Muscat – The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has launched the Royal Oman Police Security Research Competition 2025 as part of efforts to promote scientific research in the security field and strengthen community participation.

The competition is held under the theme ‘Security and Sustainable Development in Light of Oman Vision 2040’ and invites researchers to submit studies addressing contemporary security challenges. Winning research will be considered for practical application within the security system.

Lt Col Khalifa bin Said al Omairi, Director of the Research and Studies Centre at the Sultan Qaboos Academy for Police Sciences, said the initiative reflects the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, which place scientific research and innovation at the core of national development.

He said the competition aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises research as a foundation for a knowledge-based economy. It also supports ROP’s objective of developing innovative solutions to enhance sustainable safety and security.

Lt Col Omairi added that the initiative aims to build a strong research culture within ROP, improve policing practices and raise the efficiency of services provided to citizens and residents.

He noted that Oman’s security strategy is increasingly focused on proactive approaches, with greater reliance on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and efforts to combat cross-border crime. The competition, he said, will serve as a platform for generating ideas that respond to evolving global challenges.

Research findings are also expected to support awareness campaigns, particularly in addressing emerging issues such as cybercrime, and to contribute to the development of streamlined police services.

Lt Col Omairi said submissions will be assessed against strict academic and analytical standards. Evaluation will consider methodology, reasoning, data analysis and the practical relevance of recommendations.

He confirmed that entries will undergo blind review to ensure transparency and impartiality. Judging panels will include academics from Omani universities alongside ROP specialists to provide balanced assessment.

The competition, he said, is designed to strengthen cooperation between ROP and researchers, academic institutions and the wider community, reinforcing the principle of shared responsibility in maintaining security and stability.