The first Research Open Day at Gulf College took place on Thursday, May 11, 2023, from 9 am to 12:30 pm. The event was held under the patronage of HE Dr. Saif Abdullah Al-Hiddabi, the Undersecretary of Research and Innovation at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MoHERI). The programme commenced with a welcome note from Prof. Ali Al Badi, the Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs and Research, followed by a presentation on Gulf College’s latest research achievements by Mr. Peyman Nouraey, the Research Coordinator. The event also featured informative presentations by distinguished speakers:

1. Reza Pishghadam from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, provided an introduction to the International Journal of Business, Communication, and Technology.
2. Taqi Al Abduwani, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors at Gulf College, discussed additional schemes to support the development of the research culture for the years 2023-2025.
3. Nabila Al Macki, Chair of OAQHE and Deputy Dean at Majan University College, spoke about the impact of research on university ranking.
4. Ehsan Rassaei, Head of Research at Majan University College, shared their good practices in research.
5. Reshmy Krishnan, Head of Research at Muscat College, shared their good practices in research.

The Research Open Day concluded with an Awards Ceremony, recognising the achievements of researchers and contributors. The following individuals received awards:

Best Researcher Awards for the Academic Year 2021-2022

• 1st Winner: Dr. Malik Mustafa Jawarneh
• 2nd Winner: Dr. Ronald S. Cordova
• 3rd Winner: Dr. Sebastin Antony Joe

Best Citation Award

Prof. Ali Hamad Al Badi received this award for having the highest citation counts in the academic year.

Researchers with MoHERI-Funded Projects

The following Principal Investigators were awarded in recognition of receiving research grants from the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation of the Sultanate of Oman under the Block Funding Programme:

1. Ali Hamad Al Badi (four Research Grants)
2. Rolou L. Maata (four Research Grants and one Undergraduate Research Grant)
3. Ronald S. Cordova (two Research Grants)
4. Peyman Nouraey (one Research Grant)
5. Sebastine Antony Joe (one Research Grant)
6. Haitham Adarbah (one Research Grant)
7. Salvacion Domingo (one Research Grant)
8. Raziyeh Moghadas (two Undergraduate Research Grants)

Students with MoHERI-Funded Projects

Certificates of Recognition were presented to the following students who served as Team Leaders in Undergraduate Research Grant Projects funded by the MoHERI under the Block Funding Programme:

1. Jaber Rashed Al Sadi
2. Said Diljan Al Balushi
3. Amir Alraisi
4. Maryam Al Maqbali
5. Samya AL Dugashy

Other Contributors to Research Enhancement at Gulf College

Additionally, the following individuals were acknowledged for their contributions to research enhancement at Gulf College:

1. Taqi Al Abduwani, for promoting and sponsoring research initiatives at Gulf College;
2. Reza Pishghadam, for mentoring and supporting staff and students in research endeavours at Gulf College;
3. Peyman Nouraey, for outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication, and exceptional management skills in overseeing research initiatives at Gulf College.