The University and the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) held the second meeting of their Joint Committee at the University Council Hall.

The meeting was co-chaired by His Highness Sayyid Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda bin Majid Al Said, the Vice-Chancellor, and His Excellency Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of OPAZ, with committee members from both sides in attendance.

The committee reviewed progress on recommendations from its first meeting and discussed new joint initiatives in education, training and research, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

The meeting included a presentation on SQU's student training programme in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm and proposals to expand training opportunities to Madayn sites. The committee also discussed closer engagement with companies operating under OPAZ to identify their needs and the skills required by the labour market.

In research, the committee reviewed a proposal by the Centre for Omani Studies to study the relationship between special economic zones, free zones and local communities, with a focus on intangible cultural heritage and social and cultural change.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and advancing initiatives that support Oman's economic, research and community development.