Muscat University celebrates landmark graduation ceremony
The university, which was launched in 2016, is pursuing an industry-informed, research-rich mission which responds directly to the Sultanate’s Vision 2040
Times News Service
MUSCAT: Muscat University in the Sultanate celebrated a momentous landmark with its first ever graduation ceremony held at its capital city campus yesterday, under the patronage of Mohammed bin Al Zubair bin Ali, Advisor to His Majesty the Sultan for Economic Planning Affairs.
Wearing uniquely designed academic gowns, five trailblazing postgraduate students received their hard-earned MSc Finance and Management and MSc Management and Entrepreneurship degrees in the presence of distinguished Founders, Trustees and Directors. A senior leadership delegation from partner institutions Cranfield University and Aston University in the United Kingdom also played an active part in the unique ceremony, which will blend Omani culture and academic heritage with British university tradition.
Graduates of Muscat University received internationally-accredited awards from both Muscat University and from Cranfield University (postgraduate) or Aston University (undergraduate). The University, which was launched in 2016, is pursuing an industryinformed, research-rich mission which responds directly to the Sultanate’s Vision 2040 goal of building a highly capable, globally engaged workforce, strongly aligned to the country’s fastest growing industrial sectors.
Foundation programmes, which lead to studies in Oman or overseas, are provided to give students high-quality preparation for Bachelors studies. Undergraduate degrees at Muscat University will also include a year-long industry placement, increasing graduates’ chances of securing a job in their chosen field.
Academic programmes at Muscat University include Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance and Entrepreneurship, Air Transport Management and Chemical Engineering. Both Cranfield University and Aston University enjoy an outstanding global reputation for research, teaching quality, graduate employment and business engagement in these disciplines.
Professor Yusra Mouzughi, Vice-Chancellor of Muscat University, said: “Our first graduation ceremony is a source of immense pride for so many. For our founders, it represents the first realisation of their vision, delivering innovative, globally-minded and expert men and women, contributing to the national development priorities of Oman and the wider world. For myself and my colleagues at Muscat University, and for our distinguished academic partners at Cranfield University, the achievement of our first Masters graduates represents a remarkable milestone. But the greatest pride of all should be felt by families, friends, and especially our pioneering graduates. Their success is an inspiration to future generations.”
Professor Simon Pollard, ProVice-Chancellor (International) and Gregor Douglas, Cranfield’s Academic Registrar, also offered warm congratulations. Professor Pollard said: “Cranfield colleagues, and especially the faculty team teaching in Oman, offer our heartfelt congratulations to the 2019 graduating class at Muscat University. Your MSc awards have the stamp of both prestigious institutions and we look forward to hearing of your successes as you move forward in your careers – Mabrook!”
Graduating student Ibtihal Al Zadjali said: “Each one of us set a goal and was determined to achieve it. We are here because we are amongst the pioneers who were willing to take on a challenge and were determined to improve the quality of our career path. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family for their unconditional support and my second family here at Muscat University, who have made our journey the success that it was. I would also like to thank the Cranfield University team of professors for providing us with a world class education.”
The students who received their awards are Ibtihal Ghazi Abdullah Al Zadjali (MSc Management and Entrepreneurship), Buthaina Qahtan Salim Al Barwani (MSc Management and Entrepreneurship), Samah Anwar Abdullah Al Asfoor (MSc Management and Entrepreneurship), Ali Zuhair Mohamed Al Lawati (MSc Finance and Management) and Muatasim Ali Mohammed Al Kindi (MSc Management and Entrepreneurship).