In a significant stride towards collaboration and empowerment, UTAS Shinas staff and students actively participated in a 'Tamkeen' networking event, an initiative by the British Embassy in Muscat, extended to Sohar. The Tamkeen mentoring program aligns with Oman Vision 2040, empowering Omani women to become key contributors in various fields. 

Hosted by Startup Grind Sohar at the Radisson Blu Hotel Sohar on 26th February 2024, in the run up to International Women's Day, the event brought together professionals from diverse sectors, with approximately 25 attendees, including UTAS Shinas Head of Engineering, Hud Al Saadi, Heads of IT and Networking, Ameena Al Jabri, and Amna Al Ajmi. Dr Kauther Al Ajmi, Khalifa Al Maqbali, and  Razwana Khawaja also joined the gathering with three student representatives. 

Discussions at the community networking event focused on barriers to inclusion, entrepreneurship, and avenues for positive change. Key topics included the potential for Omani university students to pursue further education in the UK, along with collaborations between Startup Grind, the British Embassy, and local institutions to inspire and support students in Shinas and Sohar. The strategic location and thriving startup ecosystem of the North Al-Batinah region were central themes. Maktoum Al Maqbali and Laura Cretney from Startup Grind (Muscat), along with Jill Oxenham-Head of Chancery from the British Embassy, played pivotal roles in organizing the event. Despite the absence of the British Ambassador, Dr. Liane Saunders, she joined via video streaming to address the attendees and extend her apologies for not being able to attend in person.

Following the networking session, Head of Engineering Department, Hud Al Saadi, expressed a keen interest in sustained collaboration. This commitment resonates with higher educational institutions' dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for Omani students, aiming to inspire the next generation in Shinas and Sohar.