His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), participated in the International Symposium on Arab and International Scientific Cooperation in Research and Innovation. Held today, Monday, by Sohar University in the Sultanate of Oman, the event was conducted in collaboration with the Omani Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, and the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils (FASRC), under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Mohammed bin Thuwaini Al Said. 

The symposium was attended by Her Excellency Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, several council members, various ambassadors and representatives from Arab and international organisations, besides academics, researchers, and experts from various countries. Specialists from higher education institutions and research and innovation agencies within the Sultanate were also present.

His Excellency Dr Al Fuhaid expressed his pleasure in attending this significant international gathering promoting Arab and international scientific collaboration, stating, “Such a large assembly highlights the importance of cooperation between academic and research institutions in the Arab world while enhancing the role of universities in advancing science and technology. At AGU, we recognise the importance of strengthening research and innovation partnerships with international institutions to achieve progress in vital areas such as AI, which aligns with our strategic goals of contributing to sustainable development and scientific advancement in the Gulf."

His Excellency Dr Al Fuhaid emphasised the need to increase collaboration among Arab universities and strengthen academic ties with international institutions, thereby elevating the status of Arab scientific research on the global scale. He expressed hope that the symposium would facilitate the exchange of expertise and open promising avenues for all participants. 

The symposium features contributions from international experts and speakers from prestigious academic institutions, including representatives of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Association of Arab Universities, ALECSO, the Francophone University Agency, as well as representatives from major international academic publishing houses such as Elsevier.

Over the course of two days, the symposium will explore various aspects of Arab scientific cooperation in research and innovation, including the challenges and opportunities available. Discussion will touch on fourth-generation universities, academic evaluation, international classifications of universities and research centres, research ethics, the impact of AI on academic publishing, the development and design of semiconductors, alongside the research roles of Arab universities.