Muscat–  The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) has highlighted its key academic, research, innovation and entrepreneurship achievements in 2026, as well as its plans to further strengthen its role in developing Oman’s national capabilities.

Speaking at a media briefing in Muscat on Monday, Dr Said bin Hamed Al Rubaie, Vice-Chancellor of UTAS, said the university had continued to focus on preparing national talent equipped with technical, professional and digital skills to compete and innovate.

At the start of the 2026/2027 academic year, UTAS welcomed around 10,563 students across its branches in the governorates, with the number expected to rise to around 12,000 in the coming period.

The university offers programmes in business administration and commercial studies, engineering, computer and information sciences, creative industries, education, applied sciences and pharmacy, in addition to specialised programmes in applied sciences, applied biotechnology, mass communication and media, design and teacher education.

He  said UTAS was also continuing to develop educational facilities across its branches, including a modern buildings project at its Musandam branch, as well as teaching buildings, laboratories and supporting facilities.

According to 2025/2026 academic year data, the university has 545 laboratories across its branches, reflecting the scale of investment in practical and applied learning environments.

During the 2025/2026 academic year, UTAS introduced nine postgraduate programmes, while research output also recorded strong growth. A total of 1,226 research papers were published in 2025, alongside 185 internally funded research projects costing around RO134,000.

The university also submitted 30 patent applications and secured five strategic research projects in partnership with local institutions.

He said UTAS was reviewing and updating its academic programmes in line with quality standards and labour market requirements. One of the key projects is the development of a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy programme.

The university is also continuing to develop its students’ professional record, officially launched in September 2025, to document training and professional practice, enhance employability and strengthen the quality of educational outcomes.

On artificial intelligence, Al Rubaie said UTAS had strengthened its presence locally and internationally, including through its participation in the Omani delegation at the Global Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, China.

The university is also continuing to activate the ICESCO Chair for Artificial Intelligence Ethics, which serves as a specialised research platform focusing on AI ethics and governance.

Student entrepreneurship also recorded significant growth, with the number of student-led start-ups reaching around 364 during 2025/2026, compared with 68 in the previous academic year. The number of student entrepreneurs stood at 331, while business incubators have been established across all UTAS branches.

A total of 53 student-led start-ups have received local or regional awards.

Al Rubaie also highlighted the university’s efforts to develop national academic and administrative talent. Omanisation in administrative positions reached 100%, while the replacement rate in academic positions stood at 42% by the end of May 2026.

The Lecturer Preparation Programme remains a key pathway for developing Omani academic talent. Since its launch, 407 scholarship recipients have enrolled in the programme, including 50 participants in its 12th cohort during 2025/2026.

Currently, 281 faculty members across UTAS branches are pursuing doctoral degrees, supporting the university’s efforts to build a stronger national academic workforce.