Saturday 08 / November / 2025
Muscat: The Oman Geological Society organized the 10th edition of the Geological Challenger Competition in Wadi Al-Muaydin, located in the Wilayat of Nizwa in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. The event saw participation from 48 students specializing in Earth Sciences and Petroleum & Gas Engineering, representing various Omani universities and colleges._
The competition is part of the society’s efforts to promote geological awareness and enhance field skills among students in scientific disciplines related to the energy sector. It aims to prepare national cadres capable of working in exploration, geological analysis, and applying theoretical knowledge in natural environments.
This competition serves as a field-based experience simulating real-world work in oil and gas companies. Student teams are tasked with conducting analytical studies on actual rock formations, including identifying geological layers and their locations, measuring rock orientations, and evaluating oil and gas bearing strata using modern field tools, maps, and geological software.
The event also aims to refine students’ skills in field research, teamwork, and scientific decision-making. It empowers them to engage in professional communication and applied thinking within an environment that mirrors major corporate settings. Additionally, it seeks to reinforce the importance of geological sciences in supporting the national economy and developing the energy and mineral sectors.
Abdul Munim bin Abdullah Al-Zakwani, from the Oman Geological Society and logistical organizer of the competition, stated: “The competition included students from various Omani universities, with specializations divided between Earth Sciences and Petroleum Engineering. Participants worked in teams of four to six students two from petroleum disciplines and four from geology collaborating to study a rock site, analyze its layers, identify rock types and properties, and then develop a model simulating oil-bearing formations, estimating expected production volumes and sustainability periods.”
He explained that participants were provided with field data to help them perform calculations and apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings. Wadi Al-Muaydin was chosen for its geological formations that resemble those found in oil fields such as the Fahud Field, where rock types closely match the formations clearly visible in the valley, making it an ideal environment for field training.
He also noted that the targeted rock layers were given Arabic names inspired by the Omani environment, with each layer having distinct properties and functions some acting as barriers to prevent oil leakage, while others serve as natural reservoirs.
He added that the three-day competition has trained over 500 university students since its inception, providing them with practical experience that boosts their readiness for the job market and supports them during interviews for employment in oil and gas companies, as it offers a realistic environment that simulates actual work conditions in the sector.
