4th Oman Science Festival 2024 Kicks Off with Emphasis on Sustainable Resources.

Muscat: The 4th edition of the Oman Science Festival 2024, themed 'Sustainable Resources', began at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre today under the patronage of Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health. Attending the opening ceremony were Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al Shibani, Minister of Education, Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, and Dr. Moosa Mohammed Al Maqrif, Minister of Education in Libya. According to Oman News Agency, 141 institutions are participating in the event, showcasing their innovations in various fields. Additionally, five international institutes, including the Hungarian SKILLDICT organization, the Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium, the European Organization for Nuclear Research 'CERN', the Malaysian National Gifted Centre, and Mishkat Interactive Exhibition in Saudi Arabia, are also taking part in the festival. Oman Science Festival 2024 features 520 activities ranging from scientific interactive workshops to scientific plays, competitions, and discoveries. Th e eight-day festival includes 24 main sections focusing on topics such as Biodiversity, Smart Future, Health and Life, Wings to Space, Smart Cities, Cybernetics, Little Buds, Natural Resources, Sustainable Food, Vibrant Energies, and Flourishing Science. These sections emphasize environmental awareness and a sustainable future, aiming to educate students on the importance of conserving the environment and natural resources and instilling values of sustainability to promote critical thinking and innovation in addressing environmental challenges. The Military Technologies section showcases advanced technologies and applications, highlighting their progress compared to older techniques. It organizes more than 90 workshops and innovations, featuring multiple equipment used by Oman's law enforcement. Meanwhile, the Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation section presents 16 inspiring success stories from scientific research and innovation projects, showcasing two stories each day of the festival, al ongside scientific innovations featuring the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and Virtual Reality (VR). On the stage of Ibn Omaira Theatre, the Mishkat interactive exhibition offers scientific performances titled 'Fun Sciences', focusing on energy science, forms, and sustainable resources through the presentation of a spaceship that requires different energy resources. Dr. Moosa Al Maqrif, Minister of Education of Libya, praised the interaction of students and participants in the festival's corners, as well as the variety of activities. He described the festival as an opportunity to exchange ideas between students and academic experts and encouraged students to explore the world of science to develop their knowledge and skills. He emphasized the significance of such events in promoting scientific culture among young people, providing an ideal platform to encourage innovation and creativity. The chief guest toured the festival sections, receiving briefings on their contents and activities.