SALALAH, SEPT 22
The 2nd Youth Development Forum in the Wilayat of Taqah concluded on Monday, September 22, 2025, under the auspices of Shaikh Tariq bin Khalid al Hinai, Wali of Taqah. The forum was organised by the Office of the Wali in partnership with a number of public and private entities under the theme, “Empower Today... Lead Tomorrow”, as part of an institutional pathway to support Omani youth and develop their skills in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
More than 160 participants — including jobseekers, entrepreneurs and employees — took part in the forum, which featured accredited training programmes focusing on artificial intelligence and its applications in business and services, cybersecurity and the creation of secure digital environments, as well as aligning youth skills with national economic priorities under Oman Vision 2040. The event also hosted a youth exhibition showcasing innovative projects and visual presentations that highlighted young people’s capabilities and their contributions to modern business and sustainable development.
The activities concluded with a dialogue session titled “Empowerment and Entrepreneurship: A Dialogue for Tomorrow”. Representatives from the Directorate General of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Dhofar, Oman Development Bank and the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development joined local entrepreneurs to discuss practical challenges to market entry, financing opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation and the role of entrepreneurial initiatives in diversifying the economy and creating quality opportunities for youth.
Asma al Maashani, from the Department of Planning and Wilayat Development and one of the forum organisers, said the determination and persistence shown by young people to develop skills and build capacity for the benefit of society and the nation provides strong motivation to continue delivering impactful initiatives. She affirmed that sustaining this approach will contribute to achieving Oman Vision 2040 and enable the Sultanate of Oman to advance confidently into the ranks of developed nations through the efforts of its conscious and proactive youth.
A representative of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Dhofar underlined that youth represent the true wealth and the foundation of both the present and the future, noting that the government attaches great importance to nurturing their potential and meeting their aspirations.
He added that the forum addressed key themes such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the integration of national efforts to reinforce Oman Vision 2040, while also providing a platform for knowledge exchange and the launch of future initiatives that strengthen youth presence in vital sectors. The Chamber, he stressed, is keen to remain an active partner in investing in youth capabilities by supporting initiatives, implementing advanced training programmes, linking youth with the labour market, creating enabling environments for entrepreneurship and empowering small and medium enterprises, which form a cornerstone of the national economy.
The Chamber’s representative concluded by stressing the importance of turning ideas into tangible projects that contribute to building a knowledge- and innovation-based economy, expressing appreciation to the organisers and participants for the success of the forum.
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