Qatar-based Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (Gord), and Oman's Dhofar University have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focusing on advancing green building knowledge and best practices within Oman.
The MoU also sets the stage for integrating Gord’s Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) into the university’s engineering curriculum, fostering education and capacity building on green building practices among students and professionals in Oman.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of a three-day workshop, titled 'Rewaa Dhofar: Sustainable Development in Oman.' Dhofar University president Prof Amer bin Ali al-Rawas and Gord founding chairman Yousef Alhorr were the signatories.
Prof al-Rawas, said: "By equipping our faculty and students with the knowledge of GSAS, we are not simply educating them; we are empowering them to become leaders who can effectively contribute to building a climate-resilient future for Oman and the region.”
Dr Alhorr, noted: "Integrating green building practices, specifically through established frameworks like GSAS, into engineering curricula is imperative for developing a technically proficient workforce capable of addressing the complex sustainability challenges of our time.
"Our MoU with Dhofar University represents a strategic investment in building that capacity. This collaboration extends beyond academia, creating pathways for professionals to upskill and contribute to Oman's green building sector through the adoption of the GSAS framework."
As part of the MoU, Gord will provide training and professional certification programmes for Dhofar University faculty members, enabling them to become licensed GSAS trainers. This will equip them with the expertise to deliver GSAS training and education to students and professionals in Oman, effectively expanding the reach of GSAS knowledge, and preparing the students for careers mindful of sustainable development and green building practices.
The first outcome of the MoU is the inaugural GSAS workshop in Oman, the first in a series of trainings aimed at building capacity and enhancing the sustainability knowledge of engineering students and professionals in Oman.
The workshop, which has attracted 80 participants from various sectors, will provide essential knowledge required to assess the sustainability performance of new construction and infrastructure projects.
Dr Yousef Alhorr with the participants of the workshop.
