Research Journal of Maaref University of Applied Sciences (RJMU) adheres to the principles of open publishing, which aims to make scientific research freely available to the scientific community without barriers such as subscription fees or access restrictions. The Open Access Policy outlines the journal's approach to open access publishing, including its rationale, the benefits it offers to authors and readers, and the mechanisms that ensure access and dissemination of research results.

1. Rationale for Open Access:
Al Maaref University Research Journal recognizes the significant potential of open access publishing in tangibly enhancing access to knowledge and fostering scientific and research collaboration.
Open access aligns with Al Maaref University of Applied Sciences' mission to promote academic excellence, innovation, and societal impact by making scientific research accessible to all, including researchers, academics, scientists, policymakers, and society at large.
Open access increases the visibility, reach, and impact of scientific research, ultimately advancing scientific advancement and contributing to the public good. 2. Benefits of Open Access:
For Authors:
Increased Dissemination: Research published under open access is more widely read, cited, and shared, leading to greater dissemination of research and greater access for authors.
Global Access: Open access enables authors to reach a diverse and international audience, including researchers, scholars, academics, policymakers, and society at large.
Benefits from Grant Funding: Many funding agencies and institutions require researchers to publish their findings in open access journals to ensure that funded research is disseminated and widely accessible.
For Readers:
Unrestricted Access: Open access allows readers to freely access research articles without having to pay to read them, facilitating the dissemination of knowledge and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
Enhanced Discoverability: Open access articles are indexed in various scientific databases and repositories, making it easier for researchers to discover and access relevant literature in their fields of interest.
Accelerating the Pace of Scientific Discovery: Open access promotes faster dissemination and sharing of research findings, accelerating the pace of scientific discovery and innovation. 3. Copyright and Licensing:

Authors retain the copyright to their published work under a Creative Commons license or other appropriate licensing protocols.

4. Funding and Sustainability:
The Al-Maaref University Research Journal recognizes the importance of sustainable open access publishing models that ensure the journal's long-term viability and financial viability.
Authors may be required to pay article processing charges (APCs) to cover the costs of editorial processing, peer review, and publication. However, the journal may offer exemptions or discounts for authors from low- and middle-income countries or those facing financial constraints.
5. Archiving and Preservation:
The journal is committed to ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of published content. The journal participates in archiving initiatives and digital preservation platforms to protect scholarly research for future generations.
6. Compliance and Policy Updates:
The journal complies with relevant open access policies and initiatives established by funding agencies, institutions, and regulatory bodies.
The journal's open access policy is subject to periodic review and updates to comply with the latest protocols governing open access policies.

The journal's open access policy reflects its desire to promote open access principles, foster widespread dissemination of scholarly research, and foster innovation and collaboration. By adopting this open access policy, the journal seeks to maximize the societal impact and reach of published research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the public good.