Humanities Research Center

The Humanities Research Center at Sultan Qaboos University plays a leading role in research that seeks to understand human reality and ways of life. It studies the social, economic and psychological phenomena and problems that individuals in Omani society may face, working to understand and resolve them in pursuit of solutions that uplift people, help them adapt to their surroundings and drive their development forward, leading to greater security and well-being.

We study people throughSociety, Economics, Psychology, History, Language, Education51 research projects across 8 funding programs
funded research projects
999,624OMRtotal grant value
publications
researchers and staff
From the Director

Director’s Message

Dr. Badriya Al HadabiDirector, Humanities Research Center

The Humanities Research Center seeks to consolidate its role as an effective research system that produces knowledge and directs it toward serving society and informing decision-making, by turning scientific research into studies, solutions, policies and projects with tangible impact that respond to national priorities and the needs of Omani society.

The Center is building a research system grounded in scientific rigor, sound methodology and objectivity. It addresses human, social and environmental issues, helping to explain societal change and supporting government bodies and other institutions with evidence-based studies and scientific reports.

The Center also works to attract research funding, build national projects and strengthen research partnerships within Sultan Qaboos University and with national institutions and international research centers, believing that interdisciplinary work and the exchange of expertise are essential to addressing complex issues and producing broader, more influential knowledge.

Building research capacity and developing researchers is among the Center’s priorities. It offers a stimulating research environment, supports researchers scientifically and technically, and provides opportunities to take part in projects, seminars and workshops, preparing researchers who can sustain scientific output efficiently over time.

The Center is also developing research databases and knowledge resources and strengthening its role as a platform for consultancy and specialized expertise, so that university knowledge can be put to use as studies, reports, programs and solutions serving many sectors.

These directions are aligned with the goals of Oman Vision 2040: building a knowledge society, advancing scientific research and innovation, developing human capital and raising institutional efficiency.

In closing, we believe a university does not stop at producing knowledge. Its value grows when it puts that knowledge to work for its community and, through it, helps shape the future of its nation.

Dr. Badriya Al HadabiDirector, Humanities Research Center

Strategic direction

Vision, Mission & Goals

Vision

A distinguished university with global impact and standing

Mission

Excellence in teaching and learning, scientific research and innovation, and entrepreneurship, by fostering the principles of scientific analysis and creative thinking in a stimulating academic environment, contributing to the production, development and dissemination of knowledge, and engaging with the local, regional and international community.

Center goals

  • Provide consultancy to public- and private-sector institutions on request.
  • Support joint projects between the University and external institutions in social and humanities studies.
  • Carry out interdisciplinary research projects with universities, colleges and specialized centers in Oman and abroad.
  • Publish papers in peer-reviewed journals and issue books and publications on the Center’s completed projects and studies.
  • Organize specialized training courses in the humanities.
  • Hold conferences, seminars and panel discussions on issues that matter to Omani society.
  • Help train students from within and outside the University in scientific research.
  • Contribute to serving the local community in the humanities.
Research funding

Grants & Research Projects

Projects led by or involving the Center, funded from within the University and by government and international bodies.

projects
completed · 76%
in progress
999,624OMR in total grants

Show:

His Majesty’s Trust Fund

SR/DVC/HURC/20/01Completed

Research project funded by His Majesty’s Trust Fund

Principal investigator
Dr. Ashraf S. Mishrif
Grant value
69,000 OMR
Duration
3 years
SR/DVC/HURC/23/01In progress

Research project funded by His Majesty’s Trust Fund

Principal investigator
Prof. Majid Al Busafi
Grant value
20,000 OMR
Duration
3 years

No projects match this selection.

