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MUSCAT : Omani students would like to pursue Business Management and Engineering programmes as their foremost higher education options. PhD is very next on their wish list whereas the traditional longing to be a journalist is waning. The trend was witnessed at the education fair titled ‘IDP Multi-Destination Open Day 2012’ held yesterday at Crown Plaza Muscat. Renowned UK and US universities participating in the Open Day admitted that most of the admission enquiries from Omani students were for Business and Engineering courses.  “Demand for both the courses seems very high due to large-scale development works and business activities in the Sultanate. The students may be hopeful of getting better placements after doing the courses,” said Tom Whittaker of University of Bolton.  Equal number of students showed interest in doing civil and mechanical engineering courses and there were many enquiries for Designing course, said Whittaker. An urge for having prefix ‘Doctor’ before

The Ministry of Education (MoE) celebrated Teachers’ Day on Friday and in a statement stressed on the importance of keeping pace with the latest developments in the field of education.  In the statement, H E Dr Madeeha bint Ahmed bin Nassir al Shibaniyah, the Minister of Education, said that the education sector is witnessing a paradigm shift in the methods it employs in imparting education and in its objectives. And she stressed that the teachers has a large role in educating a generation that has knowledge and good morals. “The MoE is adopting well-researched plans for developing the educational process and achieving national objectives in accordance with the teachings of Islam and inculcating Omani values,” she said. H E Madeeha noted that teachers are the main drivers of development in a country and hence they must always be proud of their job and their contribution to society. She congratulated the teachers and workers in the sector for their role in academic, social and

MBA is now an over-crowded higher education option with mushrooming MBA offerings all over the world. In India itself, there are 3500 MBA colleges. UAE also has hundreds of vertiginous MBA choices from leading universities to average b-schools. So it is the aspirant who has to scour the job market well before taking a step into the world of MBA. Here we list 5 new management courses in the UAE that can do wonders for your career: 1.MBA in Islamic banking and finance Islamic Banking is one of the most relevant programme in the GCC countries, if we guess where the wind blows. Everywhere in the middle-east, post-arab spring scenario has brought forward much consideration on social responsibility and more inclusive economy. Here comes the relevance of Islamic Banking as it creats interest-free environment in the world of Banking and Finance. So every banks, from small to big ones, are tirelessly working on creating new divisions of Islamic Banking.  World’s one of the larg

RIYADH: An array of new understandings and opinions has opened by the educational experts from the four corners of the world on the International Education Forum and Exhibition in Riyadh. The recently concluded International Education Forum and Exhibition was organized by the Ministry of Education in Riyadh. Hannele Niemi from the University of Helsinki’s speech has attracted wide interest in the forum. She told teachers are responsible for creating a knowledge base in society while presenting a paper on “ Teachers’ Preparations and Qualifications Help the Transfer to a knowledge-Based Society”. Her explanation of the subject based on her own Finnish experience helped participants to imbibe the idea more personally. Outlining the high quality of the Finnish teachers, Niemi pointed out that they are expected to take responsibility to develop their profession, analyze complex situations like a researcher and make decisions on developing their teaching methods to suit differe

Happy news for busy working professionals who aspire for an MBA. Now they can lap it up within a short span of one year and even from a presitigious Management and Technology institute from Dubai. Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Dubai , one of the premium business schools in the region, accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) of UAE, announced the introduction of one-year MBA programme for working professionals.  The university offer busy working professionals the flexibility of completing the course in a short and convenient period of time. This programme is offered in flexible timings and students can choose between weekday and weekend classes. IMT is located at the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) , with a standalone sprawling campus spread over 250,000 sq feet. “We  are happy to introduce this one year MBA course for working professionals who would like to keep themselves upgraded alongside. Our link to

Fakhriya AlZadjali , E-tourism head at Ministry of Tourism, Oman is an arrived person now. After many years of study in NewcastleUniversity, UK was a life-changing experience for Fakhriya Al Zadjali.  The study programme, MSc E-Business and Information Systems, has opened up new business perspectives in her. Unleashing an array of e-initiatives with Oman Government, she proves that her study was a fruitful journey.  Fakhriya Al Zadjali is now a part-time lecturer at Modern College of Business and Science also Her research interest and knowledge covers e-business, e-marketing, e-tourism and e-governance. Fakhriya Al Zadjai has a rich hands-on of 15 years in the IT sector of the Oman Government. Read her interview: What did you do before you came to Newcastle? I was working for ministry of tourism in Oman in the IT department as e-tourism head section. Why did you choose Newcastle University? Newcastle University is ranked among the top 30 good un

