The third edition of the Summer School for academic staff at higher education institutions in Oman, organised by Sultan Qaboos University, has commenced under the theme “Integrating Emotional and Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education.” The six-day event is being held at the Rotana Hotel in Salalah.

The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Mohsin Al-Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, and attended by several officials and academic staff from various higher education institutions.

This initiative is part of SQU’s ongoing efforts to support academic development and promote academic tourism during the Khareef season. The event features the participation of 50 academics and specialists from six higher education institutions in Oman.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Asma bint Said Al-Ghassani, Director of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, stated that the third edition of the Summer School builds upon an academic and cultural journey that began with the participation of three institutions and has now expanded to include six. She stressed the importance of this scientific platform in fostering collaboration among higher education institutions.

Dr. Al-Ghassani added that this year’s theme, “Integrating Emotional and Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education,” reflects a response to the rapid digital transformation and its challenges to the human dimension, particularly among younger generations, highlighting the need to maintain a balance between technological advancement and the development of emotional competencies in academic environments.

She also noted that previous editions had yielded significant initiatives, including the launch of a training programme on AI following the second edition. Moreover, the Summer School has contributed to strengthening academic partnerships and enhancing the content of training programmes in line with the latest trends in digital education and future skills.

The Summer School’s programme includes interactive workshops, panel discussions, and meetings with local and international experts and speakers. These activities aim to enrich participants’ knowledge and raise awareness of how emotional and artificial intelligence can work together to foster the flourishing of future-ready academic communities.

Through initiatives such as this, SQU seeks to instill a culture of academic excellence and enhance the capacity of teaching staff to navigate the evolving landscape of modern education, aligning with Oman’s vision of building a resilient and integrated higher education system.