State Council discusses demographic structure in 10th session

MUSCAT: The State Council held its tenth session of the third ordinary term of the eighth council period on Tuesday morning at its headquarters in Al Bustan, chaired by Shaikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council. The session’s agenda covered two studies presented by the Special Committee.
The first study addressed “Demographic Structure and its Impact on the Future of Development in the Sultanate of Oman”. Dr Aisha al Darmaki, Chairman of the Special Committee, explained that the study examines demographic shifts among both Omani nationals and expatriates, noting that indicators up to 2040 point to declining fertility rates, a rising proportion of elderly citizens and a growing youth segment aged between 15 and 59. She said these shifts require advance preparation, development of basic infrastructure and strengthening of education and health services. She also highlighted that the impact of these changes extends to national identity, culture and economic growth, particularly as Oman continues to open up to investment.

Mohammed al Ghassani, Rapporteur of the Special Committee, confirmed that demographic shifts affect the economy across four key areas: the labour market and growing demand for skills, investment and growth opportunities shaped by the size of the population, government spending on essential services including health, education and housing, and future preparedness through proactive policies and flexible institutions. He stressed that this is not a population crisis but a strategic economic issue that will define the future of development, adding that opportunities not seized will turn into challenges.
The second study examined “The Agricultural (Plant) Sector in the Sultanate of Oman: Challenges and Solutions”. Dr Maryam al Awadi, Chairman of the Special Committee, explained that the study aims to transform the agricultural sector from one focused on primary production to one built on added value and innovation, stressing that agriculture has become a strategic economic sector contributing to food security, income diversification and job creation.
She noted that Oman holds promising agricultural potential, but faces challenges including developing legislative frameworks, improving water resource management, strengthening agricultural financing, developing value chains and supporting scientific research and innovation. Dr Abdullah al Ghafri, Rapporteur of the Special Committee, added that the study seeks to link the sector to Oman Vision 2040 and enhance its contribution to gross domestic product, pointing to gaps in food distribution chains that require attention.
At the conclusion of its proceedings, the session discussed a number of reports and topics, in addition to reviewing the Secretariat General's report on the activities of the Council's bodies during the past period.