Oman hosts first Arab Women Researchers Forum

The Sultanate of Oman is hosting the first Arab Women Researchers Forum.

The two-day event is titled “Arab Women Researchers Towards the Future: Inspiring Experiences and Insightful Visions” under the theme “Exchanging Expertise is Our Path to Excellence”. 

A number of Arab women researchers from various scientific and academic fields are taking part, along with heads and representatives of Arab, regional and international organisations and unions.

The forum is organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in cooperation with the Department of Science and Scientific Research at the Arab League Educational Cultural and Scientific Organisation ALESCO, the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and the University of Buraimi.

The initiative reflects a strong belief in the central role of Arab women in supporting sustainable development through scientific research and innovation. Arab women have shown capability and achievement in scientific and knowledge fields, and an ability to create and contribute sound scientific solutions to development issues, making them key partners in building a knowledge-based Arab future.

The forum aims to promote the exchange of experience and expertise among Arab women researchers, showcasing inspiring role models and empowering women in the fields of research, technology and innovation—in line with the Arab strategy for these areas of development.

The event also seeks to enhance Arab women's presence in research institutions, as well as women's active participation in devising policies and programs that serve their respective countries and the Arab world at large. It underlines national efforts to support Omani women researchers and focuses on their contribution to Arab and international forums in a manner that highlights the progress made by the Sultanate of Oman’s system of research and innovation.

The forum features nine scientific and discussion sessions taking place across the two days, highlighting scientific research and researchers’ perspectives, culture, tourism and media, sustainable development and the green economy, artificial intelligence and innovation, and health, psychological and social care. It also includes debates on future challenges for higher education and ways to strengthen the role of Arab women researchers and build networks with their counterparts abroad. The final session presents the main recommendations and outcomes of the forum.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.