Al Buraimi, 6 May 2026 - OQ Refineries and Petroleum Industries (OQ RPI), a subsidiary of OQ, the global energy investment group, has inaugurated the Al Buraimi Science and Innovation Centre under the patronage of Her Excellency Dr Madiha Ahmed Al-Shaibani, Minister of Education. The Centre represents an investment of OMR 618,000, reinforcing OQ’s long-term commitment to developing national capabilities and strengthening Oman’s knowledge-based economy.

This investment forms part of OQ’s broader social investment portfolio, which continues to scale year on year to support education, skills development and community impact across Oman. In 2025 alone, OQ delivered significant national social investments focused on building future-ready talent and enabling sustainable economic participation.
Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Centre introduces an integrated learning environment that connects science, technology and applied innovation. It shifts learning beyond theory, enabling students to engage with experimentation, problem-solving and real-world applications.

Saif Hamad Al Abdali, Director General of the Directorate General of Education in Al Buraimi Governorate, said: “Al Buraimi Science and Innovation Centre is a valuable addition to the education system in the governorate. It provides an interactive learning environment that supports the development of students’ skills in science, technology and innovation. It also links theoretical knowledge with practical application, while encouraging research, exploration and scientific thinking among young people.”

He added: “We highly value the leading role of OQ Refineries and Petroleum Industries in establishing this Centre. The project reflects an effective model of partnership between the education and private sectors in supporting quality initiatives that serve students and the local community. It also contributes to preparing a generation capable of creativity and competition in future fields.”

Omar Mohammed Al Abri, Head of Corporate Affairs at OQ Refineries and Petroleum Industries, said: “The establishment of Al Buraimi Science and Innovation Centre reflects our commitment to supporting innovation and enhancing the learning process. It is also an extension of OQ Group’s social investment strategy, which focuses on education, youth empowerment and capacity building in science, technology and entrepreneurship.”
He added: “At OQ, we believe that investing in people is the most sustainable investment. This Centre provides an inspiring educational and practical environment that helps turn ideas into initiatives and projects that add value to society. It also supports the transition towards an economy based on knowledge and innovation.”

The facility spans more than 61,000 square metres and includes specialised laboratories, robotics and innovation hubs, a planetarium, a science museum and a dedicated educational cinema. These capabilities position the Centre as a structured platform for applied learning, supporting both academic development and skill-building. Serving 54 public and private schools, colleges and universities, and targeting more than 18,000 male and female students, the Centre expands access to advanced learning tools while strengthening future skills, scientific research and the pipeline of national talent equipped for emerging sectors.

Beyond education, the Centre contributes to wider economic outcomes. It supports innovation-led thinking, encourages entrepreneurship and strengthens links between education and industry. This creates pathways for small and medium enterprises while enabling long-term workforce readiness aligned with Oman Vision 2040 priorities.

This initiative reinforces OQ’s role as a national partner in development, directing investment towards programmes that deliver measurable social and economic value. It reflects a disciplined approach to social investment, focused on building capabilities, enabling opportunity and supporting long-term, sustainable growth.