Internal Grants

IG/DVC/HURC/20/01Completed

The role of youth programs in promoting citizenship values among Omani youth and protecting them from intellectual and behavioral deviation in light of Oman Vision 2040

Principal investigator
Dr. Majid Al-Busafi
Grant value
5,000 OMR
Duration
2 years
IG/DVC/HURC/20/02Completed

Social innovation labs for sustainable services for people with special needs: A proposed framework for integrating social innovation into private-sector social responsibility programs

Principal investigator
Dr. Ali Ablushi
Grant value
6,000 OMR
Duration
3 years
IG/DVC/HURC/22/01Completed

Regime-switching dependence structure between the Omani stock market, strategic commodities, US stock market volatility and Bitcoin: A comparison with MENA countries

Principal investigator
Dr. Walid Mensi
Grant value
2,750 OMR
Duration
1 year
IG/DVC/HURC/22/02Completed

Cruise tourism and sustainable development in tourist cities of the Sultanate of Oman

Principal investigator
Dr. Ashraf S. Mishrif
Grant value
2,000 OMR
Duration
2 years
IG/DVC/HURC/22/03Completed

The impact of studying English language and literature on linguistic preferences and socio-cultural identity among Sultan Qaboos University learners

Principal investigator
Dr. Christopher Denman
Grant value
1,000 OMR
Duration
3 years
IG/DVC/HURC/22/04Completed

A regional chronology of the ancient Near East: The Arabian Peninsula

Principal investigator
Dr. Guillaume Gernez
Grant value
3,000 OMR
Duration
2 years
IG/DVC/HURC/23/01Completed

Building the physical capacity of Omani youth as emergency responders: National physical assessment standards for firefighters and civil defence in the Sultanate of Oman

Principal investigator
Dr. Majid S. Al-Busafi
Grant value
9,950 OMR
Duration
3 years
IG/DVC/HURC/24/01Completed

Spillovers, connectedness and side effects between sukuk and Islamic stock markets under changing risk regimes

Principal investigator
Dr. Walid Mensi
Grant value
3,000 OMR
Duration
1 year
IG/DVC/HURC/24/02Completed

Jurisprudential compilations and their role in documenting Omani economic history

Principal investigator
Dr. Khalood Ba Hashwan
Grant value
2,500 OMR
Duration
2 years
IG/DVC/HURC/24/03Completed

Assessing public health and physical activity patterns of Sultan Qaboos University students against international physical activity standards

Principal investigator
Dr. Yousra Al Sinani
Grant value
3,500 OMR
Duration
3 years
IG/--/DVC/HRC/25/123Completed

Oil subsidy removal and spillovers between global factors and GCC stock market returns

Principal investigator
Dr. Walid Mensi
Grant value
3,240 OMR
Duration
1 year
IG/--/DVC/HRC/25/124Completed

Effective e-learning applications in higher education in Oman: A case study of Sultan Qaboos University

Principal investigator
Dr. Abdelzahir Elnour
Grant value
3,000 OMR
Duration
1 year
IG/--/DVC/HRC/25/125In progress

The role of artificial intelligence in developing teaching and learning skills and technology-related knowledge and practical skills: Perspectives of Sultan Qaboos University faculty and students

Principal investigator
Dr. Teeba Al-Kindi
Grant value
4,500 OMR
Duration
2 years
IG/--/DVC/HRC/26/425In progress

Teachers’ perceptions and experiences of quality assurance in the English component of the General Foundation Program at Sultan Qaboos University

Principal investigator
Dr. Christopher Denman
Grant value
3,400 OMR
Duration
3 years
IG/DAR/DVC/P/25/033Completed

Emotional and behavioral disorders and their relationship to academic achievement among Sultan Qaboos University students

Principal investigator
Prof. Said S. Al-Dhafri
Grant value
2,500 OMR
Duration
1 year
IG/DAR/DVC/HRC/25/454In progress

The relationship between depression, anxiety and impostor syndrome among university students

Principal investigator
Dr. Zubaida Shebani
Grant value
2,500 OMR
Duration
2 years

No projects match this selection.