Newcastle University and INTO Newcastle University invites applications for 10 scholarships for 2012-2013 Newcastle University Foundation Scholarships. The scholarships have been created to assist international fee-paying students, who need to complete a Foundation programme before enrolling on a Newcastle University undergraduate degree programme. The scholarships are available to all international students applying for the following INTO Newcastle University Foundation pathways: Business and Management £12,450 Humanities and Social Sciences £12,450 Physical Sciences and Engineering £13,490 Biological and Biomedical Sciences £13,490 The Foundation programme commences in September 2012 and January 2013. Successful completion of the appropriate Foundation pathway (subject to meeting specified grades for entry) guarantees students progression onto a wide range of undergraduate degree programmes at Newcastle University. For full details of the degree programmes o

MS Helen Templar, International Officer, Glasgow University will be in Oman from Saturday 25 to Monday 27 February. To find out more about Glasgow’s Degree programmes and life in this vibrant Scottish city, take an appointment to meet Helen: Mobile: 99473709 Helen Templar’s visit is facilitated by Al Ahlam Higher Education Services, Oman. It is a UK Education Forum which work closely with British Council office, Oman. Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. Today this university is a broad-based, research intensive institution with a global reach. University of Glasgow is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading UK research universities, and striving to change the world with expertise. University’s annual research grants and contracts income totals more than 129m pound, which puts it in the UK’s top 10 earners for research. University of Glasgow moves on a research-driven approach

The American-British Academy(ABA) will celebrate diversity on 29 February in their campus. This celebration is part of school’s Silver Anniversary’s Carnival event.  Food stands featuring cultural cuisine from the 65 nationalities found on the student body will serve as the landscape for this wonderful celebration.  Activities and entertainment will round off the evening.  This event is for our ABA community and tickets will go on sale for RO 2/adult and RO. 500 for students. ABA has lately celebrated its Silver Jubilee as the school has successfully completed its 25 th anniversary on November 12th 2011.  An assembly for elementary and secondary students has included a video of the official opening of ABA on November 11th, 1987.  ABA Alumni representing the first ABA cohort of 1987 have returned for the Assembly and recall what it was like on that momentous occasion 25 years ago.  The Parent Teacher’s Association provided individual birthday cakes for each stud

Islamic banking is the banking or banking activity that is consistent with the principles of Islamic law (Sharia) and its practical application through the development of Islamic economics, according to Wikipedia. In May 2011, Oman’s absolute ruler, Sultan Qaboos, issued a royal decree paving the way for the authorization of the country’s first standalone Islamic bank and for other interested banks to set up dedicated Islamic banking windows. Oman, whose banking industry more than doubled in five years, is close to finishing a draft rulebook for Islamic banking in the Gulf Arab country.  Sultanate prepares for the launch of the two Islamic banks, One is Al Izz International Bank and second one is Bank Nizwa, by June 2012. Shariah-compliant banking will allow lenders in the country the chance to tap growth in the global Islamic finance industry. Oman, home to roughly three million Muslims, is seen as an untapped opportunity for Islamic finance, which prohibits the lending of

The modest economic outlook is not stopping organisations from looking to hire NTU students. A record number of 221 Singapore and multinational organisations will be zeroing in on these students at the annual NTU Career Fair 2012, compared to 175 last year. This is also the largest employment fair at a Singapore university campus, with public and private sector employers looking for students from every college across NTU to fill full-time positions. Held over two days on 7 and 10 February 2012 just like last year, it is so that a bigger number of eager employers can participate in the event. Almost 90 employers will be taking part for the first time. They include big names like Coca-Cola Singapore, Merck, and Toshiba Group. Also for the first time this year, the Fair will have a Technology Showcase, to give employers better insights into the latest innovations and research work that is being done by NTU’s engineering students. The Fair also boasts other firsts – two pavilions fea

JEDDAH: Around 114,000 Saudis had been undergoing Technical and Vocational Training in the Kingdom during last year and most of these trainings were given by the private institutes. The data was provided by Rashid bin Muhammad Al-Zahrani, the chairman, Technical and Vocational Training Council in Makkah Province. Rashid bin Muhammad Al-Zahrani was addressing the conference of the private training institutes for the year 2012, which was held Sunday at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. According to the date, the training provided to the Saudi men and women covered about 256 specialties including computer, electricity, electronics, car mechanics, wielding, engineering, management, law, travel and tourism, hotel sciences, safety and fire-fighting, geology, roads, oil and gas, plastics, media, fine arts, nutrition, security guarding, diving and fishing. All these courses were conducted with the idea of turning Saudi youths into more employable.  Almost 936 private

