Mohammed Ali Khamis Al-Belushi

In the global pursuit of sustainability, higher education institutions serve as powerful actors, leveraging their multifaceted contributions to advance the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study employed a multi-dimensional analysis to evaluate the prioritization of these goals within the institutional framework of Arab universities and identify the key factors that drive their involvement with these goals. The methodology used involved a quantitative approach, utilizing a survey questionnaire to collect data from faculty members representing 30 public universities across the Arab region. The results of the study regarding prioritization analysis reveal that SDG4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) are top priorities across all universities, with prioritization scores exceeding 65.4. Furthermore, the results of the ordinal logistic regression analysis demonstrate that institutional governance and research productivity are significant factors that influence Arab universities’ engagement with the SDGs. The findings of this study have important implications for higher education policies, practices, and interventions, aimed at fostering university engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Objectives: This study assesses the quality of academic programs in the College of Arts and Social Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University from the students' perspective. It examines variations in perceived program quality among the college's scientific departments. Methods: The study employs a descriptive survey approach, utilizing a questionnaire with 48 items across five dimensions to gauge the quality of academic program performance from the perspective of first-stage undergraduate students. A five-point Likert scale measures students' attitudes. The study population comprises all first-stage undergraduate students with a minimum of 75 credited hours across various programs, totaling 761 students for the spring semester of 2020. It consists of 336 students. Results: The overall evaluation of the quality of academic programs in the college, from the students' perspective, was rated as "moderate." It revealed that the quality levels of academic programs in the departments of Media, Arabic Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, and Geography were higher than the remaining departments: History, Information Studies, Tourism, Music, and Musicology. It identified significant differences in response means across all dimensions of academic program quality based on scientific department. No statistically significant differences were found in student responses across quality dimensions when considering the variable of gender. Conclusions: The study suggests implementing targeted programs in scientific departments to maximize the advantages of academic accreditation and improve academic program quality. It also recommends creating effective monitoring programs to address feedback from accreditation bodies and international evaluators, focusing on identifying strengths, weaknesses, and optimal methods for enhancement.

Objectives: This paper aims to investigate and assess the accessibility of Oman's private heritage house museums for individuals with mobility impairments. The study focuses on two case studies, namely Bait Al Zubair Museum and the Place and People Museum, to examine the level of inclusivity and the effectiveness of Omani legislation in addressing accessibility concerns. Method: The research is conducted through a comprehensive analysis of the two selected case studies. Three main areas are investigated: (a) the accessibility provided for individuals with mobility impairments, (b) the relevance of Omani legislation concerning accessibility, and (c) the extent to which these historic sites align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) regarding inclusivity. Results: The findings indicate that although Bait Al Zubair Museum has made efforts to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments in both its external and internal environment, there are still some challenges related to internal accessibility. On the other hand, the Place and People Museum faces significant obstacles both externally and internally, significantly impeding the enriching experience for visitors with mobility impairments. Furthermore, the study highlights that while existing Omani legislation emphasizes the rights of individuals with physical disabilities, it lacks specific legislative tools and policies dedicated to accessibility in museums and heritage sites. Conclusions: This paper emphasizes the importance of enhancing inclusivity in Oman's Private Heritage House Museums for Individuals with Mobility Impairments. To achieve this, implementing comprehensive accessibility policies and collaborating with disability organizations are recommended. Additionally, creating educational programs on disability awareness can promote public understanding and sensitivity. By prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, these museums can enrich cultural experiences for all visitors, fostering a sense of belonging and social cohesion. Aligning with the UN SDGs, such measures contribute to sustainable development and cultural preservation, ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals to access and appreciate the country's cultural heritage.

Purpose: This paper aims to assess the current utilization of archaeological records in the management of archaeological tourism in the Sultanate of Oman. Implications of research: It investigates how these records synergistically contribute to the sustainability of archaeological tourism and identifies potential benefits from their integration into the tourism planning process. Method: Employing a descriptive analytical approach, this exploratory study examines the relationship between archaeological records and archaeological tourism in Oman, utilizing both contemporary and historical data from various sources, including existing archaeological records and input from heritage and tourism stakeholders. Findings: Findings reveal that Omani archaeological tourism is in its nascent stages, with government initiatives striving to align the archaeology and tourism sectors. The study underscores the significance of archaeological records in optimizing tourism through enhanced planning, criteria, and information exchange. It emphasizes their potential to strengthen collaboration between archaeological resource management and tourism in Oman. Results and conclusion: Key recommendations include prioritizing improved dialogue, information exchange, stakeholder collaboration, shared record design, accessibility, revenue allocation, and comprehensive training. These measures aim to forge a harmonious connection between archaeology and tourism, fostering mutual benefit and sustainable heritage preservation.

