On the occasion of World's Philosophy Day, the College of Arts and Social Sciences organized a discussion panel titled "Ethics of Science in the Context of Sustainability: Challenges and Prospects in the Age of Innovation,". 
The session featured a distinguished group of researchers and experts. Dr. Sharif Al-Hashimi Toutao, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy, talked about "Why Ethical Science?". He discussed the necessity of reconnecting science with ethical values to address the environmental and social crises facing the world, emphasizing that the absence of values has led to these crises. He proposed a viewpoint advocating for the ethics of science as a tool for achieving sustainable development.
Dr. Nour El-Din Al-Shabi, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy, spoke about "The Ethical Challenges of Technological Innovation," using "Artificial Intelligence Ethics" as a model. He reviewed the ethical issues raised by the development of artificial intelligence, such as privacy, bias, and the impact of technology on social justice, calling for the development of a global ethical framework to ensure technology serves humanity.
Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Ajmi, an Omani writer and researcher in philosophy, addressed the concept of "Negative Growth" as an alternative to traditional capitalism, highlighting the importance of reducing production to achieve environmental and social justice. He has authored several books and articles with diverse intellectual contributions including critical philosophy and artificial intelligence. His novel "The Secret of the Morisco" was longlisted for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award in 2022.
Ali bin Suleiman Al-Rawahi, a researcher and translator in philosophy and social theory, discussed the interconnection between philosophy and contemporary social theories and their impact on promoting sustainability values. The session was moderated by Professor Alia bint Hilal Al-Saadiya, a research associate in the Department of Sociology and Social Work, who enriched the discussion by raising questions about the role of philosophy in innovation and sustainability.
The event was marked by significant interaction from attendees through discussions on several topics, notably how to achieve a balance between innovation and environmental preservation, leveraging studies on environmental, social, and economic sustainability, and emphasizing comprehensive human development.
It is noteworthy that this session is part of the college's commitment to enhancing philosophical dialogue on contemporary issues and reinforcing the importance of philosophy as a tool for critical thinking and solving global problems.

Sultan Qaboos University, represented by the Department of Arabic Language and Literature, celebrated the World's Arabic Language Day, which is on the eighteenth of December each year. This date coincides with the anniversary of the United Nations' adoption of Arabic as one of its official languages in 1972, and it was attended by a number of academics, students, and staff from within and outside the college.
In his speech on this occasion, Dr. Zaher bin Marhoon Al-Daudi, Head of the Department of Arabic Language and Literature at the College of Arts and Social Sciences, emphasized the importance of the Arabic language as a key element in the life of nations and societies. He stressed that the relationship between society and language is a complementary one, stating that "the Arabic language, with its various systems, can keep pace with scientific, economic, and social developments. It is a living language that has managed over centuries to fulfill its lofty civilizational role, and today it stands with merit as one of the languages of artificial intelligence."
Dr. Zaher pointed out that the celebration represents an opportunity to review shortcomings and work on bridging digital gaps to highlight the cultural and civilizational strength of the Arabic language and enhance cultural communication between peoples.
The ceremony included several activities, where Dr. Mahmoud bin Suleiman Al-Riyami delivered a lecture titled "Reflections on World Arabic Language Day," discussing the cultural and historical dimensions of celebrating the Arabic language and its pivotal role in building civilizations and connecting peoples.
Following that, student Haitham bin Khalid Al-Balushi recited a poem titled "The Tongue of Dhad," which impressed attendees with its beauty and eloquence, embodying love for the Arabic language and the depth of its meanings.
The event concluded with a special performance by student Mohammed bin Said Al-Yarubi, adding an artistic touch that harmonized with the spirit of celebrating the language of Dhad.

The 3rd International Scientific Conference of the Department of Sociology and Social Work:

The Department of Sociology and Social Work at the College of Arts and Social Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development, is organizing the 3rd International Scientific Conference titled: "Social Welfare Policies and Programs and their Role in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals".