We are pleased, dear citizens, to also express our satisfaction over what has been achieved in the field of spreading higher education to the different regions through the establishment of private universities that include colleges offering diverse sciences and arts programs which are needed in the country and which meet the requirements of the labour market, which is the ultimate melting pot that absorbs the output of educational institutions. Therefore, we welcome the establishment of new private universities in other regions that require higher educational institutions, provided that objective studies prove their feasibility and that their high-quality programs will ensure that the students will be successful in the work place, and also guarantee that their certificates are recognized at both national and international levels.  Besides the capacity to absorb large numbers of higher education seekers- a matter that we encourage and urge- these educational institutions shoul

As part of a course on Contemporary issues in Tourism, five final year students of the sustainable tourism and regional development department at GUtech gave presentations on the subject on Tuesday. Dr Heba Aziz, head of the sustainable tourism and regional development department at GU-tech, said, “Students were asked to prepare presentations looking at the issue from an international and local perspective.” Khalid al Wardi, a student who gave a presentation on cultural tourism, said, “I chose this topic as I believe that the country has a lot of cultural assets, which represent Omani identity. Cultural tourism also plays a key role in providing job opportunities.” Amjad al Hinaiya, who spoke on the subject of green economy, said that not many studies have been conducted on the topic in Oman. Amal al Harthi spoke about Arab regional tourism as Oman has been selected the Arab Tourism Capital for 2012. The German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) recently organi

Riyadh: Kabir Bedi, a renowned bollywood actor, has visited Delhi Public School to attend schools annual day celebrations as a chief guest. “Gain knowledge from the teachers and books and try to seek and emulate role models”- He advised thousands of students who gathered to the function. Ibrahim Al-Qayid, chairman of Daratassalam International, Manohar Ram, Deputy Chief of the Indian mission, Nadeem Tarin, DPS Riyadh Chairman, Mairaj Mohammed Khan, Principal, Khursheed Khan, administrator were also present. Bedi later officially released the school magazine “Desert Breeze”.  Twelve teachers were honoured for their exceptional services to the school. The teachers were Armin Kotwal, Shyma Taku, Abdul Hameed, Maria Dcruz, Sameena Waqaar, Chandramohan Bisth, Deepa Arora, Rejula K.H, Vijaylaxmi, Ayesha Faseela, Maxi Farnandez and Amita Rawat.

The Job Opportunities Exhibition 2012 (JOBEX), organised by Oman International Trade and Exhibitions(OITE) , will be held from April 23 to 25 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre. The exhibition aims to increase employment to Omani nationals by attracting marquee companies of Oman and the Gulf region.  A press release said that JOBEX 2012 will create a platform for interaction between prospective employees and managers of major companies. Under the directions of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, there has been a lot of importance given to enhancement of Omani manpower for the development of the country. Muktar Mirza, project manager, JOBEX, said “In keeping with the theme of Omanisation, JOBEX 2012 aims at offering information, advice and opportunities to professionals interested in career development and for those who are considering a change of field and looking to develop and acquire new skills. It is an excellent platform for corporate organisations to boost thei

Shell Company Qatar hosted some 40 technical and non-technical students and career development advisers from Qatar University for an engagement session at the Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre (QSRTC) located at the Qatar Science and Technology Park.  The session introduced the students to the QSTP, the oil and gas business in Qatar, GTL technology and the opportunities for internships and sponsorships available to current students and graduates. The session aimed at raising awareness on the oil and gas industry, focusing on the importance of gas in Qatar. In partnership with Qatar Petroleum, Shell built the Pearl GTL project at Ras Laffan Industrial City, which is the largest project ever launched in Qatar and is the world’s largest GTL plant and has positioned Qatar as the GTL capital of the world. Shell showcased its technological innovation, giving the students a tour of the facility and laboratory, explaining what type of research is done at QSRTC and demonstrat

Higher education in the Gulf countries is developing fast. But contrary to the general view, these countries face different issues and constraints and are not a homogeneous block. Oman has the critical mass of potential students to develop a sustainable higher education system while many other arab countries need foreign students. Even though Oman has the requisite potential number of local students, while comparing to the other Oil-rich gulf countries, its financial resources are little lower.   In the case of Oman, the authorities have favoured three models: the first is the free education model, represented by the only public university, Sultan Qaboos University, and a few colleges. The second model is the development of private colleges where fees are capped (at around a maximum of EUR6,000 a year for any type of degree). These institutions are obliged to twin with foreign institutions, which are mainly second- or third-tier small-scale UK and US universities or colleges

