MUSCAT: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has signed 14 landmark agreements worth around RO 4.4 million to fund a wide range of social investment projects, reinforcing its role as a key partner in Oman’s sustainable development agenda.
Signed on the sidelines of Oman Sustainability Week and the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show (OPES) 2025, the agreements span sectors including education, health, environment, and community infrastructure—directly supporting Oman Vision 2040 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“These projects reflect PDO’s deep-rooted commitment to social responsibility and its ongoing efforts to create lasting impact in communities,” said Dr. Aflah bin Said al Hadhrami, Managing Director of PDO. “They also exemplify how strategic partnerships can drive development that is inclusive, innovative, and future-focused.”
Education took center stage in PDO’s new investments. A key agreement with the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation will fund 150 full scholarships for students in PDO’s concession area for the 2025–2026 academic year—85 for diploma-level and 65 for bachelor’s programs.
PDO is also co-financing the establishment of the Emerging Technologies Unit at Sultan Qaboos University—an initiative expected to benefit over 20,000 students annually and support 3,000+ graduation projects in fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, and cybersecurity.
Five additional development programs—Ma'rifa, Ta'zeez, Tamayouz, Work Experience, and Engineering Village Camp—will be rolled out with the Ministry of Education to guide students’ career paths and foster innovation. Two kindergarten classrooms will also be built in schools within the concession area.
In partnership with the Ministry of Health and Daleel Petroleum, PDO will help expand the emergency department at Ibri Hospital, which serves over 50,000 patients annually. Another health facility will be built in Andat, Dhofar Governorate, improving access to care for residents and energy sector workers in the area.
Environmental sustainability is also on the agenda. PDO will work with Nama Water Services to construct a desalination plant and distribution network in southern Ghubrah, Al Jazir, benefiting more than 300 residents.
A camel cheese production facility will be established in Rakhyut through a partnership with Al Jisr Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aimed at empowering over 4,000 camel owners and developing a new income-generating activity. PDO is also supporting upgrades to the camel racing track in Maqshan, Dhofar.
PDO will fund defensive driving courses for 580 ambulance drivers in collaboration with the Royal Oman Police, provide high-tech equipment for SQU’s Water Technology Laboratory, and help complete the final phase of the Bahla Cultural Center in Al Dakhiliyah.
To nurture young talent, PDO will support 20 skills development programs at the Youth Center, reaching over 4,000 Omani youth. Additionally, the "Must’adad" program by Outward Bound Oman will benefit 500 young men and women, equipping them with essential life and leadership skills.
The signing ceremony was attended by HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin al Julanda al Said, President of Sultan Qaboos University, alongside undersecretaries, governors, and senior officials from participating institutions. —ONA
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