A’Seeb: The National University of Science and Technology celebrated today the laying of the foundation stone for its new university campus at Sultan Haitham City in the Wilayat of A’Seeb, Muscat Governorate.
The ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Khalfan Said Al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning.
The project represents a qualitative addition to the higher education system in the Sultanate of Oman, aligning with national strategic directions aimed at developing education and enhancing its role in supporting a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.
Spanning a total land area of 31,890 square metres with a built-up area of 31,200 square metres, the project has a capacity to accommodate 2,435 students.
It will house the College of Advanced Technology and the College of Engineering, alongside integrated academic, administrative, and research facilities.
The project features a modern architectural design that blends Omani authenticity with contemporary global trends, reflecting the university’s identity and its vision for academic leadership and institutional excellence.
It provides an advanced educational infrastructure capable of accommodating future academic growth.
In his speech, Dr. P. Mohamed Ali, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National University of Science and Technology, said: “Laying the foundation stone for the new university building represents a pivotal milestone in the university’s journey. It embodies our commitment to investing in smart infrastructure and providing advanced academic programs that contribute to preparing national competencies capable of competing locally, regionally, and globally.”
For his part, Dr. Ali Saud Al Bimani, Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology, emphasised that establishing an integrated university campus in Sultan Haitham City is a strategic project that keeps pace with Oman’s drive toward building smart cities.
These cities enhance the education and innovation ecosystem through their promising urban and developmental dimensions.
He explained that the new building will provide high-quality education in cooperation with prestigious universities, in addition to hosting specialised research centres and incubators for innovation and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to linking educational outcomes with development requirements and the labour market.
Following the speeches, the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, the chief guest of the event, laid the foundation stone and unveiled a 3D model of the new university building and a commemorative plaque, marking the commencement of the project’s implementation.
The ceremony also included the opening of an accompanying exhibition that showcased the project’s stages and future facilities.
Dr. Salim Khamis Al Araimi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Scientific Research, stated to Oman News Agency: “The new university campus will be a smart, integrated facility housing the colleges of Advanced Technology and Engineering, as well as the university’s administration building. It aims to provide a modern, stimulating educational environment that supports creativity and scientific research, contributing to the preparation of national cadres equipped with the skills necessary to keep pace with future requirements.”
Furthermore, Eng. Nasser Suleiman Al Hadrami, Executive Director of the Executive Office for Future City Projects at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, stressed that laying the foundation stone for the National University of Science and Technology is a qualitative and pivotal step, as it is the first university edifice to physically begin construction in Sultan Haitham City.
This reflects the integration between urban planning and educational development and reinforces the city’s status as an integrated environment for living, learning, and innovation.
He noted that construction work in Sultan Haitham City is progressing rapidly within a clear executive plan managed with a unified team spirit.
He confirmed that the Executive Office is currently working on completing the infrastructure implementation packages for Sultan Haitham City, which consist of 8 tenders with a total estimated value of approximately OMR205 million.
Oman Vision 2040
The project represents environmental sustainability and a future-oriented vision, adhering to the highest standards of environmental sustainability in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
This is achieved through the integration of renewable energy sources, improving energy and water consumption efficiency, promoting sustainable mobility, and waste management, ultimately aiming to achieve net-zero carbon targets.
The project is being implemented in several developmental phases, beginning with the first phase, which includes the construction of the administrative building and basic academic and service facilities. This will be followed by the phase for learning and scientific research facilities, leading to the future expansion phase to meet academic growth needs in the coming years.
-ONA
