MUSCAT: The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in partnership with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and various higher education institutions, launched the sixth phase of the national internship programme 'Eidaad'.
The launch ceremony saw the signing of 12 agreements (cooperation protocols) between industrial and academic sectors. The agreements were signed by Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and Farid bin Khalfan al Harthy, Executive Director of Corporate Support at PDO, and representatives of the industrial and private sector institutions concerned.
Eidaad is a flagship initiative that bridges the gap between academia and industry by offering a full-year practical training opportunity with leading companies in Oman. The programme is designed to provide Omani university students with an immersive, hands-on learning experience aligned with their academic specialisations and labour market demands.
Dr Mariam bint Belarab al Nabhaniyah, Director-General of Private Universities and Colleges at the Ministry, in her speech emphasised the strategic significance of the initiative in achieving Oman Vision 2040.
“Empowering Omani youth and enhancing their skills to meet job market demands is one of the core objectives of Oman Vision 2040. This is evident in our ongoing commitment to providing inclusive education, lifelong learning and impactful scientific research to develop national capabilities and foster a knowledge-based society.”
Farid bin Khalfan al Harthy, stated: “The Eidaad programme reflects PDO’s institutional transformation and our redefined role in contributing to Oman’s future. It equips Omani youth with skills that meet emerging market requirements and supports the development of a resilient, knowledge-based economy. This partnership reaffirms our long-term commitment to human capital development and creating lasting impact for future generations.”
Eng Hamed bin Saif al Hadhrami, Manager of External Training and Development at PDO, also noted: “We are proud to take part in this pioneering national initiative, which brings tangible value to the country and nurtures young talent. It is crucial that we continue to work closely with academic institutions to align educational outcomes with industry needs and to update curricula that reflect real-world challenges. This collaboration will open doors for students to enter the job market with strong foundational skills for long-term success.”
Since its inception in 2020, over 1,000 students have graduated from the programme. In its current phase, more than 400 students from various institutions across Oman are expected to participate, with placements across more than 40 companies spanning multiple sectors.
This phase of the programme introduces enhanced features, including the “Specialisation Alignment Initiative” which helps students and academic advisers better understand career pathways related to specific fields of study. This empowers students to make informed decisions about their professional futures. Additionally, the programme’s updated framework incorporates core competencies such as critical thinking, communication and professional ethics to better prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market.
Among the participants, students Ma’ther Ali and Sheikha al Badi expressed pride in being part of the Eidaad experience. “The programme gave us the freedom to choose meaningful projects, while also offering academic and emotional support along the way. It helped us gain practical insight into real-world environments that will serve us in our future careers.”
Nisreen Abdullah, a student from the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), shared a similar sentiment: “Eidaad has been both academically and professionally enriching. I strongly encourage all university students to join, as it offers significant value to one’s future career.”
The Eidaad programme stands out as a practical model for effective collaboration between higher education and the private sector - enhancing graduate readiness, fostering innovation and supporting the national agenda for sustainable economic development.
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