QS Arab Forum Visit to Botanic Garden

The BG welcomed 153 visitors from the delegation participating in the QS Arab Forum. During the visit, they were introduced to the various sections of the BG and given a tour to learn about the most prominent Omani plants and their uses.

Celebrating Oman Agriculture Day

The unit celebrated OAD, which falls on Oct. 31 each year. The celebration included the distribution of local seedlings along with garden products: moringa oil and henna powder. The event was met with great enthusiasm and participation from university staff and students.

Natural History Museum Meeting

The unit held a meeting with the NHM to discuss potential collaboration in the field of plants and related sciences. Several topics were addressed including: the exchange of plant specimens, digital transformation, identify and update specimens, and joint training workshops.

LSU Meeting with OMIFCO Company

The unit held a meeting with OMIFCO to discuss potential collaboration on a research project. The meeting addressed the company's initiatives in implementing community projects. The unit proposed a project about Documenting and Preserving Native Plants of Northern Oman.

Survey regarding Botanic Garden Café Project

The LSU is seeking to establish a cafe in the botanical garden, so all university employees and students were surveyed about the project idea through a questionnaire, and it received a great response, with 900 employees and students participating.

Herbarium Training Program for University Students

The herbarium staff trained biology students on herbarium techniques. The training program included: how to collect plant specimens, drying and freezing methods, scientific classification, data entry, mounting, scanning and archiving specimens.

Attending the Agro Agricultural Exhibition

The LSU attended the Agro Agricultural Exhibition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 06-07 October 2025, to learn about the latest developments and to become familiar with the latest technologies used in agriculture.

Training Program for Environment Authority

The unit, represented by Mr. Ahmed Al Wahaibi, implemented a training program for Environment Authority employees, aiming to train them on propagating some local plants and enhancing national efforts to preserve plant diversity in the Sultanate.

International Cooperation Office Honors the Unit

Dr. Mona Al Said, Vice President for International Cooperation, honored the Life Sciences Unit, represented by Mr. Ahmed Al Wahaibi, for its cooperation and participation in various International Cooperation Office programs.

Research Visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, UK

Dr. Amina Al Farsi conducted a research visit to introduce some of the plant specimens collected from Oman. The research was conducted at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and Kew from April 11 to 25, 2025.

National Records and Archives Authority Visit

The herbarium received staff from the National Records and Archives Authority. During the visit, a detailed explanation was provided on plant specimen preservation techniques and the equipment used to maintain specimen archiving.

Nizwa University Visit

The Life Science Unit received students from Nizwa University to learn about its role in environmental conservation. They were introduced to the botanical garden and given an explanation of herbarium techniques.

Celebration of Oman Tree Day

The Life Science Unit organized an exhibition titled "Omani Leaves and Flowers" as part of the celebration of Omani Tree Day. The exhibition was widely attended by visitors and those interested from both inside and outside the university.

Students from Russia and South Korea Visit

The LSU received students from Russia and South Korea. During the visit, they were introduced to the botanical garden, its various sections, and the Omani plants and their local uses. They were also introduced to the herbarium and the methods of preserving and documenting specimens.

Herbarium Techniques Workshop

The LSU organized a workshop on plant herbarium techniques as part of its celebrations of Omani Tree Day. During the workshop, a detailed explanation of herbarium techniques was provided and participants were introduced to the online herbarium catalogue at SQU website.

Ludwig Maximilian University visit

The botanical garden received students’ delegation from Ludwig Maximilian University in Germany. During the visit, they were introduced to the botanical garden, its various sections, and the most prominent Omani plants and their local uses.