Deanship of Research Grants

RF/DVC/HURC/22/01Completed

Awareness of Oman’s historical identity and its relationship to psychological security among Sultan Qaboos University students

Principal investigator
Dr. Khalood Salim Ba Hashwan
Grant value
2,100 OMR
Duration
2 years
RF/DVC/HURC/24/01Completed

Challenges and opportunities of digital volunteering from the perspective of civil society association members in Omani society

Principal investigator
Dr. Amjad Hassan
Grant value
3,000 OMR
Duration
2 years
RF/DVC/HURC/24/02Completed

Analysis of factors affecting students’ academic achievement at Sultan Qaboos University

Principal investigator
Dr. Abdelzahir Elnour
Grant value
2,850 OMR
Duration
2 years
RF/--/DVC/HRC/25/283In progress

The impact of the Academic Fellowship Program on teaching, research, community service and professional development practices at Sultan Qaboos University

Principal investigator
Dr. Maimoona Al Abri
Grant value
2,600 OMR
Duration
2 years
RF/--/DVC/HRC/26/516In progress

Hospitality and visiting in the local community of Nakhal: An anthropological and linguistic approach to cultural and linguistic interaction

Principal investigator
Dr. Khalid Al-Kindi
Grant value
3,000 OMR
Duration
1 year
RF/--/DVC/HRC/26/626In progress

Developing an AI-enhanced language and literature learning environment for Arabic Department students, between what is available, actual and hoped for: Towards a smart learning and teaching environment at Sultan Qaboos University

Principal investigator
Dr. Fayz Sobhy
Grant value
3,000 OMR
Duration
1 year

No projects match this selection.

National Grants

Block Funding Program – PhD Holders Grants (RG)

RC/RG-DVC/HURC/22/01Completed

A national coach education framework to develop the sports coaching profession and sports industry in the Sultanate of Oman

Funded by: Research and Innovation Authority

Principal investigator
Prof. Majid Said Mohamed Al-Busafi
Grant value
14,966 OMR
Duration
2 years
RC/RG/DVC/HRC/24/183In progress

A socio-linguistic investigation of the status of Gulf English and native and non-native English varieties in the Sultanate of Oman

Funded by: Research and Innovation Authority

Principal investigator
Dr. Christopher James Denman
Grant value
8,100 OMR
Duration
2 years
RC/RG/DVC/HRC/25/460In progress

Enhancing consumer protection in Oman’s economy: Evaluating policy effectiveness, economic impact and regulatory adaptation

Funded by: Research and Innovation Authority

Principal investigator
Dr. Walid Mensi
Grant value
8,998 OMR
Duration
2 years

Undergraduate Research Grants (URG)

RC/URG-DVC/HURC/21/01Completed

Attitudes of Sultan Qaboos University professors and students towards the use of educational blogs in distance learning

Funded by: Research and Innovation Authority

Student team (6)

Jawarah Al Hinaai (new leader), Maisa Al Amri, Rawan Al Humaimi, Ghaida Aljabri, Malaak Al-Habsi, Salma Al Badri

Principal investigator
Teeba Abdullah Mohammed Al-Kindi
Grant value
1,500 OMR
Duration
1 year
RC/URG-DVC/HURC/22/01Completed

A framework for measuring sustainability factors in Oman’s healthcare system

Funded by: Research and Innovation Authority

Student team (4)

Tariq Al Habsi, Nusaiba Al Mamari, Adham Al Rahbi, Abdul Rahman Al Jabri

Principal investigator
Teeba Abdullah Mohammed Al-Kindi
Grant value
1,500 OMR
Duration
1.5 years
RC/URG-DVC/HURC/22/02Completed

Peganum plant and its effects on the elimination of fungi (Pythium)

Funded by: Research and Innovation Authority

Student team (2)

Dhaya Al Rashidi, Buthaina Al Busaidi

Principal investigator
Teeba Abdullah Mohammed Al-Kindi
Grant value
1,500 OMR
Duration
2 years
RC/URG-DVC/HURC/22/03Completed

The reality of cyberbullying among Sultan Qaboos University students, its causes and ways to confront it

Funded by: Research and Innovation Authority

Student team (3)

