The generation next taking Oman to the globe

Dr Anchan C K

The Sultanate of Oman the oldest independent state in the Arab World, has been a knowledge giver, a beacon of light and hope. In fact, it is no exaggeration to say that Oman was the original knowledge society in the Arab Peninsula and is considered a hidden jewel at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Oman was the leader in town planning, architecture, sculpture, painting, agriculture, astronomy, medicine and more. In fact, it is no exaggeration to say that Oman was known for its knowledge society.

The future economic prospects of Oman depend increasingly on the country’s capacity to shift from traditional and declining sectors and to fully integrate the new international economic order. This requires a strategy that will provide Oman with the necessary skills and a knowledge-intensive base to overcome the major constraints.

Oman Vision 2040 is the Sultanate’s gateway to overcome challenges, keep pace with regional and global changes, generate and seize opportunities to foster economic competitiveness and social well-being, stimulate growth, and build confidence in all economic, social and developmental relations nationwide. One of its strategic objectives and its executive programs to promote citizenship, identity, heritage and national culture. Oman has embraced modernization and progress while retaining the core aspects of its culture and heritage.

The Vision 2040 lays down the foundations for an empowered knowledge based society whose members are creative, proud of their identity and culture, committed to their civic duties and values and living in dignity and sustained well-being; a society endowed with leading healthcare system, an active lifestyle and an inclusive education for lifelong learning to develop skills for the future, promote scientific research, build national capabilities and achieve economic growth and social well-being; in a State with flexible yet strong agencies, all-encompassing governance, effective supervision, swift justice, efficient performance, and active and ever renewing media, aided by an empowered civil society that participates in all aspects of life, towards higher levels of human development

The future of Oman will be inextricably linked to its capacity to acquire knowledge and apply new knowledge through a highly-trained and specialized workforce, equipped with a range of educational qualifications, experience and commitment. The creation of a knowledge hub will be instrumental in supporting the development of a new economic model for the country. It is proven that a country’s development is primarily based on its people and its resources.

Oman has aptly embraced modernization and progress while retaining the core aspects of its culture and heritage. Oman has never lost sight of its roots. Traditional Omani culture is embedded in nearly every aspect of daily life, from clothing and food, arts and crafts. The uniquely Omani culture and heritage continues today in many of the same ways it has been for hundreds of years.

Oman will be known by its talent and the difference is very vivid in the knowledge hub it currently possesses in every industry, be it be aviation, banking, insurance, manufacturing, oil & gas, healthcare, tourism, trading, contracting, shipping, agriculture, education and so on, every industry has now its local experts with credentials to acknowledge from education to experience to run and lead any industry.

In addition the younger generation is taking on entrepreneurship and they are seeking challenges and opportunities in every sector, it’s the new generation which want and will create the difference and take Oman to the Globe as one of the best growing economies in the world.