Monday 08 / June / 2026
The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Al Mussanah, represented by its Library Department, organized the “Open Data and the Future Economy” Forum under the theme “Knowledge – Innovation – Sustainability” at Barceló Mussanah Resort. The event was held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Saeed bin Hamad Al Rubaie, Vice Chancellor of UTAS, and brought together academics, researchers, experts, decision-makers, and representatives from government and private institutions.
The forum was organized as part of the university’s efforts to promote open data culture, explore its future potential in Oman, and align its applications with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. It aimed to highlight the role of open data in supporting scientific research, innovation, digital transformation, and evidence-based decision-making.
The event commenced with a keynote address delivered by Dr. Bassam bin Khalil Tabash, Assistant Vice Chancellor of UTAS–Al Mussanah, who emphasized that data has become a strategic resource and a key driver of innovation, development, and informed decision-making. He also highlighted the university’s commitment to developing national competencies capable of leveraging data and emerging technologies to support sustainable development.
The forum featured a keynote presentation on the role of open data in driving development and supporting digital transformation, alongside a panel discussion that explored its importance in enhancing institutional efficiency, enabling evidence-based decision-making, and addressing opportunities and challenges related to data accessibility and utilization across sectors.
A major highlight of the forum was the launch of “Afaq,” UTAS’s institutional repository for intellectual output. The platform is designed to preserve and provide open access to the university’s scholarly and academic publications in accordance with international digital repository standards, thereby enhancing the visibility and impact of research outputs.
The forum also featured a number of specialized papers on open data, highlighting recent trends and practices in open data and open science and their role in advancing research and innovation. Dr. Monia Al Farsi, Deputy Assistant Vice Chancellor for Electronic Systems and Student Services, emphasized the growing role of data as a driver of innovation and development, noting the university’s continued efforts to strengthen partnerships and support digital transformation initiatives.
Halima Al Balushi, Head of the Library Department, described open data as a key pillar of an effective research ecosystem, adding that the forum provided a valuable platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange among researchers, specialists, and decision-makers.
An accompanying exhibition showcased initiatives and services from several national institutions, including the National Records Centre of the Royal Oman Police, the National Centre for Statistics and Information, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Omani Research Repository “Shuaa,” and the “Istibyan” platform.
The forum concluded with recommendations emphasizing the importance of strengthening open data practices, enhancing institutional collaboration, and building national capabilities in data analytics and emerging technologies to support a sustainable knowledge-based economy.
