{{Short description|Higher education institution in Oman}} {{more citations needed|date=May 2014}} {{Infobox university |name = Middle East College |image = Al Khawarazmi Block - Middle East College.jpg |caption = Teaching and Learning Block 1, named after the Islamic mathematician, astronomer and geographer, Abu Abdallah Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi |motto = Enterprising. Resilient. Impactful. |established = {{Start date and age|2002}} |type = Private university college |founder = Dr Abdullah Saif Ahmed Al Sabahi, Lefeer Muhamed Marakkarackayil |dean = Dr Saleh Al Shaaibi |city = Muscat |country = Oman |coor = {{Coord|23.5679|N|58.1680|E |format=dms |display=inline,title|region:GB_type:edu}} |campus = Over {{cvt|10|ha}}{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} |students = {{circa|4500}}{{when|date=January 2025}}{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} |accreditation = Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education (OAAAQA)

|colours = {{color box|#69b0cf}}{{color box|#c05136}} Blue and red |academic_affiliations = Coventry University, NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences |website = {{url|mec.edu.om}} |logo = MiddleEastCollegeLogo.jpg }} '''Middle East College''' ('''MEC''') is a private college{{fact|date=October 2023}} based in Muscat, Oman. It is one of the leading higher education institution in the Sultanate of Oman,<ref name="4ICU Omani University Ranking">{{cite web|url=https://www.unirank.org/om/ranking/|title=Top Universities in Oman - 2018 Omani University Ranking|website=www.unirank.org}}</ref> with over 5,100 students. MEC is affiliated to Coventry University, UK.<ref>[http://wwwm.coventry.ac.uk/engineeringandcomputing/international/international%20collaborations/Pages/themiddleeast.aspx " International collaborations"], ''Coventry University'', January 10, 2009. Accessed April 5, 2010</ref> It is located in the Knowledge Oasis Muscat.

Middle East College has undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the disciplines of engineering, business, and technology. MEC has partnerships with Microsoft IT Academy (ITA),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Features/Middle-East-College-aims-at-developing-human-resources-2e6t|title=Middle East College aims at developing human resources|first=Muscat Daily|last=Newspaper|publisher=}}</ref> Oracle Academy Initiative Program, Cisco Networking Academy Program, EC-Council Scholarship,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eccouncil.org/me#Oman|title=EC-Council Middle East - Cyber Security Certification Courses Middle East|publisher=}}</ref> SAP, Linux Professional Institute and Information Technology Authority, Oman.

==History== The Middle East College was founded in 2002 by Dr. Abdullah Saif Ahmed Al Sabahy,<ref name="Dr.Abdullah">{{cite web |url=http://www.wlv.ac.uk/alumni/honorary-graduates-2013/honorary-graduates-2012/abdullah-saif-ahmed-al-sabahi/ |title=Abdullah Saif Ahmed Al-Sabahi - University of Wolverhampton |access-date=2015-03-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150309152450/http://www.wlv.ac.uk/alumni/honorary-graduates-2013/honorary-graduates-2012/abdullah-saif-ahmed-al-sabahi/ |archive-date=2015-03-09 }}</ref> and Mr. Lefeer Muhamed,<ref name="Lefeer">{{cite web |url=http://www.wlv.ac.uk/alumni/honorary-graduates-2013/honorary-graduates-2012/lefeer-muhamed-marakkarackayil/ |title=Lefeer Muhamed Marakkarackayil - University of Wolverhampton |access-date=2015-03-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150309152531/http://www.wlv.ac.uk/alumni/honorary-graduates-2013/honorary-graduates-2012/lefeer-muhamed-marakkarackayil/ |archive-date=2015-03-09 }}</ref> in association with Sultan's Special Forces Pension Fund (SSFPF).{{fact|date=October 2023}}

[[File:Ibn Rushd Block - Middle East College.jpg|thumb|Teaching and Learning Block 2 (4,600m<sup>2</sup>), named after Abu al-Walid Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Rushd, a philosopher and scientist]] [[File:Al Khalil Block - Middle East College.jpg|thumb|Learning Resources Block (4,200m<sup>2</sup>), named after the Arab lexicographer and philologist, Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi]] [[File:Facility Centre - Middle East College.jpg|thumb|Facilities Centre (4,200m<sup>2</sup>), named after the Arab historiographer and historian, Ibn Khaldūn]] thumb|MEC Student Hub, opened in 2016{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}

