostering partnerships that support education and research,” she said.

Discussions covered global higher education indicators, strategies for developing national capacities, and best practices in scholarships and training. Experts also explored the role of international students in shaping global citizenship, the significance of cultural adaptation, and the importance of Arabic language learning in cross-cultural exchanges.

The forum also showcased successful educational initiatives from Oman and the wider GCC region. It highlighted the role of small and medium enterprises in driving innovation and providing practical training for international students, further strengthening links between academia and industry.