Digital platform entrepreneur a finalist in Study UK Alumni Awards

Essex graduate Qais Altoubi, who has established the largest online learning platform in Oman, is a finalist in the Study UK Alumni Awards 2021-22.

Qais, who studied a Masters in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Essex and graduated in 2017, is a finalist in the business and innovation category in Oman.

“I am so excited to be a finalist for this award,” said Qais, who is Vice President for Small and Medium Enterprises Development at the Authority for SME Development in Oman. “While studying at Essex my thesis was on the e-learning industry which allowed me create a digital platform now considered as the largest e-learning platform in Oman called Edlal.”

Edlal is an online knowledge sharing platform for lifelong learners to develop the skills they need and received funding from the Oman Technology Fund.

The platform provides high-quality educational video courses that are presented in Arabic and focus on the skills needed by the market in the region, presented by experts targeting employees, jobseekers, entrepreneurs and students.

“Edlal provides an innovative learning method and experience to more than 250,000 users from over 40 countries in various specializations such as entrepreneurship, leadership and technology,” explained Qais. “The platform is available to access via various devices, such as personal computers, tablets and smart phones allowing users to access the online courses anytime at any location in the world.”

He feels his time at Essex helped him achieve his career goals and “create a positive impact in the community”

“What I most enjoyed about studying at Essex was meeting people from all over the world and participating in different events. If you are interested in art, culture and music you will love the experience of studying in the UK.”

The Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of alumni and showcase the impact and value of a UK higher education. Award winners and finalists are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, professions and countries.

The final will be held on Tuesday 22 February.