His Excellency Dr. Saad bin Saud Al-Fuhaid, President of the Arabian Gulf University, signed a memorandum of understanding with Her Excellency Entisar bint Abdullah Al-Wahibia, Director General of the GCC Statistical Center, at the Center’s headquarters in the Omani capital, Muscat. The MoU aims to strengthen joint efforts in the fields of statistics and research, and to develop quality initiatives focused on building national capacities and competencies, thereby contributing to the statistical data system and providing accurate and reliable indicators to support decision-makers in the Gulf states.

During the meeting, attended by His Excellency Prof. Omar Al-Rawas, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arabian Gulf University, the two sides discussed ways to consolidate institutional cooperation and enhance knowledge integration, in a manner that serves the comprehensive development of the GCC countries.

His Excellency Dr. Saad bin Saud Al-Fahid explained that the signing of the MoU embodies the Arabian Gulf University’s commitment to strengthening its partnerships with leading regional institutions, emphasizing that this partnership will contribute to preparing qualified Gulf professionals with advanced skills in the fields of research and statistics, capable of keeping pace with global changes and the requirements of economic development.

For her part, Her Excellency Ms. Entisar bint Abdullah Al-Wahibia emphasized that this signing represents an extension of the Center’s approach to building effective strategic partnerships, noting that collaboration between statistical institutions and academic bodies is a fundamental pillar in building a sustainable knowledge-based economy. She added that cooperation with the Arabian Gulf University will contribute to expanding the horizons of scientific research, investing in Gulf capabilities, and promoting the use of statistical data in preparing specialized studies that support development policies.

The memorandum of understanding includes a number of areas of cooperation, most notably: knowledge exchange through the sharing of statistical data and reports to support scientific research and studies; capacity building through the implementation of joint training programs and workshops targeting specialists and researchers; and advisory support and the provision of technical and professional consultations on research projects of mutual interest.

The visit concluded with a tour of the Center’s facilities for the delegation from the Arabian Gulf University. During the tour, the delegation—which included, in addition to His Excellency the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and His Excellency the University President, His Excellency Prof. Ghazi Al-Otaibi, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Scientific Research, and His Excellency Prof. Dr. Walid Khalil Zubari, Dean of the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences, were briefed on the latest systems and technologies used in big data management and the development of statistical indicators at the GCC level, reflecting the progress being made in Gulf statistical work.