Oman Hosts 47th Session of Arab Scientific Research Councils Federation

Oman Assumes Presidency as Arab Research Councils Hold 47th Session

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, today hosted in Muscat the 47th Ordinary Session of the Council of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils (FASRC).

The meeting brought together representatives of scientific research councils from Arab member states, as well as a number of academic and scientific figures.

The session opened with a speech by Dr. Abdul Majeed Amara, Secretary-General of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils, who underscored the importance of strengthening joint Arab action in the fields of scientific research and innovation and deepening cooperation among councils and research institutions across the Arab world.

Dr. Lubna Khamis Mahdi, representative of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Republic of Iraq and Chair of the 46th Session, delivered a speech reviewing the key achievements of the previous session. She highlighted the Federation’s central role in supporting scientific research systems in the region, noting the transfer of the Council’s presidency to the Sultanate of Oman.

In her address, Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, affirmed Oman’s commitment to supporting joint Arab efforts in science and technology, and to enhancing research integration to strengthen the scientific prominence of Arab countries at regional and international levels.

She praised the Federation’s efforts in fostering research cooperation and launching scientific initiatives, emphasizing the importance of expanding into the fields of Open Science and establishing an Arab digital platform to showcase the scientific contributions of Arab universities and research centers.

Dr. Rahma also announced the upcoming inauguration of the Regional Office of the International Science Council (ISC) at Innovation Park Muscat, noting that Oman looks forward to enhancing international partnerships and supporting researchers—particularly Arab female researchers—through new initiatives aimed at empowering them and boosting their global scientific presence.

The meeting featured a visual presentation titled “Science Diplomacy” by Dr. Youssef Al Balushi, Director of the Indian Ocean Research Center at the German University of Technology in Oman. The presentation highlighted the role of scientific cooperation in strengthening international relations and advancing knowledge.

During the session, the Council reviewed the General Secretariat’s report for 2025 and discussed the Federation’s 2026 budget. Members also agreed on the date and venue of the 48th Ordinary Session.

The meeting concluded with a review of new business items and the adoption of final recommendations.