Young people represent the driving force of every society — endowed with skills, talents, and boundless energy that can build and transform nations. When given opportunities for empowerment and creativity within supportive environments, they become key partners in development, decision-making, and innovation.
Recognising this, Oman has long placed exceptional importance on its youth, viewing them as the foundation of resilience and progress in times of social, economic, and cultural change. This commitment was evident when the National Centre for Statistics and Information launched the Omani Youth Development Index in 2018 — the first of its kind in the Arab world and the Middle East, following the global Youth Development Index.
The index was designed to analyse the national reality of youth development and to provide policymakers with accurate insights. It focused on key areas such as education, health, labour, and civic participation, assessing the extent to which youth are empowered to contribute effectively to their communities and sectors.
Thanks to the collective efforts of governmental, private, and civil institutions, Oman has made remarkable progress in supporting young people — enhancing their skills, nurturing their creativity, and expanding their participation in national development. The results are clear: Oman advanced from the 52nd position in 2020 to 33rd globally in the 2024 edition of the index.
This progress reflects both the youth’s active engagement in achieving national goals and the state’s commitment to equipping them with the necessary tools and resources. It is evident in their growing involvement in education, innovation hubs, and creative incubators that help transform ideas into practical projects across multiple sectors.
However, because youth are inherently dynamic and evolving, the environments that support them must evolve as well. Updating institutional frameworks and creating specialised units to foster their ambitions has become an urgent necessity. Strengthening their participation in the economic, social, and civic spheres is a cornerstone of inclusive and sustainable development.
Today’s youth view global changes not as threats but as opportunities. Technological and economic transformations, for instance, have inspired many to launch small and medium enterprises, particularly in emerging industries such as cultural production, sports, and knowledge-based innovation — all of which rely heavily on human capital.
Developing a comprehensive national youth policy is therefore a pressing priority. Despite the extensive work done in education, training, and entrepreneurship, there remains a need to consolidate these efforts within a unified national strategy — one that leverages rapid global shifts while deepening the values of citizenship, responsibility, and social cohesion.
Accelerating work on the national youth strategy is essential not only to advance this vital sector but also to identify opportunities and challenges, assess policies and legislation, and propose solutions that reflect young people’s aspirations. Analysing existing frameworks in employment, innovation, and entrepreneurship will help ensure that reforms remain aligned with national priorities.
Youth development policies are fundamental to long-term planning. They enhance awareness, build capacities, and enable societies to adapt to the complex realities of modern civilisation. Oman’s approach to Vision 2040 — particularly its inclusion of young people, even school students, in shaping the vision — was pioneering in participatory policy-making. It gave youth a sense of ownership and ensured that the vision reflected their hopes and ambitions.
As such, their participation in shaping youth-specific policies is equally vital. It enables them to identify creative opportunities, articulate the support they need, and contribute meaningfully to national progress. This participatory approach reinforces principles of justice, equality, and trust, fostering a positive sense of citizenship rooted in collaboration and shared responsibility.
As we celebrate Omani Youth Day, we look forward to continued collective efforts that strengthen their capabilities and open new horizons for their ambitions. With integrated national policies and enabling environments, young Omanis will remain the architects of a bright and prosperous future.
Translated by Badr al Dhafari
The original version of this article was published in Oman Arabic newspaper on October 26, 2025.
Aisha al Darmaki
The writer is a researcher specialising in semiotics and a member of the State Council
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