"Makeen" drives tech jobs, skills and sector growth

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology marked five years of its “Makeen” initiative with a forum highlighting its expanding role in building national digital capabilities and supporting the growth of the Sultanate of Oman’s technology sector.
Held under the auspices of Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour, the forum featured discussions on the initiative’s impact and witnessed the signing of three memoranda of understanding covering programming competitions, game development and technology sector employment.
In his address, Dr Ali bin Amer al Shaithani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology, described “Makeen” as a central pillar in advancing the digital economy by equipping Omani talent with advanced skills and strengthening competitiveness in the labour market. He emphasised that investment in human capital is key to developing high-value industries and reinforcing digital sovereignty.
The initiative has contributed to raising Omanisation in the ICT sector to 45.5 per cent, with 2,790 Omanis employed and a 69 per cent share in specialised technical roles. A further 4,949 Omanis have entered sector-related professions, signalling improved workforce readiness.
Beyond employment, “Makeen” has supported emerging industries. The semiconductor sector now includes more than 150 Omani engineers and five start-ups, while the drone sector has expanded through a joint training programme with Sultan Qaboos University, benefiting over 120 participants annually.

In artificial intelligence, more than 800 trainees have been prepared for the labour market, contributing to the emergence of around 27 specialised companies. Meanwhile, the space sector recorded strong growth between 2023 and 2025, with a 63 per cent increase in company numbers, a 163 per cent rise in employment and investment growth exceeding 270 per cent.
Key projects include OmanSat-1, the Duqm launch platform and the development of specialised laboratories and educational infrastructure, alongside programmes to support start-ups and talent development. The initiative has also enhanced Oman’s global engagement through participation in international agreements.
Looking ahead, the next phase will prioritise economic impact, targeting the training of 10,000 job seekers over five years. This will be delivered through labour market readiness programmes and capacity-building initiatives, each offering 5,000 training opportunities aligned with evolving market needs.
The initiative is also shifting towards an empowerment phase focused on employment outcomes and productivity, with expanded partnerships, advanced training in fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, and the development of a new generation of digital leaders.
Since its launch, “Makeen” has attracted more than 27,000 participants, delivered 139 programmes across over 30 technical fields, trained more than 11,000 individuals and achieved a 50 per cent employment rate in technical camps, underscoring its growing role in shaping Oman’s digital economy. — ONA