MUSCAT: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MoEM) continues to advance the “Majd” programme, one of its key strategic initiatives aimed at boosting local content and diversifying the national economy. The programme enhances SME participation, supports local products and strengthens national expertise in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
By the end of the first quarter of 2025, the local content rate had risen to 30.3 per cent, while SME procurement in the energy and minerals sector reached 16.3 per cent, demonstrating growing integration of local suppliers and contractors into sectoral operations.
Dr Ali bin Salem al Rajhi, Director General of the Planning Department at MoEM, described the Majd programme as “a cornerstone in the Ministry’s efforts to maximise in-country value”. He revealed that local content labs have so far produced 13 investment opportunities, including the establishment of an oil and gas pipeline manufacturing plant and a marble waste recycling facility for precipitated calcium carbonate production.
He said work is progressing on a local content certification system that will give preferential status to national companies in government tenders based on their contribution to the economy. The Ministry has also launched a Mandatory List of 38 locally made products and 63 services required in tenders, designed to encourage investment and create job opportunities for Omanis.
In partnership with the Industrial Innovation Academy, the Ministry has supported the establishment of a RO 10 million mortar factory in Sohar using local clay resources.
Dr Al Rajhi noted that the Ministry is committed to developing national talent, with 1.2 per cent of oil and gas contracts allocated to the Employment and Training Support Centre at the Ministry of Labour. Contributions from 2024 reached RO 30.9 million, directed towards training Omani professionals to international standards.
He added that Omanisation in oil and gas operating companies has reached 93 per cent and efforts are underway to introduce a similar strategy in the minerals sector to generate more employment in mining and related industries.
“These initiatives show the Ministry’s commitment to turning challenges into opportunities and empowering local enterprises within national supply chains”, Al Rajhi said. “They align with Oman Vision 2040 objectives of building a competitive, resilient and sustainable energy and minerals sector that supports long-term economic growth and quality employment”. — ONA
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