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History

 

The history of the German University of Technology (GUtech) can be traced back to 2003, when visionary Omanis contemplated the establishment of a high quality university of technology in Oman. This vision was inspired by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ directions for the provision of quality higher education in Oman by private investors.

RWTH Aachen University in Germany was approached with the intention of bringing German excellence in education to Oman. After few years of discussion and negotiation, the founders were ready to begin a plan of action for establishing a university.

In August 2006, Oman Educational Services L.L.C. (OES), a limited liability company under the laws of the Sultanate of Oman, was incorporated to establish a university on formal footing.  OES is also the legal entity responsible for initiating education related future projects.

A Collaborative Agreement between RWTH Aachen University and OES was signed in December 2006, paving the way for the establishment of a private university in the Sultanate of Oman. This cemented the groundwork for everything the founder envisioned: a high quality university of technology in of Oman. Specifically, the agreement laid the framework for collaboration between OES and RWTH Aachen University in terms of academic curricula, quality assurance and expertise, and setting up a technological university. All GUtech programmes have been developed in cooperation of GUtech with RWTH Aachen University in Germany.

In March 2007, The Ministry of Higher Education of the Sultanate of Oman issued a Ministerial Decision No. 9/2007 for the establishment of the Oman German University of Technology (OGTech). This was followed by the development of four Bachelor of Science programmes of study, namely:

  • Sustainable Tourism and Regional Development
  • Urban Planning and Architectural Design
  • Applied Geosciences
  • Applied Information Technology

In September 2007, the university opened its doors to students in rented premises in Athaibah. Initially, sixty (60) Omani male and female students joined the Foundation Year Programme (FYP). A preparatory study programme that acts as a bridge between high school and university education.

In 2008, the name of the university was changed to the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech).

Shortly thereafter, in July 2009, GUtech was the first private university in the Sultanate of Oman to receive international accreditation by ACQUIN, a German-based accreditation agency, for its Bachelor of Science programmes.

With a continuously growing reputation, the university added two new Bachelor of Engineering programmes, namely:

  • Process Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

With the same expansionary spirit, the university opened a second campus in October 2010. Given its location besides Muscat International Airport, the campus was known as the Airport Campus where all Bachelors’ programmes were taught. In 2011, the Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering was introduced, along with the first Master of Science in Petroleum Geoscience. By 2012, the number of students studying at GUtech reached nearly 700.

A renowned architecture office was commissioned to design a building for the flourishing university that would reflect Oman heritage and German Precision. In 2011, construction work began to establish a state-of-the-art campus in Halban area, 25 minutes away from Muscat International Airport.

In September 2012, GUtech moved into its permanent campus in Halban, the first-ever Green Campus in Oman.

 The building earned the 2013 award of the best commercial building of the year in Oman, and in the Middle East. In 2018, GUtech has added five Masters’ programmes through its different faculties. The programmes offer a flexible modular learning to fresh graduates and professionals seeking to boost their careers in these fields:

  • Master of Science in Computer Science
  • Master of Science in Architecture and Architecture Design
  • Master of Science Applied Geosciences
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Engineering in Industrial Production and Manufacturing

In 2019, GUtech launched a part-time double-degree MBA programme in cooperation with Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU) in Austria. Established in 1898 and founded as the Imperial Transport University, Vienna University of Economics and Business is one of the largest and leading business universities in Europe. The university has a well-established, very international student and academic body. The MBA has been designed for students who have demanding full-time jobs and are in managerial positions offering specialisations in the fields of logistics, tourism and entrepreneurship. The programme is offered on part-time basis over a period of 18 months; modules will be taught four days a week from Thursday to Sunday.

In January 2020, The Oman Hydrogen Centre was launched in a huge ceremony at the History of Science Centre. In the launch ceremony Dr. Hussain Al Salmi, Deputy-Rector for Administration and Finances at GUtech, welcomed many high-ranking guests, which further underlined the importance of this new centre. The ceremony was held under the auspices of H.E. Azza Al Ismaili, Minister of Technology and Communications, and among other dignitaries H.E. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy, Minister of Oil and Gas. Also present were the Ambassadors of Germany and Japan as well as several representatives of local and international industry. The OMAN Hydrogen Centre is the first of its kind and will serve as the centre of knowledge in hydrogen technology in Oman and beyond – regionally in the GCC. Green Hydrogen – produced from renewable energies – is of central global importance as a new energy carrier in the changing global energy industry. Both as a supplement to and, especially in the long term, successively replacing oil and gas.

