Sohar University

Sohar University is a research-active institution committed to academic excellence, innovation, and sustainable development in line with Oman Vision 2040.

It fosters an environment where faculty and professionals lead impactful research, knowledge transfer, and industrial engagement.

Sohar University (SU), the first private university in the Sultanate of Oman, stands at the forefront of professional and research-driven higher education. With over two decades of excellence, SU continues to empower scholars, educators, and researchers to contribute meaningfully to national development, regional transformation, and global academic dialogue.

Located in Sohar’s industrial heartland, SU enjoys strategic advantages for fostering partnerships with government, industries, and international collaborators. Its campus, covering 216,710 sqm, is equipped with advanced laboratories, innovation hubs, and collaborative spaces that support cross-disciplinary research and professional growth.

Research with Impact

Sohar University is rapidly building a reputation for research excellence and knowledge transfer. It follows a structured Research with Impact approach, targeting priority sectors aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Its thematic focus includes:

     •    Sustainability & Clean Energy
     •    Artificial Intelligence & Smart Technologies
     •    Industrial Innovation
     •    Educational Reform & Pedagogical Studies
     •    Digital Transformation & e-Government

SU’s research culture is characterized by international collaboration, community relevance, and real-world solutions. Researchers work closely with industry and public sector partners, often co-developing projects that enhance Oman's knowledge economy.

Key achievements include:

     •    Over 2,175 publication 
     •    More than 1,621 Scopus-indexed publications
     •    + 196 National funded projects
     •    + 31 paid consultancy projects with industries
     •    + 50 internally funded research grants
     •    4 nationally funded research projects
     •    132+ internationally funded research projects
     •    510+ publication incentives award

Strategic alliances with global academic institutions and industries help facilitate joint research, consultancy, postgraduate supervision, and technical training. W.R. Grace's on-campus R&D facility and the Intaj Suhar Manufacturing Hub are key examples of applied research in action.

Postgraduate Programs & Researcher Development

SU offers several postgraduate programs with strong research components, including research-only Master's programs in Education, IT and other disciplines. These programs allow working professionals to conduct meaningful research without the need for regular on-campus attendance.

The university also supports:

     •    Early-career researcher development
     •    Capacity building workshops
     •    Annual research conferences
     •    Competitive internal research grants

Postgraduate students are integrated into funded projects, contributing to Oman’s national research goals while enhancing their academic and professional profiles.

Industry-Academia Linkages

Sohar University is deeply embedded in its surrounding industrial ecosystem. Its proximity to Sohar Port and Free Zone, and ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), allows SU to:

     •    Co-create research projects with companies
     •    Offer demand-driven training
     •    Provide consultancy services
     •    Deliver innovation for SMEs and manufacturing sectors through the Intaj Suhar and SME Incubator initiatives

These engagements reinforce SU’s value as a solution provider and academic partner of choice.

Institutional Quality & Professional Culture

Sohar University holds national accreditation from the Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education (OAAAQA). It also earned a 5-Star Rating in the QS Stars System, highlighting its academic and research performance.

SU's professional environment is inclusive, innovative, and committed to continuous development. Staff satisfaction stands at 81.83%, and its diverse academic workforce includes a high number of PhD holders from internationally ranked institutions.

Professional Development & Culture of Excellence

Sohar University is not only a place for students—it is a home for educators, researchers, and innovators. It offers:

     •    Regular professional training and development
     •    International conference participation support
     •    Funding for publishing and research output
     •    Academic promotions and incentives based on merit
     •    Leadership programs for emerging scholars