Muscat, Oman - The Financial Services Authority (FSA) and Muscat University signed a three-year cooperation programme today at the FSA headquarters, aimed at developing human capital, advancing research, and strengthening collaboration in capital markets, insurance, and innovation.

The programme was signed by Ahmed bin Ali Al Mamari, Executive Vice President of the FSA, and Professor Dr. Khamis bin Hamad Al Yahyaei, President of Muscat University. With an initial duration of three years, renewable for similar terms,

On this occasion, Al Mamari said, “The signing of this cooperation programme embodies FSA’s commitment to strengthening its collaboration with higher education institutions, thereby contributing to a shared understanding of market requirements and its needs from educational outputs. It also supports initiatives for cooperation in joint research and innovation projects among government entities, the private sector, and higher education institutions in the Sultanate of Oman. Moreover, this partnership aligns with FSA’s vision to develop human capital in the capital market sector and to support entrepreneurship in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.”

“If we wish to bridge the gap between the outputs of higher education and the market’s need for skills and knowledge, and to strengthen the role of universities and colleges in the fields of research and innovation, then the institutions representing the country’s economic sectors must build a bridge of effective communication with universities and colleges, thereby fostering a shared understanding and effective mechanisms of cooperation,” Al Mamari concluded.

For his part, Professor Dr. Al Yahyaei affirmed that the FSA is one of Muscat University’s most important strategic partners, noting that previous cooperation between the two sides has covered student training, studies on insurance programmes, and initiatives to support the development of the capital market.

“The new agreement represents a qualitative step towards enhancing the development of human capacities and national resources in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, by enabling university students to acquire future skills and the competencies needed to meet the requirements of the labour market in the financial services sector,” he said.

He further stressed that this partnership will broaden opportunities for students to engage in innovation and entrepreneurship within the capital market and insurance sectors, strengthening their competitiveness at both local and international levels. “This will positively reflect on the quality of the educational and training process and contribute to supporting the university’s ongoing development efforts,” he explained.

Both sides stressed that the cooperation will foster innovation and entrepreneurship pathways for students in the financial services sector, enhance the quality of education and training, and support Oman’s drive to build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy that is regionally and globally competitive.