Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, hosted today in Muscat the 47th Ordinary Session of the Council of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils (FASRC). The meeting was attended by representatives from the scientific research councils in the Arab member states and a number of academic and scientific personalities.
According to Oman News Agency, the session opened with a speech by Dr. Abdul Majeed Amara, Secretary-General of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils, who emphasized the importance of enhancing joint Arab action in scientific research and innovation. He also highlighted the need for deepened cooperation between the councils and research institutions across Arab countries.
Dr. Lubna Khamis Mahdi, representative of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Republic of Iraq and Chairperson of the 46th Session, reviewed the achievements of the previous session. She noted the critical role of the Federation in supporting scientific research systems in the region and announced the transfer of the Council’s presidency to the Sultanate of Oman.
Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, expressed Oman’s commitment to supporting joint Arab efforts in science and technology. She emphasized enhancing research synergy to elevate the scientific role of Arab countries on both regional and international platforms. She commended the Federation’s initiatives in promoting research cooperation and launching scientific initiatives, stressing the importance of expanding into Open Science and establishing an Arab digital platform to showcase scientific contributions from Arab universities and research centers.
Dr. Al Mahrouqi also announced the upcoming opening of the Regional Office of the International Science Council (ISC) in Innovation Park Muscat. She confirmed Oman’s goal to strengthen international partnerships and support researchers, especially Arab female researchers, through new initiatives aimed at empowering them and increasing 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. He discussed the role of scientific cooperation in building international relations and developing knowledge fields.
During the session, the Council reviewed the General Secretariat’s report for 2025 and the Federation’s budget for 2026. They also agreed on the date and location for the 48th Ordinary Session. The session concluded with a review of any new business and the documentation of final recommendations.