MUSCAT: As part of its efforts to enhance digital skills development and economic diversification, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT), in collaboration with Unity Technologies and Al-Nahda Training Institute, has launched a National Game Development Bootcamp for young Omani talent.
The initiative, which falls under Oman's broader plan to invest in new digital sectors, aims to train 50 Omani nationals in the space of six months. The trainees will be given practical training in game programming, animation design, 3D modelling, and artificial intelligence, the building blocks of today's gaming sector.
Jalila bint Abdullah al Fannah al Arimi, Director of Future Skills Development at MoTCIT, announced the launch, emphasizing the programme's focus on practical learning. "This bootcamp has a very strong practical application focus," she said. "It offers participants an opportunity to gain real-world experience in technology incubators and to develop their own game projects, ultimately preparing them to build competitive Omani start-ups in this fast-emerging digital sector."
She pointed out that the project reflects a long-term national commitment to digital transformation. "National digital talent investment is key to a sustainable digital economy. This project is a concrete step towards that vision—opening up new possibilities for young Omanis to play an important role in the global gaming sector."
Speaking at the bootcamp's official launch ceremony, Shaikh Humaid bin Juma al Shamsi, Chairman of Al-Nahda Training Institute, emphasised the strategic importance of the bootcamp. "This landmark initiative resonates with our vision to empower Omani youth by equipping them with cutting-edge digital skills that now form the bedrock of advanced global economies," he said.
He also added that the gaming industry has turned into a knowledge-based industry. "The video game industry is no longer merely entertainment. It's a multi-integrated, knowledge-based industry that includes programming, designing, artificial intelligence, and artistic creativity. The bootcamp was established as a practical platform to allow young Omanis to be part of this active and rapidly emerging global industry."
Representing Unity Technologies in the Middle East, Zia Ul Islam further stated that the programme also leverages Unity's real-time AI tech to the advantage of long-term ecosystem development. "This programme is not only intended to upskill people, but to contribute to a sustainable digital ecosystem in Oman," he said. "By building talent and small- and medium-sized enterprises, we hope to power job creation in the gaming and broader digital sectors."
Ul Islam was optimistic regarding the programme's future expansion. "This is just the beginning. Our vision is to build something much bigger in the near future, in collaboration with national institutions and ministries across Oman, to further accelerate the development of the local digital economy."
The bootcamp marks a significant milestone in Oman's drive to embrace digital innovation and equip its young people for active participation in high-growth global industries.
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