Oman possesses a rich and diverse built heritage, spanning from ancient times to the present, characterized by varying architectural styles, building materials, and construction techniques. This heritage holds profound cultural significance for Omanis, symbolizing their identity and ancestral interactions with the environment. However, the rapid and unprecedented development since the 1970s has brought about changes in the perception and management of this heritage, with functional aspects transforming due to shifts in societal and economic values. While the government has made notable efforts to preserve and conserve the built heritage, questions arise regarding the extent to which the preserved structures truly represent Oman's architectural essence. This preliminary discussion delves into the status of architectural heritage in Oman, focusing on its preservation, conservation, and protection. The study explores the alignment of current heritage management practices with the present state of Omani society. Additionally, it investigates potential collaborations and conflicts between architectural heritage and modern development in both rural and urban regions of Oman, seeking to establish a balanced approach that harmonizes the two. The paper aims to shed light on the challenges and opportunities in preserving Oman's built heritage while taking into account the evolving needs of the country and its people.

Built heritage in Oman faces many natural and cultural risks. Socio-economic development has negatively affected the built heritage in Bawshar, one of Oman’s most developed cities. This study identifies and measures the current and potential risks to built heritage in Bawshar, focusing on vegetation, bulldozing, and urban change-related risks between 2000 and 2017. It also provides baseline data to help heritage managers protect the sites most vulnerable to risks. Satellite imagery and geographic information systems were used to classify change-related risks to built heritage. Risk maps were produced for the built heritage sites under threat over different periods in Bawshar. The results showed that 60%, 28%, and 11% of very high- and high-risk zones faced bulldozing, vegetation, and urban change-related risks, respectively. The methodology adopted in this study can help measure the type and magnitude of risks to built heritage in cities with characteristics similar to those of Bawshar.

The Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach is widely used as a curriculum and basic learning method. This type of learning has been explored in different contexts and at various stages ranging from early stagesof education to primary, preparatory and secondary schools as well as in higher education. PBL leads to transforming the acquisition of teacher-based theoretical knowledge to the efficiency of learning through practice. This approach emphasizes collaborative learning, as well as the tangible results achieved by students to represent and reflect what they have learned. PBL can be used to solve complex problems in all sciences, including teaching of archaeology. The authors of this study applied this approach to their students in the Department of Archaeology at Sultan Qaboos University through the course entitled "Special Topic in the Omani Heritage". This was achieved by creating and designing a project and applying it. Then, a questionnaire was used as a research tool. The results indicate that the goal of the PBL process has largely succeeded in achieving the objectives that the authors sought to achieve in this study. This approach has helped students to develop their own skills of good planning, organization and time management, evaluation and problems solving, in addition to establishing the importance of their cultural heritage. Thus, this approach has proven that it is effective in the field of teaching archaeology and heritage. Its application has established the students' concept of cultural heritage in a scientific and practical way. It also made them more interactive with their community, particularly in relation to the awareness of the importance of preserving their heritage.

This paper reviews legislation relating to the safeguarding and management of Oman's diverse archaeological resource. It focuses on the National Heritage Protection Law (NHPL), other national legislation and regulations, and international conventions signed by the Omani Government. It also discusses the extent to which these existing legislative tools support the management of the nation's archaeological resource and the socio-economic changes that are taking place in the country. The paper also examines whether the legislation in place is apt for purposes of identification, management, conservation, research and for development planning needs. Certain concerns are raised. For example, the NHPL has not been amended since it was issued in 1980 and the issue of archaeology protection is absent from related national laws, especially those covering activities related to the environment, municipalities, mining and tourism. What also emerges is that current legislation has not fully been implemented by the relevant organisations, which consequently has negatively affected Oman's archaeological resource management. Finally, the paper proposes the evaluation of all the legislative tools that govern archaeological practice in Oman. It also urges an updating of the NHPL in accordance with new theoretical and practical changes.