MUSCAT, Sept 21
A senior Omani industry leader has unveiled a practical blueprint to accelerate workforce development and strengthen local supply chains, drawing on nearly three decades of experience that began in 1995 with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).
“In the 1990s we treated SME and Local Community Contractor development not just as an economic goal, but as a national duty”, said Sulaiman bin Hamed al Suleimani, Manager — Contracts, Arabian Industries Projects. “We helped emerging contractors understand compliance, quality and execution against international benchmarks — work that shaped my lifelong commitment to local content and value creation”.
Speaking to the Observer, Al Suleimani reflected on how his leadership philosophy has evolved from hands-on oversight to deliberate empowerment. “I lead with transparency and integrity. Today the priority is building leadership capacity in others — especially the younger generation”.
On job creation, he highlighted programmes that close the gap between classrooms and industrial sites: structured on-the-job training (OJT), certification with national institutes and internships with clear paths to employment. Crucially, he noted, In-Country Value (ICV) clauses must translate into tangible careers. “ICV only matters if it creates real opportunities for Omanis — not just numbers on a page”.
Persistent challenges — skills mismatches, limited industrial exposure and employee retention — are being addressed through contract-level requirements, in-house practical modules and active mentorship. “We keep talking with youth to understand their aspirations and adapt our programmes accordingly”.
Al Suleimani singled out Masar as the flagship initiative unifying upskilling and reskilling efforts around national priorities. “Under Masar, hundreds of Omanis have trained in mechanical, electrical and HSE roles; and many are already working on key industrial projects under PDO contracts”, he said. The ICV track within Masar is also moving Omani talent into supervisory and managerial roles.
He pointed to procurement reform as another ICV success story. “We integrated Omani SMEs into multi-year agreements and paired them with training and technical support. It met ICV targets — but more importantly, it strengthened the local supply chain and created sustainable jobs inside those SMEs”.
Looking ahead, he stressed that the private sector’s role is pivotal. “Complying with directives is not enough. Progressive companies are designing localisation strategies that focus on quality, career growth and innovation. Talent development must be treated as a business imperative”.
The economic impact, he added, is already visible: greater diversification, stronger resilience and a multiplier effect across households and local ecosystems. “By equipping Omanis and empowering SMEs, we reduce reliance on oil revenues and foreign expertise while lifting national pride”.
Al Suleimani envisions Oman emerging as a regional hub for sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing, anchored in green technologies, hydrogen and circular-economy practices. “That future only works if our youth are prepared to lead it — with future-ready skills and mindset”.
His advice to young Omanis is straightforward: “Believe in your potential and take ownership of your path. Be proactive, stay curious and keep learning. You are not only workers — you are the innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders of Oman’s next chapter”.
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