The Higher Education Council held its first session for 2012 held at, the Diwan of Royal Court headquarters in Muscat under the chair of H E Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal al Busaidi, Minister of Diwan of Royal Court and chairman of the Higher Education Council on Sunday. The council discussed the two reports prepared by the State Council on the development of higher education sector during the last four years of the seventh five-year plan, 2006-2010. The council discussed the contents of the reports, the conclusions and recommendations. The council reviewed a number of issues including the decisions taken by it in 2011 and the steps taken by the respective authorities to implement these decisions. It also reviewed the draft report of the Higher Education Council that will be submitted to the Council of Ministers. The report includes a statement on the major achievements of the higher education sector during last year and the qualitative development it witnessed.

Several universities and colleges from countries like the UK, the US, Australia, UAE and others have already confirmed their participation at Ghedex 2012.Backed by Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) and Ministry of Manpower (MoM), preparations for holding the 13th edition of Ghedex, a landmark event dedicated to higher education in Oman, are going on in full swing as it will kick off on April 23 . Muktar Mirza, project manager, noted that universities from Oman and abroad are keen on continuing their participation in Ghedex due to the vast audience it generates. "The fact that we received confirmed support from MoHE, MoM, British Council and Amideast adds immense significance to it," Mirza added. The recently announced scholarships by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) will further persuade local, regional and international higher education institutions to join in and participate at Ghedex Trainex and Jobex 2012.  The significance of Ghedex 2011 pinnacled

Saudi Minister for Higher Education Khalid Al- Angari announced recently that Saudi Arabia has allocated 150 graduate courses for Filipinos in various universities in the Kingdom, according to Philippine Amabassador Ezzedin H. Taro. “Kingdom welcomes Filipinos who are working in technical and administrative positions in Saudi Universities to apply them for scholarships at graduate level courses in Saudi Universities”- said Al Angari. Tago said those interested in applying for the scholarships may do so through the websites of the universities or through Philipine Emabassy, which shall send the applications to the Saudi Ministry of Higher Education through diplomatic channels.  At present there are six Filipino graduate students on full scholarship at the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST), which opened in 2009. They are in addiction to Filipinos studying Islamic studies in universities in Makkah and Madinah.

H H Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq al Said, Advisor to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, on Sunday, formally inaugurated the new building of Oman Dental College (ODC), the first and only dental college in the sultanate. The 6,300sq m institution is located in Wattayah. “The college provides a nurturing and stimulating academic and clinical environment for training both Omani and expatriate professionals who will be able to enhance the provision of dental care in the country,’’ said Dr Mohammed al Ismaily, chairman, board of the directors, ODC. In addition to latest cutting-edge dental simulator technology, diagnostic and clinical equipment, the new ODC building has a capacity for nearly 70 dental chairs in its outpatient facility. It offers dental care across all specialities including oral surgery, conservative dentistry and endodontics, prosthodontics, child dental health and orthodontics. “The college and the Ministry of Health best exemplify the cooperation between private

GCC countries have always been the gold rush for European and US Universities. As there is petro dollar and high demand for foreign degrees among both Arabs and expatriates, many foreign universities have busily set up their shops for the last two decades. So the Investment in education in the Gulf countries has seen a dramatic increase in lately. Moreover, Governments in the Gulf countries who were very eager to create employable youngsters among Arabs also made huge investments in higher education sector. Governments have engaged in highly ambitious projects to put themselves on the global education map by building new schools and universities; substituting English for Arabic as the medium of instruction; and importing British and Australian teachers, advisers and professors. But these policies have had little impact on the quality of education and the prospects of graduates. Education has simply been commercialised, with degree mills becoming the norm, and the Gulf States

“Education is an experience more than just academic programme”- this is the general attitude of the student s from the Middle-east who aspire for foreign education for a better job. So students from the gulf region are still preferred going abroad than to study in a branch campus of the same foreign university in their own country.  Experts generally argue that the demand for the foreign university education in the Gulf region will be met when the branch campus of the foreign universities arrived in Gulf. But the failure of many foreign universities in Dubai is a classic example to take care of. Michigan University’s Dubai branch campus has closed its undergraduate programmes due to low enrollment of the students from the Persian Gulf. It raises questions about some of the assumptions foreign universities had about the Persian gulf market. It is said that students are skeptical about the quality of education at branch campuses. Most students want the cultural, linguistic and soci