A young woman in graduation attire standing outdoors among trees, smiling at the camera.

Universities

Universities

Written by: Michaela Eckmüller Last updated at: May 21, 2025

Even at the time of his rise to power, Sultan Qaboos had a clear vision of how he wanted to make his country and its people future-proof. And indeed, in almost 50 years of governance, he succeeded in ushering in and advancing an era of development and modernization in Oman. Improving educational opportunities in the country is a key contributor to Oman's success. An important building block for this are the universities. The only state university in the country is Sultan Qaboos University, which was opened in 1986. Today, in addition to this, there are various private universities in the country.

Sultan Qaboos University

In 1986, the first students were admitted to the university. Even then, the university was equally accessible to women and men. And indeed, the educational offerings were utilized diversely by young women in the past. This is evident in the fact that in the modern generation, more and more women are represented in the leadership positions of the country in the fields of politics and management. Today, Sultan Qaboos University has eight faculties:

  • Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Agriculture
  • Education
  • Arts and Islamic Studies
  • Law
  • Business
  • Natural Sciences

In the 2010/2011 academic year, the percentage of female students was just under 50%. By now, there is a male percentage as the share of female students is over 50%.

Private universities

In addition to the state university, which will be followed by another state institution in the coming years according to the Sultan's announcements, there are five private universities in Oman:

  • Sohar University
  • Nizwa University
  • Dhofar University
  • Buraimi University
  • German University of Technology in Oman

Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home

Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.

We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.

From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.

You might also like this

A man dressed in traditional Middle Eastern attire holds a falcon on his gloved hand in an outdoor setting.

Neighboring Countries

2 min read

Oman is a sultanate on the Arabian Peninsula. The borders of the country extend partially into the sea, but also onto the land. Oman has three direct neighboring states: Saudi Arabia The United Arab Emirates Yemen A country with a calming effect Purely from the Geography perspective, Oman is thus situated in the middle of a powder keg. At the latest with the onset of the Arab Spring and the ongoing conflicts in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, peace in Oman's neighboring countries has largely disappeared. The only exception, which consistently radiates peace and prosperity, is the United Arab Emirat...

A black case containing a silver engraved gun with a curved blade, possibly a ceremonial or decorative weapon.

Traditional manufacture of a Khanjar

2 min read

A Khanjar is a traditional ceremonial dagger, as still worn in Oman today. Originally, the dagger, whose blade is shaped like a J or a hook, was intended as a weapon for attack or defense, but today it is more of a ceremonial garment and a status symbol. Materials used The art of weapon smithing was highly perfected in the Arab countries during the Middle Ages. Just think of famous swords like the Damascus or other masterpieces of sword and dagger craftsmanship, and it quickly becomes clear that Arab master blacksmiths have made weapons like a Khanjar into one thing – a work of art. It also ...

A chef in a kitchen arranging food ingredients with fresh vegetables and potatoes in the foreground.

Economy in Oman

4 min read

Ende der 1960er-Jahre begann die  Erdölförderung im Sultanat Oman. Das Erdöl bildete schnell die Haupteinnahmequelle des Landes und der bis dahin größte Wirtschaftszweig, die Landwirtschaft, schrumpfte allmählich. Durch den Wirtschaftsboom, der durch die Erdölförderung ausgelöst wurde, konnte die infrastruktur ausgebaut werden. Es entstanden Straßen, Schulen, Krankenhäuser und Stromleitungen. Dem Erdöl hat die Bevölkerung auch einen allgemeinen Anstieg des Einkommens zu verdanken. Mit dem Konzept der Privatisierung und Diversifizierung soll finanzielle und wirtschaftliche Stabilität erreicht w...