About DU

Background

Dhofar University is a private institution of higher education in Salalah, Sultanate of Oman, established through a Ministerial Decree No. 5/2004 issued in January 2004.  The University formally commenced operating in September 2004.

Dhofar University has a Board of Trustees that represents its highest policy making body, and was established with technical support from the American University of Beirut that will continue to oversee its academic programs until the year 2010 to ensure quality standards commensurate with the ambitions of Dhofar University and its founders.

Dhofar University is dedicated to excellence in higher education benchmarked against international standards, coupled with relevance to local needs, present and emerging.  The University’s planned construction of a new very spacious campus with modern facilities, in addition to the appointment of highly qualified faculty members attests to the depth of the University’s commitment to providing students with a unique learning environment.

Statement of Accreditation Status (SAS)

All the degrees that Dhofar University awards are registered with the Ministry of Higher Education in the Sultanate of Oman.  The University is a member of the Oman Quality Network, which is a branch of the Oman Accreditation Board of Higher Education.  During the past year, the Quality Assurance Board at the University formed a committee to oversee the preparation of a self study report, in accordance with the requirements of the Oman Accreditation Board.   

The University is planning to join the Arab Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (Arab ACRAO) during the Academic Year 2006-2007.

Vision

Dhofar University aspires to occupy a recognized position among the institutions of quality higher education, a status that will be a source of pride for Dhofar University students, faculty, staff, and alumni.  Such recognition shall be based on a record of excellence in teaching and service to the community.

Mission

Dhofar University is a private institution of higher education based on the credit system.  It was founded to serve society primarily in the Sultanate of Oman through its quality educational functions.  Dhofar University strives to achieve excellence in teaching, delivered by highly qualified academic staff using modern delivery modalities, and enriched by their original research in their respective disciplines.  Teaching and research excellence will be undertaken in an open, vibrant environment conducive to personal growth and the pursuit of the highest academic standards.  Through innovation and creativity, the University seeks to cultivate the student’s critical faculties and respect for free enquiry in a spirit of integrity and responsibility.

Objectives

• To ensure academic excellence in all fields of study offered at the university.

•  To enable students to explore their capabilities and take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered at Dhofar University in order to develop their greatest intellectual potential.

• To produce morally responsible individuals who are highly competent in their fields of specialization and well prepared to succeed in life.

• To produce life-long self-learners committed to serving their society.

Campus Facilities

A modern campus is in the process of being developed in a scenic part of Salalah with ample educational, recreational and social space.  The quality level of the facilities will meet international design standards, while taking into consideration local needs and cultural sensitivities.

Location and Climate

Dhofar University is located in Al-Saada which is a suburb of Salalah, the capital city of the Dhofar region.  The campus is currently located on temporary premises.  The University has started building its new campus in the Al-Saada area on a 450,000 square meter plot of land.  The first phase of development will include an administration block, three colleges, a common classroom building, a student activity center, etc.  The second phase will include student dormitories, recreational and sport facilities, an auditorium, etc.

Salalah is well-known for its beautiful and mild weather in the Summer (known as Khareef season), which begins late June and ends late August.  During this season, the city receives uninterrupted drizzle and the mountains acquire a green appearance, and rivers and waterfalls flow.  The temperature remains in the mid-twenties (Celsius).  During the remainder of the year, the weather is mainly sunny and the temperature remains steady in the upper twenties, but occasionally rises to mid-thirties.  One does not need to wear more than light clothes throughout the year, but those who like to venture into the nearby mountains may need to occasionally wear a sweater at times in the evening.  The long and clean sandy shores of Salalah, and the Dhofar region in general, are among the most beautiful in the world and are ideal for fishing and swimming.   The nearby mountains are ideal for hiking.