==Academic aspects== MEC is primarily a teaching college and not research led.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.researchgate.net/institution/Middle_East_College/stats | title=Middle East College – Stats| website=ResearchGate }}</ref>

MEC has the following academic programmes:{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} * Mechanical Engineering * Civil Engineering * Electronics and Instrumentation * Electronics and Telecommunication * Computer Engineering (Cyber Security) * Computer Engineering (Networking) * Software Engineering (Work-Integrated programme) * Quantity Surveying and Construction Management * Computer Science (Data Analytics) * Computer Science (Software Technology) * Computer Science (Computer Science) * Logistics Management * Business Administration (General Management) * Business Administration (Marketing) * Business Administration (Human Resources) * Business Administration (Accounting and Finance) * Archives & Records Management * Master of Business Administration (MBA) * MSc in Data Science * MSc in Cyber Security * MSc in Fintech * MSc in Construction Project and Cost Management * MSc in Electronic Engineering * MSc in Records and Information Management

== Accreditation == MEC is accredited by the Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education (OAAAQA) with the highest ratings in the country for Teaching Quality and Research Performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oaaaqa.gov.om/public/isa-outcomes#viewing-outcomes|title=Middle East College – Oman|publisher=OAAAWA|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref>

In addition, several programmes are accredited or recognised by international professional bodies, including:

* Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) – covering civil engineering programmes * Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) * Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) * Permanent Way Institution (Rail Infrastructure Engineers) * Institution of Structural Engineers * Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) * Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) * European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education (ENAEE) * Chartered Management Institute (CMI) * Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) * Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

These affiliations link academic delivery at MEC with professional standards and graduate certification opportunities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mec.edu.om/en/professional-body-membership/|title=Professional Body Membership|publisher=Middle East College|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref>

== Recognition == A 2023 survey by the ''Oman Economic Review'' ranked Middle East College as the most preferred private higher education institution in Oman for graduate recruitment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mec.edu.om/en/mec-ranked-as-the-top-choice-among-private-higher-education-institutions-in-oman-for-graduate-recruitment/|title=MEC ranked top choice|publisher=Middle East College|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref>

In 2024, MEC received the award for Best Graduate Development Programme in the GCC at the HRM Summit held in Bahrain.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://hrmsummit.com/2024/RAH07843.html|title=HRM Summit Bahrain 2024|publisher=HRM Summit|date=2024|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref>

At the inaugural Times Higher Education Awards Arab World, the college was recognised among the top 8 institutions in the region in two categories: * Outstanding Student Support (2025)<ref>{{cite news|url=|title=Times Higher Education Arab World Awards 2025|publisher=Times Higher Education|date=2025}}</ref> * Leadership and Management Team of the Year (2024)<ref>{{cite news|url=|title=Times Higher Education Arab World Awards 2024|publisher=Times Higher Education|date=2024}}</ref>

==Student activities== Student clubs include a Computing Club, Electronics Club, Design Club, Photography Club, Math Club, Net Club, Business Society, Drama Society, and the English Speaking Society.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}

==International links== Students from 27 countries are undertaking their studies in Middle East College.{{when|date=January 2025}}{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

MEC has established links with academic institutions around the world to enable its students to participate in cultural exchange programs in: * India<ref name="India">{{Cite web |url=http://omanobserver.om/mec-students-in-india-for-summer-programme/# |title=MEC students in India for summer programme &#124; Oman Observer |access-date=2015-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402133319/http://omanobserver.om/mec-students-in-india-for-summer-programme/# |archive-date=2015-04-02 }}</ref> * Italy{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} * South Korea<ref name="Korea">{{Cite web |url=http://omanobserver.om/mec-students-express-satisfaction-over-visit-to-s-korean-university/# |title=MEC students express satisfaction over visit to S Korean university &#124; Oman Observer |access-date=2015-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402154529/http://omanobserver.om/mec-students-express-satisfaction-over-visit-to-s-korean-university/# |archive-date=2015-04-02 }}</ref> * Spain{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} * United Kingdom<ref name="UK">{{Cite web |url=http://omanobserver.om/mec-students-visit-coventry-university-in-uk/# |title=MEC students visit Coventry University in UK &#124; Oman Observer |access-date=2015-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402135809/http://omanobserver.om/mec-students-visit-coventry-university-in-uk/# |archive-date=2015-04-02 }}</ref>

