29 Apr Interview with Prof. Khamis Al Yahyaee, Vice-Chancellor of Muscat University, Sultanate of Oman
JT: How has your journey led you to Muscat University, and what steps is the university taking to position itself as a regional leader?
Al Yahyaee: My academic journey began over 20 years ago at Sultan Qaboos University, where I rose from demonstrator to professor. I later served as Dean at the College of Banking and Financial Studies before joining Muscat University as Vice-Chancellor—a role that resonated with my passion for building forward-thinking institutions. With academic roots in finance and degrees from Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Denver, and UNSW in Australia, I’ve gained a global perspective on what drives institutional growth and excellence. Muscat University is a product of bold ambition. What started as a feasibility study by the Oxford Innovation Centre is now one of Oman’s most dynamic higher education institutions. Our early partnerships with Aston and Cranfield Universities laid a strong foundation. Today, we offer our own programs while maintaining international standards, blending academic excellence with real-world experience. Our standout feature is the Placement Year—where students work full-time in top companies locally and abroad during their third year, gaining invaluable industry experience before graduation. We also embed globally recognized professional certifications into our degrees, giving students a clear edge in competitive fields like finance, technology, and engineering.
Looking ahead, we aim to become a regional hub for professional certifications, in partnership with global accrediting bodies. This strategy supports Oman Vision 2040 by equipping graduates and working professionals with the skills needed to thrive in a knowledge-based economy. Our global partnerships—with institutions such as IIM Nagpur, Japanese universities, Middle East Technical University, AUB, and top Australian universities—further enrich our academic landscape. These alliances offer students international exposure, cross-cultural learning, and access to world-class faculty. Since I joined, our student population has grown from 500 to nearly 4,000—proof of our growing relevance and unwavering focus on excellence.
JT: Recently, The Zubair Corporation launched a collaborative internship program with the university – do partnerships like these enhance student learning and research?
Al Yahyaee: At Muscat University, we’re redefining education by integrating real-world industry engagement into the academic experience. Our collaboration with The Zubair Corporation gives students exclusive internships on live projects, helping them develop problem-solving and leadership skills. These are not just internships—students are embedded in teams, gaining hands-on experience that makes them career-ready from day one. The Zubair Corporation also provides scholarships for high-achieving, underprivileged students, supporting our mission of inclusivity and talent development. This partnership reflects our broader vision: blending academia with industry to create a dynamic learning ecosystem.
Our research approach is equally applied. Students working with ARA Petroleum, a Zubair subsidiary, tackle real industry challenges, especially in fields like renewable energy, where we were among the first in Oman to launch dedicated programs. We ensure research remains aligned with national priorities, emphasizing innovation and sustainability. To formalize these connections, we’ve established an industry advisory board with leaders from major Omani companies. Every new academic program undergoes market analysis and is validated by industry experts, ensuring our curriculum is demand-driven and globally relevant. We also collaborate with key players like PDO, Oman LNG, and CC Energy. Discussions are underway with the Financial Services Authority to establish a centre for economic and financial studies—further positioning Muscat University as a hub for research, innovation, and industry collaboration.
JT: Looking ahead, what are Muscat University’s key strategic goals for the next five years, and how do you see the university shaping the future of higher education in Oman and the GCC?
Al Yahyaee: Our future strategy is anchored in two priorities: delivering high-quality academic programs and building a strong ecosystem for research and innovation. We’re aligning our curriculum with leading global institutions to ensure graduates are equipped for the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. A major focus is the commercialization of research. We aim to turn academic discoveries into market-ready solutions, fostering entrepreneurship and supporting the growth of SMEs—key drivers of Oman’s economic diversification. Financial sustainability and infrastructure growth are also vital. We’re investing in a state-of-the-art campus in Madinat Al Irfan, which will serve as a hub for creativity, industry collaboration, and advanced research. This development strengthens our role as a forward-looking institution at the heart of Oman’s education landscape. By combining academic excellence, professional integration, and international partnerships, Muscat University is positioned to lead the next generation of higher education—producing industry-ready graduates who can contribute meaningfully to Oman and the wider GCC.
JT: Do you have any closing remarks for our readers considering visiting or investing in Oman?
Al Yahyaee: Oman and Japan share a deep-rooted relationship grounded in shared values of quality, innovation, and sustainability. At Muscat University, we’re keen to strengthen ties with Japanese institutions through joint research, student exchanges, and collaborative initiatives. We warmly welcome Japanese students to explore Oman’s rich culture and world-class academic environment through exchange programs and summer schools. Our doors are open to researchers, investors, and learners eager to be part of a forward-looking institution shaping future global leaders. Muscat University reflects Oman’s ambition and strategic vision. As we continue pushing the boundaries of education and research, we remain committed to transforming lives and expanding Oman’s academic influence globally. The future of higher education is here—at Muscat University.