MUSCAT, NOV 4
The Youth Centre recently concluded a series of inspiring dialogue sessions in Suhar that reshape the future of the youth under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth.
The sessions, held at Sohar Fort, brought together young leaders and innovators to share experiences and discuss the evolving role of youth in shaping Oman’s future.
The forums explored key themes under the titles 'From Hobby to Professionalism', 'Youth Entrepreneurship... From Idea to Impact' and 'Youth Energy Towards Independent Work'. Each session shed light on the growing influence of Omani youth in sports, entrepreneurship and creative industries.
During the session on independent work, Redha al Ajmi, founder of Fotaj Creative Labs, emphasised that freelancing offers one of the best spaces for turning ideas into productive sources that contribute to the local economy. “Independent work enhances individual stability and, in turn, family stability, the foundation of society,” he said. However, Al Ajmi pointed out key challenges, including misconceptions about freelancing, the lack of long-term vision, slow administrative procedures, and the need for clearer financial plans and funding structures.
Fatma al Matoua, CEO of Clay World, highlighted that freelancing enables youth to acquire modern skills, diversify income sources and enjoy flexible work-life balance.
She noted that young freelancers face challenges such as limited guidance, time management issues, unstable income and insufficient market knowledge. “Young people need supportive environments and training programmes to help them manage their projects efficiently,” she said.
In the sports dialogue, diver Omar al Ghailani had discussed the journey from passion to professionalism, stressing that continuous training, self-belief and supportive environments are crucial for athletes aiming to compete globally.
The creative industries session showcased the transformative power of youth in cinema and digital content. Film-maker Mustafa al Lawati and content creator Hamad al Kalbani spoke about storytelling as a tool for cultural expression, while Mohammed bin Abdullah al Ajmi, Chairman of the Oman Film Society, praised young creators for their ability to turn local stories into global works that align with Oman Vision 2040.
The sessions concluded with a call to empower young Omanis through innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity, reaffirming that their energy remains the driving force behind the nation’s progress.
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