Tariq Alshehhi, Sulaiman Al Shaaili, Salama Al Harthi

Principal investigator
Teeba Abdullah Mohammed Al-Kindi
Grant value
1,500 OMR
Duration
1 year
RC/URG-DVC/HURC/23/01Completed

The effect of learning the Holy Quran on developing the reading and writing skills of Arabic language students

Funded by: Research and Innovation Authority

Student team (2)

Hajer Salim Alsaadi, Zainab Al Amri

Principal investigator
Teeba Al-Kindi
Grant value
1,500 OMR
Duration
1 year

COVID-19 Grants

RC/COVID-DVC/HURC/20/01Completed

The economic effects of COVID-19 on the Omani economy

Funded by: Research and Innovation Authority

Principal investigator
Ashraf Saad Eldin Mishrif
Grant value
20,000 OMR
Duration
1 year
RC/COVID-DVC/HURC/20/02Completed

Educational, psychological and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Omani society: A study of reality and recommendations for the future

Funded by: Research and Innovation Authority

Principal investigator
Mohsin Al-Salimi
Grant value
10,000 OMR
Duration
1 year

Strategic Grants

RC/SR-DVC/HURC/22/02Completed

An objective assessment and modelling of government policy intervention to control obesity and its impact on healthcare expenditure in Oman

Funded by: Ministry of Health

Principal investigator
Ashraf Saad Eldin Mishrif
Grant value
87,800 OMR
Duration
2 years

No projects match this selection.

Joint Grants

CL/SQU-QU/HURC/20/01Completed

The effectiveness of a suggested training program using Kids’ Athletics events for developing health-related physical and perceptual skills among children aged 7 to 12 in Oman and Qatar

Funded by: Sultan Qaboos University & Qatar University

Principal investigator
Prof. Majid Al-Busafi
Grant value
20,600 OMR
Duration
2 years
CL/--/DVC/HRC/26/470In progress

Utilizing Arabic children’s literature to promote health and physical awareness among Cycle One students: Towards practical, integrative curricula in the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates

Funded by: Sultan Qaboos University & United Arab Emirates University

Principal investigator
Prof. Majid Al Busafi
Grant value
9,700 OMR
Duration
2 years

No projects match this selection.

Disability Program

Funded by the Oman LNG Development Foundation

EG/SQU-OLNG/21/01Completed

The reality of applying the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to measure the principle of independence in university education: The College of Arts and Social Sciences as a model

Funded by: Oman LNG

Principal investigator
Amjad Hasan Al-Haj
Grant value
6,000 OMR
Duration
2 years
EG/SQU-OLNG/21/02Completed

Assessing entrepreneurial skills among people with disabilities

Funded by: Oman LNG

Principal investigator
Ashraf Mishrif
Grant value
7,000 OMR
Duration
2 years
EG/SQU-OLNG/21/03Completed

The effectiveness of an electronic application in developing the creative thinking skills of twice-exceptional gifted people (autism gifted) in the Sultanate of Oman

Funded by: Oman LNG

Principal investigator
Ali Mahdi Kazem
Grant value
6,000 OMR
Duration
2 years
EG/SQU-OLNG/21/04Completed

Learning outcomes of students with disabilities: The individual and institutional factors affecting them in Omani schools (towards building inclusive institutional effectiveness in light of ideal global models)

Funded by: Oman LNG

Principal investigator
Yasser Fathy El Hendawy Al Mahdy
Grant value
5,000 OMR
Duration
2 years
EG/SQU-OLNG/21/05Completed

Effects of virtual reality training on upper extremity motor recovery for stroke patients: A pilot study

Funded by: Oman LNG

Principal investigator
Moon Fai Chan
Grant value
9,000 OMR
Duration
2 years
EG/SQU-OLNG/21/06Completed

Disabled employees and company performance and productivity: Evidence from Oman

Funded by: Oman LNG

Principal investigator
Walid Mensi
Grant value
8,000 OMR
Duration
2 years
EG/SQU-OLNG/21/07Completed

