English 
العربية 
Middle East College (MEC) marked a significant milestone in its journey of academic and technological advancement by hosting the inauguration ceremony of the “Hadatha Centre for Cybersecurity Industry.”
This pioneering initiative stems from a strategic collaboration between MEC and the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT), represented by the Arab Regional Cybersecurity Centre. The ceremony, held at the College campus, took place under the patronage of His Excellency Dr Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of MTCIT for Communications and Information Technology.
The newly established Centre, headquartered at MEC, aims to enhance national capabilities in the cybersecurity sector, offer specialised training and professional development for Omani talent, and support emerging start-ups in this vital field.
Speaking at the event, His Excellency Dr Al Shidhani emphasised that the initiative aligns with the Ministry’s continuous efforts to strengthen partnerships with the private sector and academic institutions.
“The objective is to develop national competencies in the communications and information technology sector, in line with the goals of the Digital Economy Programme and Oman Vision 2040,” he said.
Aziza Sultan Al Rashdi, representative of the Hadatha Centres, highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the project, stating:
The Hadatha Centres aim to partner with government entities, the private sector, and academic institutions to provide a platform for researchers and innovators to design and implement advanced cybersecurity technologies and solutions. This will contribute to developing national industries, generating local products, and creating economic opportunities for the Omani community.
She added that Middle East College is the first private higher education institution in Oman to host a Hadatha Centre for Cybersecurity Industry, having met advanced readiness criteria and demonstrated strong institutional capabilities to activate this strategic partnership.
The collaboration is expected to foster an academic environment that stimulates innovation in cybersecurity, strengthens a knowledge-based economy, and opens new horizons for entrepreneurship, research, and innovation in the Sultanate.
