The 4th edition of Oman Science Festival 2024, with the theme of “Sustainable Resources”, began at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre under the patronage of Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health. The opening ceremony was attended by various dignitaries including Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al Shibani, Minister of Education, Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, and Dr. Moosa Mohammed Al Maqrif, Minister of Education in Libya. A total of 141 institutions are participating in the event, showcasing their innovations in various fields. Additionally, five international institutes are also taking part, including organizations from Hungary, Belgium, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.
The Oman Science Festival 2024 features 520 diverse activities ranging from scientific interactive workshops to plays, competitions, and scientific discoveries. The festival includes 24 main sections highlighting themes such as Biodiversity, Smart Future, Health and Life, Wings to Space, Smart Cities, Cybernetics, and more. These sections aim to raise environmental awareness and promote a sustainable future, encouraging students to understand the importance of conserving natural resources and fostering values of sustainability. The festival is designed to promote critical thinking and innovation in addressing environmental challenges.
One of the notable sections of the festival is Military Technologies, which showcases advanced technologies and applications along with their progress compared to older techniques. The section features over 90 workshops, innovations, and equipment used by Oman’s law enforcement. Another key section is Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, which highlights 16 inspiring success stories from scientific research and innovation projects. The section also includes stories focusing on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to showcase the latest advancements in these fields.
The Mishkat Interactive Exhibition, participating in the festival, presents scientific performances that focus on energy science, forms, and sustainable resources. One of the highlights of the exhibition is a spaceship that demonstrates the need for different energy resources. Dr. Moosa Al Maqrif, Minister of Education in Libya, commended the festival for its interactive activities and diverse content, emphasizing the importance of such events in fostering scientific culture among young people. He encouraged students to explore the wonders of science and enhance their knowledge and skills through participation in the festival.
The festival provides a platform for the exchange of ideas between students and academic experts, encouraging innovation and creativity among participants. Dr. Al Maqrif emphasized the significance of such events in promoting scientific education and development, urging students to take advantage of the opportunity to engage with various scientific topics and activities. The chief guest toured the festival’s sections, gaining insights into the contents and activities while interacting with participants. Overall, the Oman Science Festival 2024 aims to inspire and empower youth to pursue scientific knowledge and contribute to sustainable development through critical thinking and innovation.