In 2021, the Global Executive MBA at the WU Executive Academy of the University of Vienna University of Business and Economics jumped 16 spots in the Financial Times 2020 Executive MBA rankings, now stands at the 32nd place globally. Joining the ranks of the world’s Top 50 Business Schools for its Executive MBA programme, the Financial Times 2020 ranking confirms the Executive MBA excellent standing. This achievement is a testament to the quality of the ongoing global success of the Executive MBA. The WU Executive Academy is also the recipient of the coveted “triple crown” accreditation status. It is recognised by the three most prestigious international accrediting bodies: AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA.

In the academic year 2021-2022, a total of 2448 students are enrolled in the following programmes:

  • Foundation Programme
  • Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning and Architectural Design
  • Bachelor of Science in Applied Geosciences
  • Bachelor of Science in Logistics
  • Bachelor of Science in International Business and Service Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
  • Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Process Engineering

In July 2021, The German University of Technology in Oman was awarded the Institutional Accreditation Certificate by the Omani Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education. The certification is proof that all the academic and non-academic programs offered by the German University of Technology in Oman are up to par with the standards set by the Omani Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education.

This accomplishment is a reflection of the tireless efforts of the university, at both academic and non-academic levels, to achieve its vision to become one of the leading universities in the field of engineering and sciences in the Middle East, in general, and in the Sultanate, in particular. GUtech’s commitment to its high standards in the fields of education, scientific research, and innovation is what brought such an esteemed accomplishment to the University.

In 2022, GUtech was officially ranked in the QS Arab regional ranking #101-110.

On June 30, 2022, German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) and  TÜV SÜD Middle East LLC  signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The aim of the MoU is to cooperate on knowledge sharing along with developing and delivering sustainability solutions through training, advisory, and certification in collaboration with the Technology Transfer Office and Oman Hydrogen Centre units in GUtech to support achieving the net-zero goal and hydrogen economy in Oman.

TÜV SÜD is an international third-party organization with a history exceeding 150 years. It serves the industry by providing the appropriate expertise in the areas of certification, inspection, auditing, training, and technical advisory. TÜV SÜD services have been expanded to include sustainability and digitization in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. TÜV SÜD’s multi-disciplinary teams of experts not only enable an integrated approach to be adopted for complex projects but also devise one advanced technical solutions. They make a significant contribution to developing the future opportunities of circular economy, advancing the expansion of energy from renewable sources and promoting decarbonization.                        

In January 2023, Digital and Integration (D&I), a Division of SLB Company on Thursday 19th Jan 2023, signed a memorandum of collaboration (MoC) with German University of Technology in Oman on conducting a technical programme of Artificial intelligence called “AI Academy”. The programme will provide and supply university students and professionals with the platform to use AI and ML theoretically and practically for any required field. The aim of the MoC is to deliver a step – change in the technical learning programs and find new ways to extract maximum value from AI business.

October 2023, His Excellency Eng. Saeed bin Hamood Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communication, and Information visited the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), during which he was briefed on the thesis for students of the Computer Science and Logistics, Tourism, and Service Management and the institution’s developments in Academic and Research terms, Also they discussed the aspirations, future projects, and mechanisms for improving the quality of education, scientific research, and innovation in it.    

In December 2023, the University achieved a significant milestone by securing official approval for a pioneering Master of Science in Hydrogen Economy and Technology. This approval marks a momentous occasion in GUtech’s commitment to advancing education, research, and innovation in sustainable energy. The new program underscores the university’s dedication to staying at the forefront of emerging technologies and addressing the local and global demand for skilled professionals in the hydrogen sector. The 1.5-year transformative Master’s program, designed with working professionals in mind, seamlessly integrates theory and practice through a real hydrogen demonstrator, encompassing the entire value chain—from electricity generation to efficient applications. Graduates from this program are poised to become leaders, playing a key role in establishing Oman’s hydrogen sector and contributing to the global transition towards cleaner and more efficient energy systems. GUtech takes pride in this achievement, shaping the future of sustainable energy education

Shape your Future

Change your world

 

Vision

Become a leading university in the region, achieving internationally-recognised standards in education, research and innovation.

Mission

Provide a diverse student body with the education required to become highly qualified and socially responsible graduates, guided by German excellence in science and technology and with a firm grounding in Oman’s culture and heritage. The University fosters creative and critical thinking to advance research and innovation and, through this, aims at serving society as a whole.

Values

GUtech is committed to ethical principles in all of its undertakings. In particular, the University welcomes students and staff from both genders, and from all ethnic, geographical, cultural and religious backgrounds. The University encourages association in peace and with tolerance, and welcomes further intercultural exchange between Oman, Germany and the World.

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