# Middle East College

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{{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](/source/Abu_Abdallah_Muhammad_ibn_Musa_al-Khwarizmi)
|motto           = Enterprising. Resilient. Impactful. 
|established     = {{Start date and age|2002}}
|type            = [Private university college](/source/University_college)
|founder         = Dr Abdullah Saif Ahmed Al Sabahi, Lefeer Muhamed Marakkarackayil
|dean            = Dr Saleh Al Shaaibi
|city            = [Muscat](/source/Muscat%2C_Oman)
|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](/source/Coventry_University), [NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences](/source/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](/source/Muscat), Oman. It is one of the leading higher education institution in the [Sultanate of Oman](/source/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](/source/Coventry_University), UK.<ref>[http://wwwm.coventry.ac.uk/engineeringandcomputing/international/international%20collaborations/Pages/themiddleeast.aspx " International collaborations"], ''[Coventry University](/source/Coventry_University)'', January 10, 2009. Accessed April 5, 2010</ref> It is located in the [Knowledge Oasis Muscat](/source/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](/source/Oracle_Academy), 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](/source/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](/source/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](/source/Ibn_Khald%C5%ABn)]]
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](/source/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](/source/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](/source/University_of_Coventry) |location=UK }}</ref>
* [Breda University of Applied Sciences](/source/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](/source/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](/source/List_of_universities_and_colleges_in_Oman)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{authority control}}

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

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Middle East College](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_East_College) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_East_College?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.