The conference aims to:
Enhance cooperation between the executive and academic institutions concerned to exchange knowledge, experiences, and experiences in the field of social welfare, with the aim of improving, enhancing, and activating social welfare policies and programs.
Encourage research and academic efforts from different countries around the world to discuss the key issues related to social welfare policies and programs and their role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Enhance scientific and academic studies and research that specialize in developing social welfare policies and programs in the Sultanate of Oman in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Highlight the international, regional, and Arab experiences in the field of social welfare policies and programs and their role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Enhance research and academic interest in interdisciplinary studies related to the environment and achieving climate justice to ensure the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Instill a sense of responsibility and awareness of the importance and necessity of social work in achieving sustainable development.
Conference Themes:
Theme 1: Social Welfare Policies and Programs: Achieving Social Welfare Goals in Alignment with Oman Vision 2040:
This theme aims to shed light on the reality of social welfare policies and programs in the Sultanate of Oman, the most important challenges they face, as well as the most important proposals for their development, to ensure that they achieve the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Theme 2: Arab and International Experiences in the Social Welfare Policies and Programs: Achieving Sustainable Development Goals:
This theme focuses on studies and research related to the study and evaluation of real-life experiences of social welfare policies and programs at the regional and global levels and their role in all social, educational, and health sectors in addressing some social problems such as: the growing rates of poverty, providing an appropriate level of decent human life, comprehensiveness and fairness in distribution, and providing services to all members of society to ensure acceptable levels of quality of life, [and the extent of] their ability to produce and provide appropriate job opportunities, improve income levels, contribute to the development of demographic characteristics, and improve the efficiency of the beneficiaries of these programs (experiences - skills - training - education). This theme also includes studies related to the extent to which these policies and programs contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and identifying the factors that influence the success of those policies.
Theme 3: Studies on Social Justice and Achievement Sustainable Development Goals:
This theme includes studies and research related to the study of topics and issues related to social justice, and consequently, sustainable development, such as: addressing poverty and hunger, improving health and education levels, gender equality in a way that does not conflict with the religious beliefs of each society, reducing inequalities, and promoting social justice to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in various societies.
Theme 4: Environmental Studies and Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals:
This theme includes studies related to the social responsibility of individuals, institutions, and companies in protecting and preserving the environment, as well as studying the environmental impacts of human activities and identifying the means to achieve sustainable development. In addition to evaluating the environmental impacts of government policies and regulatory measures, assessing the impact of climate change on the environment and society, studies on the environmental impact of investment projects in old and new investment areas, studies on the analysis and evaluation of environmental policies, studies on improving the management of natural resources and reducing environmental pollution, as well as studies on natural environmental disasters and their social, psychological, and economic impacts on the population, and the role of social welfare programs and policies in dealing with them.
Theme 5: Envisioning the Future of Social Welfare Policies and Programs in Light of Current and Future Global Changes:
This theme focuses on studies related to the future ideas of international social work studies, and proposals for the development of social welfare policies and programs in line with current and future global changes, as well as the analysis and evaluation of current social policies, studies to identify best practices and successful experiences in the field of social welfare at all levels, studies to identify the needs of community groups and the groups most affected by contemporary global changes, and studies to foresee the future to include concern for all groups affected by natural disasters, epidemics, international conflicts and wars, such as: women, children, the elderly, refugees, displaced persons, the homeless, the hungry, and the sick, among others.
 

Conference Details:
https://www.squ.edu.om/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=zxMyURB_zIk%3d&portalid=12

The activities of the third cultural season of the College of Arts and Social Sciences began with the inauguration of the book fair in the open courtyard of the College. Five Omani libraries and publishing houses participated in the book fair, and the number of publications reached more than 400 Omani, Arab and foreign publications. Some libraries also offered discounts for students and academics with the aim of spreading culture and knowledge. Dr. Nabhan bin Harith al-Harassi, Dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, said: “Today we are launching the third consecutive cultural season after the success achieved in previous seasons. We will start our season with a book fair in which a number of Omani libraries are participating. This will be followed by a lecture on cybersecurity and legal legislation for an evening event.” He added, on the same level, that the activities are continuing during the current academic year and will be attended by intellectuals, academics and guests from outside the country. The season will also celebrate some international events such as the International Day of the Arabic Language, the International Day of Philosophy, and others.

The College of Arts and Social Sciences, in cooperation with the Cultural Club, organized a symposium (the historical presence of women in Oman) in conjunction with the Omani Women's Day, with the participation of a number of researchers and those interested in the women’s field in Oman. The Honorable Dr. Raya bint Salem Al-Mandari - Associate Professor at the College of Education and Member of the State Council - presented a working paper entitled “Omani Women in Education during the Era of the Blessed Renaissance.” Also, Dr. Badriya Al-Shuaiba presented historical examples of the leadership roles of Omani women. Furthermore, the researcher Abdul Rahman Al-Sulaimani talked about the economic life of Omani women. The seminar was concluded by researcher Khaled Al-Rahbi, who focused on the contribution of Omani women in the field of endowment.

The College of Art and Social Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Sincere Congratulation to

Dr. Nabhan Harith Al Harrsi, The Dean of College of Arts and Social Sciences, on the occasion of his election as president of the Arab federation for libraries and information.

With sincere best wishes for success

Signing of a Cooperation Agreement with dusitD2 Naseem Resort, Jabal Akhdar, Oman

Archaeological survey work in the region of Qurayyat discovered a large gathering of archaeological and historical settlements, some of which date back to more than 3000 years ago. Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hamid Hussein - Head of the Archeology Department at the College of Arts and Social Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University and head of the research team - stated that the work in its current phase focused on the village of Al Mazara in the region of Quriyat and its surroundings, and that the archaeological evidence discovered and recorded so far indicates that the civilization settlement in that area It has been continuous since the Iron Age - 3000 years from now. Dr. Mohammed also explained that the current survey work comes as part of a project that surveys the historical and archaeological monuments at risk in the Sultanate of Oman, funded by Sultan Qaboos University in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. The head of the Archeology Department stated that the aim of this project is to document archaeological sites in the Governorate of Muscat, and prepare a risk map for those sites, in addition to a proposed work on how to benefit from these historical and archaeological sites in sustainable development, in line with Oman’s 2040 vision.