AI ethics a key pillar in preparing national talent
MUSCAT, JUNE 20
The University of Technology and Applied Sciences recently participated in the Employers Summit 2026, organised by Muscat University under the theme “Workforce Transformation in the Age of AI: Aligning Engineering, Business and Logistics Skills with Industry Expectations”.
The university was represented by Dr Musab al Rawahi, Director of the ISESCO Chair for AI Ethics, who took part as a speaker in one of the summit’s panel discussions.
The summit brought together a number of academic leaders, representatives from the public and private sectors, experts, and decision-makers to discuss the future of jobs and the skills required amid rapid digital transformation and the growing adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.
During the panel discussion, Dr Al Rawahi emphasised the importance of promoting awareness of AI ethics and embedding the principles of responsible AI use within higher education institutions. He noted that artificial intelligence has become a major driver of transformation across various sectors, requiring universities to rethink how students are prepared and equipped for the future labour market.
He explained that the challenge lies not only in teaching AI tools, but also in empowering students to use them ethically and responsibly in ways that enhance their professional capabilities and improve their employability. He stressed the importance of integrating digital literacy and AI ethics across all academic disciplines.
Dr Al Rawahi highlighted the role of the ISESCO Chair for AI Ethics at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in supporting higher education institutions through raising awareness of AI ethics, building national capacities, and delivering specialised training programmes and workshops that promote the responsible use of emerging technologies.
He also called for stronger collaboration between universities and the public and private sectors institutions to ensure academic curricula remain aligned with the evolving needs of the labour market, while providing practical training opportunities and joint projects that enable students to acquire relevant workplace skills.
The participation of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in the summit reflects its ongoing efforts to support digital transformation, develop national capabilities, and advance the principles of responsible artificial intelligence, contributing to the preparation of qualified talent capable of competing in the digital economy and supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
