MUSCAT: OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP), Oman’s leading oil and gas company, announced on May 12, 2025, that it has launched a nationwide training programme designed to equip 430 young Omanis with vital technical and non-technical skills.
The initiative, titled ‘Tamayuz’, attempts to bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical needs of the energy sector. On the initiative’s terms, OQ signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Oman Energy Association (OPAL), assigning the body to manage the all-encompassing training programme.
The signing was formally carried out by Eng Ahmed bin Said al Azkawi, CEO of OQ Exploration and Production; and Eng Mohammed bin Hamoud al Naabi, CEO of OPAL, during OQ’s participation at the Oman Petroleum and Energy Exhibition (OPES) in Muscat.
To work for six months to two years, the ‘Tamayuz’ programme will offer specialised vocational training which will respond to the evolving needs of the energy industry. The trainees will undergo rigorous readiness testing and, upon passing, be awarded accredited professional certificates.
Eng Al Azkawi commented, “This programme reflects OQ’s steadfast commitment to nurturing Oman’s national competencies,”. He furtherly stated, “By equipping young Omanis with practical training and specialised technical skills, we are making a meaningful investment in their futures while strengthening the overall resilience of the national workforce.”
He went on to highlight the strategic importance of partnering with OPAL, describing the association’s industry expertise and technical acumen as instrumental to the programme’s success. ‘Tamayuz’ is also considered a pillar under OQ’s broader drive to align workforce development with Oman Vision 2040, Oman’s national strategy for economic diversification and sustainable growth. Through skills gap filling and employability, the initiative is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Omani professionals in an increasingly specialised labour market.
Speaking to the Observer, Sultan al Rumhi, Supervisor of Vision Offices and Strategic Partnerships, Unit for Monitoring the Implementation of Oman Vision 2040 stated, “We celebrate today a step in the right direction towards empowering Oman’s youth to apply useful training in the energy sector — a reflection of OQ Exploration & Production’s commitment to building a bright future for Oman’s citizens and developing their capabilities and expertise.”
He furtherly noted “We are pleased to announce the ‘Tamayuz’ training-for-development programme in association with the Oman Energy Association, under which we intend, in its first phase, to train 430 Omani graduates of engineering, technical and administrative disciplines during training sessions ranging from six months to two years.”
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