CEBA, UTAS Nizwa and CEMIS, University of Nizwa Host ScholarCon2025; Student Researchers Recognized for Outstanding Work

NIZWA — The College of Economics and Business Administration (CEBA) at UTAS Nizwa, in collaboration with the College of Economics, Management, and Information Systems (CEMIS) at the University of Nizwa, organized ScholarCon2025, a one-day student research conference themed Driving Sustainable Business Growth: Aligning with Oman Vision 2040, in Nizwa Hall, South Campus, UTAS Nizwa on 9th December 2025. A nation-wide research paper and poster conference that brought together Business Administration and related specialization students from higher education institutions across the Sultanate to a one-day student research conference. The event featured a diverse range of ideas and research presentations aligned with the sub-themes of Entrepreneurship & SME Development, Digital Transformation & Innovation In Business, Sustainable Business Practices & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Financial Markets & Investment Strategies Contributing to the broader goals of Oman vision 2040.

The occasion was graced by the attendance of the highest ranking authorities from both universities with no less than Dr. Mohammed Al Mamari, Assistant Vice Chancellor of UTAS-Nizwa and Dr. Salim Al Abri, Dean of the College of Economics, Management, and Information Systems University of Nizwa heading the conference.

The event—designed to strengthen both of the universities research culture—reflects the intents of the College of Economics and Business Administration (CEBA)-Nizwa and the University of Nizwa to develop resilient, industry-ready graduates who will contribute to the achievement of the Sultanate’s grand vision. ScholarCon2025 supports this goals by encouraging innovation and advancing academic inquiry aligned with Oman Vision 2040, particularly in the areas of economic diversification and sustainability.

ScholarCon2025 was conceptualized by Dr. Mohammed Ali Ahmed Obaid, Convener of the conference and Head of CEBA at UTAS Nizwa, and coordinated by the organizing committee, led by Dr. Mohammed Kutpudeen, Senior Faculty, Co-Convener of ScholarCon2025 and Team Leader of Research and Consultancy, alongside committee members Dr. Said Al Saifi, Dr. Muhammad Tahir, Dr. Sangeetha Natarajan, Dr. Sangeetha TR, Dr. Elbert Bryan, and Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed.

The conference began with an inspiring inaugural address by Dr. Mohammed Ali, followed by an insightful panel discussion moderated by Dr. Saif Al Bilmani, Head of Research and Consultancy at UTAS Nizwa. The discussion included Dr. Abdulkadir Abdulwahab of CEBA-Nizwa and Dr. Naema Al Bilmani, Assistant Professor at CEMIS, University of Nizwa, who explored the role of digitalization in Omani Businesses.

The conference opened with a very interesting panel discussion which was moderated by Dr. Saif Al Bilmani, the Head of Research and Consultancy Department, UTAS Nizwa who joined in by Dr. Abdulkadir Abdulwahab of CEBA-Nizwa and Dr. Naema Al Bilmani, Asst. Professor from the College of Economics, Management and Information Systems (CEMIS), University of Nizwa, talked about the trends, challenges and prospects of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainable development in the Omani context and how research should assist in the achievement of Oman’s national goals.

This year’s conference brought forth a strong participation, with 11 institutions represented and a total of 97 submissions: 40 poster entries and 57 full research papers. Of these, 23 posters and 40 papers were presented during the one-day conference.

Top Honors Awarded

One of the teams from CEBA -UTAS Nizwa claimed the Best Paper Award for their study titled “Enhancing Tour Guide Training in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate: Integrating Augmented Reality for Smart Tourism.” The winning team consisted of:

• • Adhraa Said Rashed Al Salmi
• •Aya Salim Yasir Al Farqani
• • Fatma Khalfan Mohammed Al Jabaria
• • Shuhd Mohammed Ahmed Al Mahruqi

Meanwhile, CEBA -UTAS Ibri secured the Best Poster Award for their research project, “Crowdfunding Growth in Oman: Opportunities and Challenges.” The team included:

• • Marwan Awadh Al Yaqoubi
• • Dr. Elhassan Kotb Abdelrahman Radwan
• • Mahmood Al Manthari
• • Amel Al Zeidi

ScholarCon 2025 successfully showcased the analytical abilities, creativity, and problem-solving skills of Oman’s emerging business professionals. Organizers emphasized that the conference will continue to serve as a platform for nurturing scholarly inquiry and bridging academic research with the needs of industry—further supporting the nation’s long-term development goals.

Writeup by CEBA