The conference opened under the patronage of Sheikh Al Fadhel bin Mohammed Al Harthy, Secretary General of the Council of Ministers, with Lieutenant General Hassan bin Mohsen Al Shraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, in attendance. Colonel Dr. Khalifa bin Hamid Al-Farai, commander of the academy and chairman of the main organizing committee, delivered a keynote address outlining the event’s significance. According to the Oman News Agency, the gathering assembles researchers, academics and security experts from Oman and overseas to exchange insights on emerging challenges.
Al-Farai told the conference that convening the second scientific conference under the title “Creativity and Innovation in the Field of Security Work” translates the Sultanate of Oman’s major interest in scientific research and innovation as one of its top priorities. He pointed to the academy’s research record, which includes first place in the Prince Naif Award for Security Research in 2023 and distinctions earned by several affiliates in the same competition. Oman News Agency coverage noted that these successes demonstrate sustained institutional focus on elevating police-related studies.
Participants will examine 20 working papers over two days across six core axes spanning security, legal, media, administrative, technical and social fields. The Oman News Agency detailed that the papers were drawn from 101 submissions after thorough scientific evaluation and review. Sessions on the opening day addressed artificial intelligence applications in criminal analysis, security awareness levels among higher education students and legislative frameworks that support innovation within Omani policing structures.
The event aims to strengthen a culture of creativity and innovation in security operations, develop novel solutions for present and anticipated security variables and challenges, and explore new approaches to harnessing fifth industrial revolution technologies along with artificial intelligence in police work. Oman News Agency reporting indicated that the program also promotes the exchange of experiences and initiatives that can inform practical advancements. This focus aligns with the academy’s established role in bridging academic inquiry and operational requirements for the Royal Oman Police.
An exhibition displaying scientific research outputs accompanies the conference, alongside specialized training workshops on artificial intelligence and digital tools targeted at Royal Oman Police members. The Arabian Stories reported that the proceedings build directly on the academy’s inaugural scientific conference in 2022, which examined 50 years of Royal Oman Police achievements and future goals. Such forums have consistently facilitated knowledge transfer between security agencies, universities and research bodies across the region.
The Sultan Qaboos Academy for Police Sciences, based in Nizwa, maintains a central position in preparing specialized personnel and conducting applied studies for law enforcement. Earlier Oman News Agency accounts placed the first conference’s output at 19 papers across three primary axes, setting a foundation for expanded scope in subsequent editions. Organizers anticipate that outcomes from the current sessions, including policy-oriented recommendations on artificial intelligence governance and legislative updates, will support ongoing modernization of security practices.
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