As part of a student exchange programme between the Global College of Engineering and Technology (GCET) in Oman and the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), supported by a grant from The British Omani Society, Omani students visited the UK in April 2026 to explore urban sustainability and climate resilience. Through workshops, field visits and cultural exchange activities, participants gained valuable academic and practical insights while building connections with peers and professionals. In this blog series, the students share their experiences, reflections and key takeaways from their time in the UK.
Blog written by Fatma AlHabsi
When I joined the UWE Bristol study visit, I knew it would be a great opportunity to learn, but I did not expect it to leave such a lasting impression. This wasn't simply a visit to a university. It was an opportunity to discover other cities and people and to see how urban design and architecture affect daily life.
Bristol was probably my favorite city on the trip. The art really stayed with me. There were creative things around every corner, from colorful murals to unique buildings. I walked around the city for hours and never got tired. Each street had its own distinct character, and it was a pleasure to walk through the city and find some of my favorites.
I had a very different experience in Bath. The city is so beautiful and full of history. The streets of this city seemed as if I were in a movie. I really enjoyed the churches and old buildings because they added to the city's character. It led me to understand that history can be preserved while still providing an environment for living and tourism.
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We also had a great visit to UWE Bristol. The campus itself really impressed me. All the buildings were well planned for the students who use them. Not only was it modern, but it was also functional, inviting, and inspiring. It made me excited about learning, and I found it interesting how much a university's design can affect the students' experience.
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One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the British Omani Society. Before the visit, I knew there was a strong partnership between Oman and the UK, but I did not know how long it had been going on or how much they work together today. I was surprised to learn that British professionals have worked on projects related to Oman Vision 2040 and other Gulf initiatives. It was great to see these real-world examples and to understand the value of international collaboration.
One thing I noticed during the journey was how convenient walking was. In Bristol, Bath, or London, I rarely needed a vehicle. Walking was fun and easy on the streets, on public transportation, and in public open spaces. This stood out to me as someone interested in city and town planning. I think about ways cities can promote good health and greater activity, and I hope to see more of that in Oman in the future.
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Not all the memorable moments were about studying. My classmates were a big part of them. We walked all day and just had to make sure we caught the train going in the right direction and knew where to get off. I suppose these times are easy to recall now, but when they happened, they always drew a laugh from us and made the trip more pleasant.
Reflecting on this experience, it was more than a study visit. It has taught me more about how cities are designed and how interwoven Oman and the UK are in history, and it has given me many experiences I will always remember.
If students are given the opportunity, I would recommend that they participate. Learning is far more effective through experience, and the impact of seeing with your own eyes lasts long after you are home. For me, it was an amazing week of learning, inspiration, and new perspectives.