In a groundbreaking academic event, Oman College of Management and Technology (OCMT), through its Quality Assurance Department, successfully hosted a high-profile panel discussion under the title "Graduate Attributes – A Future Vision for Aligning with the Labor Market" on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The event was held in Auditorium AC-007 and witnessed wide student participation, inspiring dialogue, and insights from distinguished national figures.
The session was graced by the esteemed Professor Dr. Abdullah bin Saif Al-Toubi, Director of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s Center for Translation, Arabization, and Arabic Language Advancement, who served as Guest of Honor. Dr. Al-Toubi is one of Oman’s leading academic figures, known for his pivotal role in promoting educational excellence, language advocacy, and knowledge integration across the Arab world. His academic journey includes a PhD in Science Education from the University of Warwick (UK) and several leadership positions in Omani higher education institutions.
The event commenced with the national anthem followed by a health and safety awareness video. Dr. Al-Toubi was warmly welcomed with an introductory speech that celebrated his scholarly legacy and cultural contributions. A video introducing OCMT's academic mission and evolution was presented, reinforcing the college’s commitment to preparing graduates equipped with relevant skills for dynamic work environments.
College Dean Dr. Hazem Muqdadi delivered the opening address, outlining OCMT's strategic vision for graduate development. A subsequent presentation by Mr. Abdullah Al-Hadiyah, Head of the Quality Assurance Department, highlighted the mechanisms for embedding and measuring graduate attributes across academic programs.
The centerpiece of the event was the panel discussion titled "Graduate Attributes in Light of Oman Vision 2040: A Future-Focused Alignment with the Labor Market", moderated by Dr. Sara Al-Bahlani, a renowned academic and Deputy of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Nizwa.
Joining the panel were two prominent national figures:
Dr. Badriya Al-Hadabi, Vice Dean of the College of Education at Sultan Qaboos University, celebrated for her leadership in academic program development and women’s empowerment in sports and education.
Mr. Badr Nasser Al-Maamari, Director of the Department of Quality and Vocational Development at the Ministry of Labor, known for his role in aligning vocational training outcomes with Oman’s national vision.
The panelists engaged in a rich dialogue about the evolving role of graduate skills, ethics, innovation, critical thinking, and adaptability in today’s job market. The session concluded with a formal appreciation ceremony where Dr. Al-Toubi honored the guest speakers with tokens of gratitude. In return, the College Dean Dr. Hazem Muqdadi, presented a commemorative gift to Dr. Al-Toubi for his continued support of higher education and academic innovation.
OCMT Hosts Landmark Panel Discussion on Graduate Attributes and Labor Market Alignment