Saturday 27 / April / 2024
Muscat: Oman is developing and growing in sectors, such as aviation, railways and oil and gas and creating many attractive job opportunities for young Omanis; and the UK Education Expo, which features over 30 British institutions and colleges, could provide the push students need.
Inaugurated by Jonathan Wilks, the UK ambassador to Oman, over 30 British institutions and colleges are offering courses to young Omanis to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in the fields of their choice.
While many sectors are developing tremendously, Omanisation in those sectors remain a priority for the Sultanate, however the country lacks the facilities and a high education level to provide the students with immense knowledge in their field.
"The U.K. remains the favourite destination for Omani students. We are working hard to make the offers attractive and keep it that way," said Wilks.
"I've been talking to some of these universities, who recognise that with lower oil prices, the general economic situation in the region, they have to be competitive in the fees they are charging, and the scholarships and grants they're offering," he added.
John Baron, subject area leader in Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, from the University of Huddersfield; said he realises that the Omani government is looking to Omanise the industry and that Omani students need to be highly trained to take on the challenges that they could face in their career.
"They're (Oman Government) looking to train able young Omani men and women to take over jobs that are done by expats and in the oil and gas industries, that is certainly true," said Baron.
"So they'll continue to support those students to go to university in the United Kingdom or United States or where ever," he added.
When asked why students couldn't find the same level of education in Oman as they would in the U.K. or elsewhere, he said that the Sultanate doesn't have the capacity.
Matt Christine, international development officer of the Middle East and South Asia from the University of Huddersfield, said diversification of students is important because everyone can learn different cultures and ideas and implement those ideas in different aspects of their careers.
"All international students from all over the world must have international experience. When you come to our universities, you'll see students from 120 different nationalities; and when you share that experience, you can share that wealth and knowledge. Diversity of knowledge definitely plays a part," said Christine.
The Al Ahlam U.K. Education Expo will continue in Muscat until March 22 at the Intercontinental Hotel and will move on to Salalah on March 23 at the Hilton Hotel.
