Page 5 - Faculty Handbook 2021-22

1. About the University

1.1. Introduction
Dhofar University (DU) is a private institution of higher education in Salalah, Sultanate of Oman,
established by Ministerial Decree No. 5/2004 issued in January 2004. The University formally
commenced its operations in September 2004. The Board of Trustees (BoT) represents the highest
policy making body of DU.

DU is the first private University in the Sultanate of Oman modelled after the American system of
higher education. It offers two-year diploma, four-year bachelor degree and two-year master
degree programs that follow the credit hour system and use English as the medium of instruction,
except for some programs, which are delivered in Arabic.

1.2. Location and Climate
Being in Salalah, the University community enjoys the well-known geographic beauty of Dhofar
region and the mild weather throughout the year particularly in the Summer, which is locally
known as Khareef. The temperature remains steady in the upper twenties, with occasional rise to
mid-thirties. The long and clean sandy shores of Salalah, one of the most beautiful in the world,
are ideal for fishing and swimming. The nearby mountains are ideal for hiking.

1.3. Campus Facilities

DU campus is designed to conform to local needs and cultural context while meeting both
international design standards and those of the Ministry of Higher Education Research and Innovation
(MoHERI). The campus includes an administration building, three buildings for the four colleges and
the Foundation Program (FP), a common classroom building, a library building, a student activities
center, a conference hall, a mosque, female student dormitories (Hostel), an engineering workshop
and housing for the senior administration. It can accommodate up to 10,000 students.
1.4. Accreditation, Ranking and Star Rating

DU has the honour of being the first University in the Sultanate of Oman to be accredited by Oman
Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance (OAAAQA) in December 2018. During
the same academic year, in April 2019, DU was Internationally accredited by UK based Accreditation
Services for International Colleges and Universities (ASIC). Thus, DU has a unique distinction of
being the first University in Oman to be accredited nationally by OAAAQA and internationally by
ASIC from UK.

DU was awarded a special certificate of appreciation by ASIC Chairperson for “The Development
of Outstanding Student Centered Education” in April 2019. DU was also presented “Inclusivity
Award” for its work in promoting opportunities for people with disabilities in March 2021.
DU has the honour of being included in QS world university Ranking (Arab Region) for the year

2021 in the band 121-130. Also, DU is the first and the only HEI in Oman to be rated as “Five Star
University by QS in February 2021.
1.5. Vision

Dhofar University aspires to occupy a distinct position among the leading institutions of higher
education

Dhofar University Faculty Handbook (2021-22) Page 1