MUSCAT: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth celebrated the conclusion of the fourth edition of the 'Mustad' youth camp in the presence of Mohsin bin Hamad al Hadhrami, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, representatives from the private sector, youth development specialists and participating Omani youth.
The 'Mustad' camp aims not only at training, but also at building a conscious and qualified generation ready to enter the labour market, equipped with knowledge, initiative and strong work ethics. 'Mustad' embodies a generation that embraces challenges rather than waits, reflects the national framework for future skills, and contributes to achieving the 'Human and Society' pillar of Oman Vision 2040.
Eng Mohammed bin Ali al Aghbari, Director of External Affairs, Government Relations and Communications at Petroleum Development Oman Company (PDO), stated during the closing ceremony that youth empowerment programmes reflect Oman’s national vision by placing youth at the centre of development. He noted that the company has made youth empowerment a core part of its strategy, with employees under the age of 35 representing more than 50 per cent of its workforce. The company has also provided training and employment opportunities to over 17,000 Omani youth through its major oil and gas projects.
He added that supporting the 'Mustad' camp, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and Outward Bound Oman, underscores the company’s commitment to developing youth skills and preparing them for a promising future, emphasising the importance of such initiatives in achieving national development goals.
Shorouq al Hinai, a participant in the fourth edition of 'Mustad', described the camp as a transformative experience that positively impacted her life. She explained that she learned wilderness survival skills, how to set up a tent and how to use resources efficiently during the programme. She added that the experience helped her become more self-reliant, boosted her confidence, enhanced her communication skills and allowed her to connect with a new group of participants, making the challenge more manageable and rewarding.
Mohammed al Amri, another participant, stated that the camp significantly enhanced both his personal and professional skills. He noted that 'Mustad' helped him discover new aspects of himself, increase his self-confidence, and foster initiative and responsibility. On the professional side, he developed teamwork, communication, decision-making under pressure, leadership and critical thinking skills. He emphasised that the experience was highly enriching, leaving him with greater maturity, awareness and a clearer vision for his future.
Amjad al Zaidi, a participant in the 2023 edition, added that the camp helped him develop his skills and confidence, particularly through his first experience away from home and mobile phones. He mentioned that he went on to establish his own company, join another as an administrative member, publish several articles, and that the programme played a key role in securing his current position as a marketer at one of Muscat’s leading companies.
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