The role of occupational empowerment programs in improving the quality of life for students with intellectual disabilities

Funded by: Oman LNG

Principal investigator
Hammoud bin Khamis Al-Nawfali
Grant value
7,000 OMR
Duration
2 years
EG/SQU-OLNG/21/08Completed

The effectiveness of a suggested program based on morphological awareness in improving oral reading and reading comprehension among fourth-grade students with reading difficulties in the Sultanate of Oman

Funded by: Oman LNG

Principal investigator
Fatma Mohammed Alkaaf
Grant value
7,000 OMR
Duration
2 years
EG/SQU-OLNG/21/09Completed

The effect of using a kinetic learning bag on improving the physical abilities and sensory-motor perception of children with intellectual disability

Funded by: Oman LNG

Principal investigator
Badriya Khalfan Issa Al Hadabi
Grant value
5,000 OMR
Duration
2 years

No projects match this selection.

Research Consultancy

CR/DVC/HURC/23/01Completed

Petroleum Development Oman (Ejad)

Principal investigator
Dr. Majid Al Busafi
Grant value
49,440 OMR
Duration
12 months
CR/DVC/HURC/23/02In progress

Ministry of Economy

Principal investigator
Dr. Sufian Al Tayeb
Grant value
66,000 OMR
Duration
1 year
IC/VC/DVC/HRC/24/206In progress

Sultan Qaboos University

Principal investigator
Dr. Asma Al Zaidi
Grant value
8,000 OMR
Duration
1 year
CR/--/DVC/HRC/25/239Completed

Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation

Principal investigator
Dr. Christopher Denman
Grant value
630 OMR
Duration
4 weeks

No projects match this selection.

Research Chairs

—Completed

Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair for Economic Studies

Funded by: Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Principal investigator
Dr. Ashraf S. Mishrif
Grant value
464,500 OMR
Duration
21 Feb 2017 – 30 Sep 2024

No projects match this selection.

Scholarly output

Publications

Publications by Center researchers, cited in APA style (7th edition). Arabic-language works are listed in their original language.

Peer-reviewed journal articles6

2026
  1. Abdelmaboud, A., & Ba Hashwan, K. S. (2026). Comparative and analysis of students academic performance in Oman higher education: Sultan Qaboos University case study. Qubahan Academic Journal, 6(1), 384–394.Q3View publication
2024
  1. باحشوان، خلود سالم؛ وعمارة، إيهاب محمد. (2024). مستوى الشعور بالأمن النفسي لدى طلبة جامعة السلطان قابوس وفقًا لمتغيّري الجنس والكلية. مجلة العلوم التربوية – جامعة قطر، 24(3)، 197–229.ArabicView publication
  2. باحشوان، خلود سالم؛ والحاتمية، فاطمة بنت ناصر بن خلف؛ وبلهواري، فاطمة. (2024). المنشآت الزراعية في كتاب المصنَّف للشيخ أحمد بن عبدالله الكندي (ت 557هـ/ 1162م): أساليب الري أنموذجًا. مجلة كلية التربية الأساسية – الجامعة المستنصرية، 30(126)، 689–703.ArabicView publication
2023
  1. باحشوان، خلود سالم. (2023). أراضي الصوافي عند العوتبي من خلال كتابه الضياء (ق 4–5هـ/ 10–11م): دراسة تاريخية. مجلة العلوم الاجتماعية والإنسانية – جامعة باتنة 1، 24(2)، 65–80.ArabicView publication
  2. باحشوان، خلود سالم. (2023). العوامل المؤثرة في تشكيل القرار السياسي في العصر الأموي: ولاة العهد والأمراء الأمويين أنموذجًا (41–64هـ/ 661–684م)، دراسة تاريخية. المجلة العربية للعلوم الإنسانية – مجلس النشر العلمي، جامعة الكويت، 41(163)، 189–220.ArabicView publication
2021
  1. باحشوان، خلود سالم؛ والقدحات، محمد عبدالله. (2021). القوى المؤثرة في موقف الخليفة يزيد بن معاوية تجاه أهل الحجاز (60–64هـ/ 680–684م). مجلة الآداب والعلوم الاجتماعية – جامعة السلطان قابوس، 12(1)، 49–60.ArabicView publication

