Introduction
Dhofar University (DU) is one of the leading Universities in the Sultanate of Oman established by the Ministerial Decree No. 5/2004 issued in January 2004. It is located in the city of Salalah in the Dhofar Governorate, known for its geographical beauty, blessed with lush green mountains, pristine beaches, and moderate weather throughout the year . The University campus is spread over an area of 450,000 square meters encompassing a blend of both modern and traditional Omani architecture. It can accommodate up to 10,000 students.
Institutional Accreditation
DU has the honour and privilege of being the first University in Oman to be accredited nationally by Oman Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education (OAAAQA) in December 2018 and internationally by Accreditation Services for International Schools Colleges and Universities (UK) in April 2019.
Colleges and Programs
DU is mission-driven University and pursues excellence in teaching and learning, research, and community outreach in an open learning environment conducive to creativity and innovation. The four colleges that constitute the University are - College of Arts & Applied Sciences, College of Commerce & Business Administration, College of Engineering and College of Law. Currently, DU offers 39 programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels through its four colleges. The medium of instruction is mostly English with some programs offered in Arabic.
Students
The number of students enrolled during 2021-22 is around 3 800 . DU provides its students with cutting-edge learning experience which equips them to become competent professionals, able leaders, effective community servers and active nation builders. They have ample opportunities to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities and events organized throughout the year. DU also offers free in-house accommodation to its female students with the objective of supporting the cause of educational empowerment of women. DU has excellent reputation among its external stakeholders, and its graduates enjoy a favorable employability among local industries and business enterprises.
Faculty
The academic excellence of the University is led by a team of erudite faculty members consisting of 1 66 full-time and 30 part-time faculty drawn from 20 different nationalities, who continuously endeavor to deliver quality education, with an emphasis on innovative pedagogical tools and student centered education.
Research Profile
Research is one of the main pillars of academic excellence and all efforts are made to encourage research among faculty and students and create a conducive environment for research. DU also provides necessary facilities and financial support and acknowledges their research excellence through various rewards and incentives.
The University has a Department of Research (DR) that is supported by Research committees at University and College level along with the Research focal point for managing internal and external grants. DU has a Research centre that focuses on niche areas of research of regional importance.
DU faculty has on more than 2000 publications in recognized journals indexed in databases like Scopus, Web of Science, Emerald and Arabic Impact Factor Journals. Our researchers have been ranked among world top 2% scientists by Stanford and by AD Science Index.
Since its inception, DU has successfully secured funds for over 92 Research grants from the Ministry and other agencies. In the past five years DU faculty have won 70 research awards at different levels. Our students are not less by winning 25 different research awards. The research centre has conducted research on more than 10 major research projects resulting in over 56 publications and one international patent from South African Patent Registration Agency. The center has also developed some nutraceutical products using Omani medicinal plants that can be used to treat different ailments.
Quality Assurance
DU has an independent Department of Quality Assurance (QAD), which is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the quality of teaching, research, and support services to its students, staff, and the DU community at large by suggesting new policies and reviewing existing policies. The QAD develops appropriate qualitative and quantitative measures of teaching and service performance taking into account local, regional and international recommended practices.
University of Preferred Choice
Embracing above mentioned favourable curricular and extra-curricular aspects, students find campus life at DU stimulating, vibrant, and full of opportunities for self-development, healthy interaction and ethical grooming, which makes DU a preferred choice of study for them.