Monday 04 / May / 2026
Muscat: Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) today announced the winning research projects for the Royal Grant for Strategic Research Projects during its celebration of the 26th University Day.
The event was held under the auspices of Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al Shaibani, Minister of Education.
A total of nine research projects were awarded the grant. These included "Multi-Omics Signature and Artificial Intelligence Characterization of Omani Familial Hypercholesterolemia (MOSAIC FH)" by Prof. Khalid Humaid Al Rasadi from the Medical Research Center; " Quantum-FinTech: The Next Generation Financial Technologies Powered by Quantum Computing " by Dr. Hafiz Mohammed Asif from the College of Engineering; and " Designing Public Procurement Policies for Sustainable Economic Development and Diversification: AI-based Multidisciplinary Analysis of Procurement Notices" by Dr. Bedri Kamil Onur from the College of Economics and Political Science.
The winners also included the project "A Digitally-Integrated Framework for Nanoparticle-Enhanced CO₂-EOR and Sequestration in Omani Carbonate Reservoirs" by Dr. Usman Habu Taura from the Oil and Gas Research Center; "A Machine Learning-assisted Method for the Concurrent Detection of Multiple Heavy Metals in Food Samples Utilizing Nanoparticles and a Paper-Based Lab-on-a-Chip Technique: Rice and Honey as Model Systems" by Prof. Haider Ahmed Al Lawati from the College of Science; and "Skyrmions Generation by Plasmonic effect for Low Energy and High Capacity Neuromorphic Computing Devices" by Prof. Rachid Sbiaa from the College of Science.
Furthermore, the grant was awarded to "Multiscale and Science-based Investigations Towards Sustainable Management of Mesquite Invasive Plant in Oman (MESQ)" by Dr. Salah Al Jellali from the Centre for Environmental Studies and Research; "Waste to Fuel: An Innovative Combined Heat-Integrated Hydrogen Production and Cryo-Compressed Storage from Date Palm & Agricultural Biomass: A Sustainable Energy Transition Pathway Aligned with Oman Vision 2040" by Dr. Ashish Gujrathi from the Sustainable Energy Research Center; and "The Cognitive and Neurological Impact of Digital Overload: Assessing the Effects of Low-Quality Social Media Content on Adolescent Brain Health and Mental Resilience in the Sultanate of Oman" by Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Fahmy Yousef from the College of Education.
Prof. Amer Saif Al Hinai, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research, delivered a speech on behalf of the university administration, stating that the research projects winning the 2026 Royal Grant represent a leading national model in directing scientific research toward developmental priorities with sustainable impact. He added that they embody the Royal care for scientific research as a fundamental pillar of development, a driver of innovation, and a bridge to the future. He emphasized that the celebration of University Day is a historic and lasting moment that motivates continued excellence and consolidates scientific and research achievements that have enhanced the Sultanate of Oman’s regional and international standing in the fields of knowledge and innovation.
He noted that scientific research today is one of the most important enablers of comprehensive development and a primary tool for understanding national challenges, proposing scientific solutions, and transforming knowledge into added value that contributes to building the economy, enhancing quality of life, and supporting the competitiveness of institutions and societies.
The ceremony featured a film on scientific research and another highlighting the university's key achievements during 2025.
Qais Saud Al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services, delivered a speech titled "Integration Between Scientific Research and the Services Sector Toward Sustainable Solutions for National Development." He stated that Nama Water Services operates from a firm conviction that scientific research is a fundamental pillar in improving the water system. In this context, he announced the launch of the "Nama Water Services Grant for Postgraduate Studies" and the "Nama Water Services Award for Research and Innovation."
He added that one of the most prominent manifestations of this direction is Nama Water Services' support for more than seven research studies, most notably enhancing the use of reclaimed water ("Manhal Nama") in the agricultural sector, where the Al Shakhakhit area project is a direct result of research efforts spanning five years in cooperation with Sultan Qaboos University, embodying a solid scientific foundation confirming the quality and safety of reclaimed water for agricultural use.
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Sultan Qaboos University and Occidental Oman, covering the fields of scientific research, training, and competency development, in a step aimed at enhancing the existing cooperation between the two sides and strengthening the link between the academic and industrial sectors.
The University Day celebration, observed on 2 May every year, reaffirms Sultan Qaboos University’s journey in consolidating its scientific and research role and enhancing its status as a leading academic institution contributing to the preparation of national cadres and supporting innovation in line with the requirements of sustainable development in the Sultanate of Oman.
