Oman RIA, OQ launch joint industrial research cooperation

Oman's Research and Innovation Authority (RIA) and OQ Global Investment Group have signed a memorandum of cooperation to develop joint research initiatives, exchange knowledge, and explore technologies for industrial applications. The agreement, signed by Dr. Saif bin Abdullah Al-Hadabi, Chairman of the Research and Innovation Authority, and Azzan bin Mohammed Al Abdul Latif, Chief Business Development Officer at OQ, aims to link national research capabilities with industrial requirements and to translate research outputs into commercially viable applications.

"The authority is working to develop partnerships between government entities, businesses, and academic institutions and to strengthen the connection between research and economic activity," said Najah bint Mohammed Al‑Rashidi, who runs the General Directorate of the Innovation Center.

The memorandum sets out a broad cooperation framework that covers research and innovation activities aligned with Oman’s development priorities. Key elements include the establishment and activation of a National Center for Research and Development in water-related fields and an exchange of research data, knowledge and research outputs between RIA and OQ. The agreement further envisages joint innovation programmes—such as incubators and business accelerators—bringing together OQ Group and the Ejaad platform to address industrial and research challenges and to examine potential applications of research-based solutions.

Scope and institutional links

• Signatories: Dr. Saif bin Abdullah Al‑Hadabi (Chairman, RIA) and Azzan bin Mohammed Al Abdul Latif (Chief Business Development Officer, OQ).
• Programme platforms: Ejaad platform and the Institute of Advanced Technology Integration, plus the Muscat Innovation Complex for research infrastructure.
• Planned centre: National Center for Research and Development in water-related fields.
• Project areas: alternative energy, biodiesel, genetic resources, and other industrial applications.

Najah bint Mohammed Al‑Rashidi highlighted the role of institutional enablers in making the partnership operational. She pointed to the Institute of Advanced Technology Integration and its Ejaad platform as mechanisms for connecting researchers with industrial partners and for developing applied research in response to industry requirements. The Muscat Innovation Complex is expected to provide the research infrastructure and facilities needed to link research outcomes to market needs.

Azzan bin Mohammed Al Abdul Latif said the cooperation is designed to accelerate practical application and capability-building: "The closer cooperation between national research institutions and industry would help translate research into practical applications, enable knowledge transfer, and develop national capabilities." Under the memorandum, the partners will also pursue capacity-building programmes and opportunities for international participation by students and researchers.

Outlook

The memorandum establishes a structured pathway for collaboration between Oman’s research institutions and the industrial sector, with specific programmes and projects to be developed under the areas identified. By combining OQ’s industry reach and investment capacity with RIA’s research network and platforms such as Ejaad and the Muscat Innovation Complex, the partners aim to move research outputs toward commercialization, bolster national scientific capabilities, and address sectoral challenges especially in water, energy and bioresources.