MEC partners with the following institutions: * University of Coventry (UK)<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.coventry.ac.uk/life-on-campus/the-university/about-coventry-university/global-presence/academic/regions/our-academic-partners-in-africa-and-the-middle-east/middle-east-college-mec/ | title=Middle East College | publisher=University of Coventry |location=UK }}</ref> * Breda University of Applied Sciences (UK)<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.pressreader.com/oman/oman-daily-observer/20170706/281968902715025 | title=Middle East College | publisher=Breda University of Applied Sciences |location=NL }}</ref>

=== Student chapters === * IEEE — MEC Student Branch, active since February 2015{{Citation needed|date=September 2025}} * Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) — chapter since April 2019{{Citation needed|date=September 2025}} * American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) — chapter since July 2018{{Citation needed|date=September 2025}} * Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) — student chapter supporting mechanical engineering students {{Citation needed|date=September 2025}}

=== Google Developer Group === MEC hosts a Google Developer Group (GDG) on Campus chapter based in Muscat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gdg.community.dev/gdg-on-campus-middle-east-college-muscat-muscat-oman/|title=GDG on Campus Middle East College Muscat|publisher=GDG Community|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref> The group has multiple members and organises workshops, tech talks, and speaker sessions on topics such as deep learning, AI in teaching, personal branding, and leadership.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gdg.community.dev/gdg-on-campus-middle-east-college-muscat-muscat-oman/|title=GDG on Campus Middle East College Muscat|publisher=GDG Community|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref> It provides students with exposure to emerging technologies, networking, and learning opportunities beyond regular coursework.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gdg.community.dev/gdg-on-campus-middle-east-college-muscat-muscat-oman/|title=GDG on Campus Middle East College Muscat|publisher=GDG Community|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref>

== Professional Partnerships == MEC holds multiple formal partnerships with global professional bodies and technology organisations to enhance skills, certifications, and exposure for students and staff:

* Microsoft IT Academy – first Microsoft IT Academy in Oman enabling Microsoft professional certifications.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mec.edu.om/en/professional-partnerships/|title=Professional Partnerships|publisher=Middle East College|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref> * Oracle Academic Initiative – member offering Oracle-programmes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mec.edu.om/en/professional-partnerships/|title=Professional Partnerships|publisher=Middle East College|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref> * Cisco Networking Academy – prepares students for network-related industry certifications.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mec.edu.om/en/professional-partnerships/|title=Professional Partnerships|publisher=Middle East College|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref> * EC-Council – access to information security education and certifications.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mec.edu.om/en/professional-partnerships/|title=Professional Partnerships|publisher=Middle East College|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref> * SAP Academic Partnership – provides SAP course materials; access to ERP software.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mec.edu.om/en/professional-partnerships/|title=Professional Partnerships|publisher=Middle East College|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref> * Information Technology Authority, Oman (ITA) – collaboration around free and open source software (FOSS) awareness.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mec.edu.om/en/professional-partnerships/|title=Professional Partnerships|publisher=Middle East College|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref> * Linux Professional Institute (LPI) – academic partner; training and prep for LPI certification.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mec.edu.om/en/professional-partnerships/|title=Professional Partnerships|publisher=Middle East College|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref> * Global Science and Technology Forum (GSTF), Singapore – partnership in science and technology initiatives.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mec.edu.om/en/professional-partnerships/|title=Professional Partnerships|publisher=Middle East College|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref> * CompTIA – industry certifications in IT.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mec.edu.om/en/professional-partnerships/|title=Professional Partnerships|publisher=Middle East College|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref> * TESOL International – membership for faculty development and access to teaching resources.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mec.edu.om/en/professional-partnerships/|title=Professional Partnerships|publisher=Middle East College|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref> * British Council – hosts IELTS exam center; provides trial testing; staff development.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mec.edu.om/en/professional-partnerships/|title=Professional Partnerships|publisher=Middle East College|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref>

==See also== * List of universities and colleges in Oman

==References== {{Reflist}}

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Category:2002 establishments in Oman Category:Educational institutions established in 2002 Category:Colleges in Oman Category:Universities and colleges in Muscat, Oman