New tech laboratory to spur innovation, research in Oman

Sohar: The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Sohar on Monday celebrated the opening of an Advanced Technologies Laboratory, funded by Sohar Aluminium Company.

Dr. Hanifa Ahmed Al Qasmi, Assistant Vice Chancellor of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Sohar, said, “The Advanced Technologies Laboratory, a facility funded and equipped by Sohar Aluminium Company, constitutes a modern platform that provides support to users in the fields of large data analysis, artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies.”

She added that the lab provides students and researchers with an appropriate environment for experimentation and innovation.

The lab also supports innovation and scholarly research in terms of hybrid cloud, virtual reality, blockchain technology and data sciences through a smart interactive whiteboard and integrated computers, Dr. Hanifa explained.

“This support embodies a successful model highlighting private sector responsibility in empowering national talents and paring university education with the needs of industry and digital transition,” said Dr. Hanifa.

The laboratory is also consistent with UTAS strategic approach in promoting innovation, developing future skills and expanding partnerships with production sectors, she noted.

The lab seeks to enable students, researchers, academics and parties operating in the industrial sector to benefit from the potential of advanced technologies, she noted.

For his part, Ahmed Mohammed Al Kharousi, General Manager of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at Sohar Aluminium, said in a statement that the funding of the lab expresses Sohar Aluminium Company’s conviction in the vital role of technology and education in building a sustainable future.

The lab’s opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng. Omar Hamdan Al Ismaili, CEO of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), and attended by Dr. Said Hamad Al Rubai’ee, Vice Chancellor of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS). -ONA