University marks opening of Middle East Office

‌The Middle East Regional Office (MERO), which opened its doors on Monday 25 March in the capital Muscat, is part of the University’s aim to build partnerships in the region and provide information and advice for potential students.

The opening ceremony at the residence of the British Ambassador to Oman was attended by 80 guests, including senior figures from education, business and Government sectors, and saw speeches delivered by the Ambassador and Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton.

After the opening ceremony, delegates from the University met with figures from the Omani Government including the Minister of Health and the Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, before holding collaborative discussions with students from various colleges in the region.

Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “We chose Oman because of the nature of the economic development taking place here and the synergy with economic development that is taking place as planned with the University.

“As the economy of Oman expands, there are areas where we wish to work with Omani businesses and the government. We hope to work with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education to develop programmes in partnership with Oman so that aspirations can be achieved.

“We see education in terms of improving and enhancing individual life opportunities and securing economic development. We see Oman as an important gateway to the Middle East.”

The office aims to build long partnerships with Middle East governments and private sector companies, deliver consultancies for new projects and offer short courses for Continuous Professional Development as well as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

It will also provide advice and information on student admission information for more than 300 courses, visa procedure and the accommodation enquiries and personal assistance to prospective students who want to study at the University of Wolverhampton.

The MERO operations will also cover the Gulf countries of United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq and Kurdistan and the surrounding Arab states.

Hilal Almasheri, Head of MERO, said: "I am delighted to have the regional office in Muscat and am certainly looking forward to welcoming prospective students through our doors. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the numerous educational institutions and the Higher Education Authority in Oman as well as the broader Middle Eastern community."

ENDS

For more information please contact the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736

Date Issued: Thursday 28 March 2013