Vodafone Oman has announced a landmark partnership with Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) to promote advanced research, innovation, and academic excellence in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and digital transformation. This strategic collaboration is designed to align with Oman’s Vision 2040 goals, supporting national efforts to develop a knowledge-based economy fueled by innovation and technology.
The partnership signifies a major step forward in the country’s ambitions to become a regional leader in digital development. It brings together Vodafone Oman’s technological expertise and global innovation capabilities with SQU’s academic strength and research excellence. Together, the two entities will embark on projects that aim to solve real-world challenges, inspire a new generation of innovators, and enhance Oman’s competitiveness on a global scale.
A Future-Focused Alliance
Central to the partnership is the launch of the “Vodafone Innovation Award,” an annual competition that will recognize and reward outstanding innovation from students and researchers. The award is aimed at inspiring university talent to develop groundbreaking solutions that leverage digital technologies, particularly in AI and machine learning. The initiative will also serve as a bridge between academia and industry, ensuring that creative ideas can be developed into practical, impactful applications.
In addition to the award, Vodafone Oman will fund a PhD scholarship at SQU. This scholarship will focus on advanced studies in AI, digitalisation, and machine learning, supporting deep academic research that contributes to national progress. The scholarship reflects Vodafone Oman’s broader commitment to empowering local talent and investing in education as a cornerstone for sustainable development.
Voices Behind the Vision
Bader Al Zidi, CEO of Vodafone Oman, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Innovation goes beyond technology. It’s about empowering people, nurturing ideas, and creating the right environment to turn potential into impactful results. Our partnership with Sultan Qaboos University is a step towards creating that environment—where academic research and industry expertise converge to fuel meaningful progress.”
Al Zidi further highlighted that such initiatives are vital in preparing the next generation for the digital economy. “We want to equip young Omanis with the tools, experience, and mindset needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world,” he said.
Officials from Sultan Qaboos University echoed the sentiment, noting that the partnership will help advance their mission to produce research that benefits both the local community and the global scientific community. It also reflects the university’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological development and academic excellence.
Aligned with Oman Vision 2040
The Vodafone Oman-SQU partnership aligns directly with the pillars of Oman Vision 2040—a national strategy focused on economic diversification, technological progress, and human capital development. By building local capabilities in digital technologies, the collaboration contributes to national priorities around digital transformation and innovation leadership.
The strategic agreement supports multiple dimensions of Oman Vision 2040, including:
- Promoting innovation in telecommunications and information technology
- Enhancing collaboration between academia and the private sector
- Advancing research and development in priority scientific fields
- Creating new opportunities for youth and empowering future leaders
This partnership is not just a one-time event—it is the beginning of a long-term relationship aimed at driving sustained progress. Both Vodafone Oman and SQU have committed to continued engagement, knowledge sharing, and joint projects that explore the frontiers of digitalisation and AI.
Real-World Learning and Skill Development
A major component of the partnership is the real-world exposure it offers to students. Through internships, mentorships, and collaborative research projects, students will have the chance to work alongside industry experts on pressing issues and emerging technologies. This hands-on learning approach is expected to enhance their career prospects and readiness for the workforce.
The experience gained through such programs will help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application—preparing students to become agile, forward-thinking professionals who can adapt to rapid technological change.
Moreover, this partnership emphasizes the importance of cross-disciplinary learning. While the focus is on AI and digitalisation, it encourages participation from students across different faculties—engineering, computer science, business, and beyond—ensuring a holistic approach to innovation.
Driving Sustainable Innovation
Vodafone Oman’s involvement in this initiative reflects its broader mission to contribute to the development of a sustainable, inclusive digital society in Oman. By investing in education, research, and youth development, the company is laying the groundwork for long-term impact that goes beyond commercial success.
Through joint research projects, workshops, and innovation challenges, the partnership will also address some of Oman’s key societal challenges—such as enhancing digital infrastructure, improving education delivery, and creating smart solutions for industries like healthcare, energy, and transportation.
The collaboration is set to become a national model for public-private partnerships, where shared goals and complementary strengths can accelerate the pace of progress. It also positions Oman as a proactive player in the global innovation ecosystem, capable of producing technologies and solutions that have regional and international relevance.
Looking Ahead
As the digital landscape evolves, so too must the approach to education, research, and business. The partnership between Vodafone Oman and Sultan Qaboos University exemplifies how collaboration can turn challenges into opportunities and ideas into action.
By investing in people and technology today, both organisations are helping shape a smarter, more connected Oman for tomorrow.
This is more than a partnership—it’s a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and national development.
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