The Spotlight
From Silent Achiever to Regional Pioneer
MCBS Shaping Oman’s future through research, innovation, and entrepreneurship
Oman's first fully private higher education institution has established itself as a regional pioneer recognized for aligning global quality standards.
Alumni are not just award winners but change makers.
When the Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS) opened its doors in 1996 as Oman’s first fully private higher education institution, it marked the beginning of a bold experiment in aligning global standards with national aspirations. Nearly three decades later, MCBS has grown into a distinctive institution that has contributed to Oman’s academic, economic and social development. As it approaches its 30th anniversary in 2026, MCBS stands as a pioneer of private higher education in the Sultanate and an emerging regional model of innovation-driven learning.
The idea for MCBS was first developed during the doctoral research of Dr Muneer Al Maskari, founder and long-serving Executive Chairperson. While completing his PhD in the United States, he prepared a feasibility study for a university in Oman. Practical experience at St. Charles Community College in Missouri further strengthened this plan, providing insight into the accreditation and planning of a new institution. What began as research became the blueprint for Oman’s first fully private college.
From its early years, MCBS has sought to anticipate emerging trends and workforce needs. It established the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation (CEBI), providing mentorship, incubation and industry links for students and start-ups. This marked one of the first steps in embedding entrepreneurship directly into higher education in the Sultanate.
The college also introduced degree programmes unique in Oman. It remains the only institution to offer a Bachelor’s in Airport Management, a Bachelor’s in Aviation Management and a Bachelor’s in Gaming and Animation, recognising the importance of logistics and creative industries for economic diversification. MCBS was also the first to host an American MBA programme in partnership with Franklin University, Ohio, and introduced a Master’s in Islamic Banking and Finance, advancing Sharia-compliant financial education in the region.
MCBS has long recognised that higher education cannot thrive in isolation. Its early academic affiliation with the University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL) provided pathways for students and ensured quality assurance during its formative years. This model of collaboration has since expanded through partnerships with Boeing, the Global Innovation Institute (GInI) and Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency, as well as alliances with other international universities. The college has also aligned itself with global benchmarks. Since 2024, it has been a member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and a communicative signatory of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), reflecting a commitment to responsible leadership and quality standards in business education.
For many years, MCBS allowed its progress to speak quietly. More recently, its achievements have been recognized on the global stage. In 2024, it became the first higher education institution in Oman to receive a QS 5 Star rating. In the same year, it was ranked among the top three institutions nationally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These milestones highlight not prestige alone, but the college’s determination to benchmark itself against the world’s best and to foster continuous improvement.
Alongside academic and research growth, MCBS has remained engaged with society. Its initiatives span youth forums, sustainability projects, IEEE conferences, and Model United Nations events, ensuring that education is tied to community needs. This dual focus on global standards and local relevance reflects the institution’s role in Oman’s broader development journey.
Perhaps the most tangible legacy of MCBS lies in the achievements of its alumni. They are not just award winners but change makers, advancing climate resilience, promoting gender equity, strengthening financial accountability, and pioneering entrepreneurial ventures. Their contributions reflect the College’s mission of producing globally minded leaders who remain deeply rooted in their communities. Each story demonstrates how MCBS graduates carry forward the values of academic rigor, innovation, and responsibility, translating education into leadership and service on both national and global stages.
These stories reflect MCBS’s mission to nurture graduates who contribute meaningfully to their fields and communities. They also demonstrate how the institution’s commitment to academic rigor and responsible education translates into measurable global impact.
Approaching its 30th anniversary in 2026, MCBS embodies the story of how a young institution can grow into a catalyst for change in higher education. Its journey underscores the importance of aligning global standards with local priorities, and of linking research and innovation with national and regional development. More than a college on the path to university status, MCBS represents a case study in how institutions in emerging economies can shape not only their national systems but also the future of higher education across the region.