2025 should be the year the Sultanate of Oman prioritises birthrate. A healthy birth rate is not just a measure of population growth; it is the foundation of long-term socio-economic progress and cultural vibrancy.
Oman, known for its deep-rooted family values, is now witnessing an interesting yet worrisome trend. According to the National Center for Statistics and Information- NCSI, the birth rate has steadily declined from 2.6 in 2021 to 2.2 in 2023. This shift has significant implications for the nation’s future.
The family is at the heart of Omani society and central to its identity. It is also the cornerstone of Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes the development of a cohesive and empowered society under its 'Society and Human Capital' pillar. A declining birth rate poses challenges to achieving this vision. It leads to an aging population, a shrinking workforce, and slower economic growth. Over time, it could weaken the vibrant cultural and social bonds that have been the bedrock of Oman’s resilience.
Oman will greatly benefit from strategies that support family growth. Countries with similar cultural values offer valuable lessons. Saudi Arabia, for instance, has introduced initiatives such as housing subsidies, childcare programmes, and cash allowances to ease the financial burdens on families. France provides another inspiring example, with its successful combination of subsidised childcare, extended parental leave, and tax benefits for larger families. These policies have helped France maintain one of the highest fertility rates in Europe, showing that comprehensive approaches can stabilise and even reverse demographic challenges.
To address the decline in birth rates, Oman can consider practical and impactful measures. Financial incentives, such as long-term cradle-to-grave 'welcome' roadmaps and offers for each newborn baby, based on their blockchain data, predictive childhood and adulthood needs, and alignment with national plans.
Oman could also consider smarter direct cash allowances for newborns and housing investment options for young families according to their needs, which can make a significant difference. Expanding access to affordable childcare and providing a more balanced parental leave will help both parents, fathers as well as mothers, balance their professional and family lives more effectively. Encouraging flexible work arrangements will empower families to grow without compromising their aspirations.
Beyond immediate interventions, long-term strategies are essential to ensure sustained progress. Policies that ensure balanced gender roles, enabling both parents to pursue careers while raising families, can foster an environment where family growth thrives alongside individual aspirations. Public awareness campaigns that celebrate the importance of family life, coupled with educational initiatives on family planning and societal development, will strengthen the cultural foundations that prioritise families as the building blocks of national progress.
I believe that the main long-term risk of inaction lies in a less vibrant society, where a few groups of wealthy families afford healthcare, good education, and smarter neighbourhoods, whereas other groups of families with limited income struggle in a vicious cycle of limited opportunities. Other risks of inaction are evident in the cautionary example of Japan. With one of the oldest populations in the world, Japan has faced economic stagnation, labour shortages, and immense pressure on its healthcare and social systems. Despite significant efforts to reverse the trend, structural and cultural barriers have limited success. Oman can take proactive steps to avoid such a scenario, ensuring a balanced and thriving population for decades to come.
The benefits of investing in families extend far beyond numbers. A society with vibrant and growing families fosters innovation, strengthens cultural identity, and ensures economic stability. It secures a future where the values that define Oman — community, resilience, and progress —remain at the forefront.
This is a call to prioritise families and embrace strategies that nurture growth. Oman’s rich history of resilience and cultural pride serves as a strong foundation to navigate this challenge. Together, we can ensure that Oman continues to thrive, supported by the strength of its families and the promise of its future generations.
The writer is an innovator and an insights storyteller
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