Sultan Qaboos University

Sultan Qaboos University is the realization of the promise announced by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said during the 10th anniversary of Oman’s National Day in 1980. Construction started in 1982 and the first Sultan Qaboos University students were enrolled in 1986. In accordance with the Royal Directives of His Majesty, The University commenced with five colleges; namely Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Education and Science. Furthermore the College of Arts was established in 1987, following the College of Commerce and Economics which was developed in 1993. The College of Law joined the University in 2006 and finally the College of Nursing was established in 2008.

The design and construction of the campus was carried out with great attention to the fulfillment of these objectives, with the overall appearance of the buildings carefully planned to accommodate the physical, intellectual, and spiritual needs of students, faculty and staff.

Set in a valley beneath the stark panorama of the nearby foothills of the Oman Mountains, the University is a tasteful array of buildings designed with arches and courtyards and constructed in white and pink sandstone in a manner that reflects traditional Omani and Islamic architecture. The University was constructed on an axis in the valley with one end aligned toward Mecca.

This axis line starts at the gates of entrance to the University, runs through the Administration Building with its massive Omani doors, and extends uninterrupted through the middle of the academic buildings to the University Mosque at the western end of the campus. The Mosque, with its large dome and minarets, is situated on the higher ground of the campus, and is visible from many points within and around the University.

During the design period, the University landscaping was carefully considered and the original plantings have since become verdant gardens and flower beds. The plantings include species, native to Oman and other Gulf regions, that grow and flourish in an arid environment. The landscaping provides shade from the sun, shelter against the wind, and splendid display of colour from flowers and foliage throughout the year.

The traditional Islamic separation of the genders is maintained in the architecture of the University. There is separate access to buildings through lower and upper walkways for men and women and separate seating in the classrooms.

Altogether, the campus portrays the rich heritage of Oman and Islam while incorporating all the efficiencies of modern life. The result is an educational and living environment which is both functional and attractive.

Vision

A distinguished university with global impact and standing

Mission

Excellence in teaching and learning, scientific research and innovation, and entrepreneurship, by promoting the principles of scientific analysis and creative thinking in a stimulating academic environment; participating in producing, developing, and disseminating knowledge; and engaging with the local, regional, and international communities.

Values

Sultan Qaboos University is committed to preserving the following core values:

• Excellence
• Responsibility
• Integrity
• Creativity and Innovation

Objectives

As stated in the University Law issued by Royal Decree No. 19 /2024 dated 25 March 2024, Sultan Qaboos University aims to achieve the following objectives in the areas mentioned:

Higher Education

• Graduation of alumni cohorts who value their cultural and Islamic heritage and are keen to strengthen their faith in God and their loyalty to the nation and the Sultan.
• Preparation of Omani youth who are strong in morals, committed to scientific inquiry, qualified academically, and trained to be self-dependent and ready for continuous service to their country.
• Preparation of creative and innovative Omani youth who are lifelong self-learners.
• Provision of specialists and experts of Oman in diverse fields, taking into account the changing need of the marketplace and working within the framework of state policy on resource development.
• Constant modernization of the educational process at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Research

• Conduct research and studies, both theoretical and applied, to serve the community and contribute to the generation of scientific solution to social and economic problems.
• Research linked to the Sultanate's comprehensive development plans and social vision.
• Preparation of Omani scientists, researchers and experts capable of undertaking organized, systematic and innovative work in diverse areas of science, arts and technology.

Community Service

• Participation in community service and development through direct and continuous interaction with economic, social and cultural institutions, and the provision of scientific and technical advice to enable these institutions to utilize the University's skills and expertise.
• Human resources development through continuous academic and training programs for social institutions and through the dissemination of scientific and human knowledge throughout the nation.

Cooperation with Other Academic Institutions

• International links and exchange with other academic institutions, particularly those in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries.
• Interaction with international academic experience in all areas of thought, science and culture.

Performance Evaluation

The use of evaluation studies conducted by consultation teams, particularly in the following areas:

• Organization of the relationship between the University Council and the University's institutions in both academic and administrative spheres in a way that facilitates smooth operation and functioning.
• Development of teaching programs and quality standards and the encouragement of student activities.
• Training that develops academic staff skills and enhances performance; also the creation of appropriate incentives.
• Development of academic research plans and programs and organization of research training.
• Cooperation with leading international universities and institutions.