Vodafone Oman has entered into a strategic partnership with Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) to foster research and innovation that will contribute to Oman’s digital economy. As part of this collaboration, Vodafone Oman will launch the Vodafone Innovation Award, designed to recognize and encourage technological breakthroughs that address real-world challenges. Additionally, Vodafone Oman will sponsor a PhD scholarship in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Digitisation, reinforcing its commitment to supporting academic research that strengthens Oman’s position in emerging technologies.
Eng. Bader Al Zidi, CEO of Vodafone Oman, emphasized that innovation goes beyond just technology—it’s about people, ideas, and creating the right environment to turn potential into impactful results. He highlighted that the partnership with SQU is aimed at building an environment where academic research meets industry expertise, accelerating advancements in AI and emerging technologies. The Vodafone Innovation Award and the PhD scholarship are key initiatives to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive Oman’s digital transformation.
The partnership underscores the increasing importance of industry-academia collaborations in driving technological progress and aligning research with market needs. With AI and digital transformation becoming central to economic growth, connecting academia and industry is crucial to building a workforce prepared for the demands of a data-driven economy. Global research predicts that AI and automation will contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with the Middle East emerging as a growing hub for AI-driven innovation. Oman’s investment in digital capabilities is aligned with its broader Vision 2040 strategy, which focuses on leveraging advancements in technology for economic diversification, knowledge-based industries, and innovation.
