Oman has always prided itself on a culture of dialogue, but in late February, something different happened. The third edition of 'Together We Progress' was not just another government-led forum; it was a rare moment where ministers, officials and citizens — especially the youth — sat down and spoke openly about the issues that matter most. Under the auspices of HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, the event wasn’t about grand declarations or rehearsed speeches. It was a raw, unscripted conversation between those in power and those living the realities of modern Oman.
The organisation itself was a testament to Oman’s capabilities. More than 2,000 participants moved through the event seamlessly, engaging with well-structured discussions and carefully curated content. It was a reminder that Oman is more than capable of hosting major international summits, not just because of infrastructure but because of the professionalism of its people. The efficiency of the event, from logistics to the quality of debate, signalled that the country has the talent and expertise to manage large-scale initiatives at the highest levels.
But the most striking moment of the gathering was the energy around HH Sayyid Theyazin. It was not just about his presence; it was the way young Omanis gravitated towards him, seeing in him a leader who understands their concerns. He did not just listen — he engaged, and that made a difference. If this event made anything clear, it is that the youth are not disengaged or apathetic. They have priorities, they have ideas, and they are paying attention.
And their number one concern? Jobs. Employment remains the defining issue of this generation. The need for opportunities, the desire for careers that offer security and growth, and the frustration with bureaucratic hurdles and limited prospects were voiced time and again. While ministers and officials offered responses — some reassuring, others more evasive — the urgency of the matter was unmistakable. This is not just an economic issue; it is a social one, a national one, a crisis that can shape the future of the country.
One of the more striking statements came from the Chairman of the Oman Investment Authority, who bluntly stated: “We have oil and gas, we have financial resources, and we can create jobs.” A bold claim, but one that begs a follow-up: if that’s the case, then why is employment still the most pressing issue in every discussion? If Oman has the means, where is the execution? Where is the strategy that turns potential into reality?
And that brings us to the elephant in the room — the economy. Again and again, the discussions returned to the same unavoidable conclusion: without a strong, diversified economy, all these conversations are just words. And yet, the pace of economic transformation still lags behind the urgency of the moment. The world is shifting at a dizzying speed. Geopolitical tensions are rising, trade dynamics are shifting and artificial intelligence is rewriting industries overnight. Oman cannot afford to play it safe. Bold decisions need to be made, risks need to be taken and policies need to be more than just carefully worded statements.
But beyond policies and plans, this forum revealed something crucial — Oman’s greatest strength is its people. The energy, the ambition, the hunger for meaningful change is there. The country is not lacking talent or ideas; it is waiting for leadership that listens, empowers and acts decisively.
At its core, this is not just about employment, wages, or economic policy. It is about the kind of Oman that is being built for the next generation. The biggest challenge is not just creating jobs, but fostering an environment where people believe in the future of their own country. What happens next will determine whether this was just another conference — or a turning point.
Translated by Badr al Dhafari
The original version of this article was published in Oman Arabic newspaper on March 12, 2025
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
