Sunday 30 / November / 2025
Al Buraimi: The inaugural Forum for Arab Women Researchers, titled "Arab Women Researchers Towards the Future: Inspiring Experiences and Profound Insights," commenced on Sunday in Al Buraimi Governorate.
Held under the slogan "Sharing Expertise is Our Path to Excellence," the two-day event was inaugurated by Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
The minister emphasised that Oman's hosting of this forum embodies a steadfast Arab commitment to supporting and empowering women researchers as a fundamental pillar in the journey of science and sustainable development. She noted that Omani and Arab women have demonstrated a significant and active presence in the fields of research, providing qualitative contributions that foster innovation. She clarified that the forum constitutes a platform for collaboration and the exchange of expertise among Arab women researchers, aiming to build knowledgeable societies capable of competition.
The forum is attended by a number of Arab women researchers from various scientific and academic specialisations, alongside presidents and representatives of Arab, regional, and international organisations, federations, and institutions.
The forum is organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in cooperation with the Department of Science and Research at the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO), the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and Al Buraimi University.
The forum aims to enhance the exchange of expertise and experiences among Arab women researchers, showcase inspiring models, and empower women in the fields of research, technology, and innovation. This aligns with the Arab Strategy for Research, Technology and Innovation, alongside strengthening the presence of women researchers in scientific and research institutions and support their active participation in shaping scientific policies and programmes at the national and Arab levels.
Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, stated that women's participation in development is a necessity for achieving a sustainable scientific renaissance. He pointed out that Arab women have demonstrated a leadership role in research and innovation fields, clarifying that the initiative for the Forum for Arab Women Researchers embodies ALECSO's vision in supporting women's presence in research and implementing the Arab Strategy for Research and Innovation.
For his part, Dr. Mohammed Sand Abu Darwish, Director of the Department of Science and Research at ALECSO and Chairman of the Scientific Committee, affirmed that the organisation places great importance on supporting Arab women researchers due to their role as a fundamental knowledge force in developing scientific systems. He indicated that organising the forum translates the recommendations of the Arab Forum for Scientific Research and Sustainable Development and supports the integrated vision adopted by ALECSO to promote Arab cooperation in research and innovation. He also appreciated the hosting by the Sultanate of Oman and Al Buraimi University and their role in the success of this cooperation.
In the same context, Dr. Mahmoud Abdullah Al Abri, Secretary of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, clarified that throughout history, women have been active partners in developing sciences and knowledge, and their role today in research and innovation represents a central focus in achieving sustainable development. He explained that the Sultanate of Oman has presented a pioneering model in empowering women and supporting research through the establishment of research centres, funding programs, and international cooperation, which has contributed to a prominent presence for Omani women researchers in various scientific specialisations.
Meanwhile, Dr. Said Eid Younis, Vice-Chancellor of Al Buraimi University, affirmed that the forum reflects the university's commitment to supporting research, providing a stimulating environment for innovation, and enhancing Arab academic partnerships. He indicated that the university's ongoing efforts align with the approaches of Oman Vision 2040 towards building a knowledge-based economy.
The program for the first day of the forum included a series of specialised scientific sessions that reviewed the latest research experiences and future visions of Arab women researchers. The main session focused on the reality of Arab research and prospects for its development, followed by a dialogue session that discussed the challenges facing higher education in the Arab world and ways to advance it, in addition to a session that discussed the role of Arab identity in shaping cultural and knowledge policies.
The second day of the forum will include three pivotal scientific sessions. These will encompass a review of researchers' experiences in the fields of sustainability and the knowledge economy, artificial intelligence applications, and enhancing research in the Arab world. This will be alongside a final session dedicated to presenting inspiring Arab experiences in the fields of health and medical research, concluding with the formulation of recommendations.