Books1

2024
  1. باحشوان، خلود سالم. (2024). القوى المؤثرة في سلطة الخليفة الأموي (41–64هـ/ 661–684م). منشورات جامعة السلطان قابوس.Arabic

Conference and seminar presentations6

2025
  1. باحشوان، خلود سالم. (2025، 19–20 نوفمبر). دور المصنفات الفقهية العُمانية في توثيق الحياة الاقتصادية في المجتمع العُماني في العصر الإسلامي الوسيط: دراسة تاريخية كمية [ورقة بحثية]. المؤتمر الدولي الثالث في التاريخ والحضارة الإسلامية «الحياة الاقتصادية في العالم العربي والإسلامي في الفترة بين القرون 1–14هـ/ 7–20م»، جامعة اليرموك، إربد.Arabic
  2. باحشوان، خلود سالم؛ وعمارة، إيهاب محمد. (2025، 29–30 مايو). الأمن النفسي وعلاقته بالوعي المعرفي بجوانب من شخصية عُمان الإسلامية من منظور تاريخي [ورقة بحثية]. المؤتمر الأول «التكامل بين علم النفس والعلوم الأخرى»، جامعة قطر، الدوحة.Arabic
  3. باحشوان، خلود سالم؛ والعمرية، جميلة بنت سعيد. (2025، 24–26 فبراير). تأثير البيان التاريخي لجلالة السلطان قابوس في بث الطمأنينة النفسية من وجهة نظر المعاصرين [ورقة بحثية]. المؤتمر الدولي التاسع لكلية التربية «علم النفس في الظروف العادية والاستثنائية: رؤى معاصرة ومستقبلية»، جامعة السلطان قابوس، مسقط.Arabic
2023
  1. باحشوان، خلود سالم. (2023، 3 مايو). المنهج الكمي في الكتابة التاريخية [ورقة بحثية]. الندوة المصاحبة لليوم العلمي لكلية الآداب «الكتابات التاريخية المعاصرة: رؤى نقدية وتوجهات مستقبلية»، جامعة السلطان قابوس، مسقط.Arabic
2022
  1. باحشوان، خلود سالم. (2022، مارس). أراضي الصوافي عند العوتبي من خلال كتابه الضياء (ق 4–5هـ/ 10–11م): دراسة تاريخية [ورقة بحثية]. المؤتمر الدولي الثامن لكلية التربية «الموسوعات الشرعية العُمانية وآفاقها التربوية والحضارية»، جامعة السلطان قابوس، مسقط.Arabic
2020
  1. باحشوان، خلود سالم. (2020، مارس). التعليم وريادة الأعمال في التاريخ العُماني: الوقف العلمي أنموذجًا (ق 9–10هـ/ 15–16م) [ورقة بحثية]. المؤتمر الدولي السابع لكلية التربية «التعليم وريادة الأعمال: الفرص والتحديات»، جامعة السلطان قابوس، مسقط.Arabic
People

Our Team

Getting here

Location

Campus map showing the location of the Humanities Research Center

Sultan Qaboos University campus, Al Khoudh

  1. Enter the campus through the main gate and head to the academic complex at its center.
  2. The Center is east of the Conference Hall and south of the College of Engineering.
  3. For appointments and visits, please call ahead on 24142842.
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Get in touch

Contact Us

We welcome your enquiries, consultancy requests and research collaboration proposals.

Fax

+968 2414 2843

Mailing address

Humanities Research Center
Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research
Sultan Qaboos University
P.O. Box 50, Al Khoudh, PC 123
Sultanate of Oman

Humanities Research Center · Sultan Qaboos University