Omani public and private institutions are seeking to benefit from the administrative, industrial, service, and technical capabilities available in the Duqm Special Economic Zone (SEZAD) by utilising them for the training in these important fields. In the coming days, a new summer training programme will be launched jointly by SEZAD and Sultan Qaboos University, with the participation of 18 male and female students from various academic disciplines. This initiative aims to enhance the readiness of national talent and align educational outcomes with the requirements of the labour market in promising economic and industrial sectors.
There is no doubt that utilising national talent in future projects is not merely about providing employment opportunities for citizens, rather it aims to build an integrated system in which Omani professionals become key partners in planning, implementation, and innovation. Such initiatives can contribute to several important objectives, including aligning education with the needs of future projects. This would enable government entities and companies to access qualified professionals when implementing new projects, while also linking job seekers directly to available opportunities.
Furthermore, this approach would connect employment policies with national development plans by establishing specific quotas for the employment of Omani citizens in major projects.
Such cooperation would encourage investment in continuous training programmes and the provision of specialised training before the commencement of major projects. It would also facilitate sending Omani professionals to leading international centers to acquire advanced expertise and encourage them to obtain internationally recognised professional certifications.
This collaboration could further result in the establishment of business incubators and accelerators for innovators and entrepreneurs. It would also make use of Omani expertise abroad by creating networks that connect with Omani professionals working in international institutions and attracting them to contribute to strategic projects.
The presence of this group of university students within major institutions operating in Duqm will strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors, help identify future skill requirements, encourage companies to adopt cooperative training programmes for students and graduates, and develop early employment initiatives in promising sectors.
In line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, significant opportunities are emerging for Omani professionals and graduates across a range of sectors, including renewable energy, green hydrogen, manufacturing industries, tourism, and logistics services. Additional opportunities exist in the digital economy and advanced technologies, as well as in mining and mineral resources, food security, and fisheries.
It is widely expected that this cooperation will yield positive results if national talent is properly utilised. Such outcomes would include the creation of more employment opportunities for Omani professionals, increased productivity and innovation, reduced dependence on foreign expertise in certain sectors, enhanced value added to national projects, and greater economic and social stability in the long term. Ultimately, this collaboration will help prepare Omani citizens to lead, manage, and develop future projects, and ensuring the sustainability of economic development for the nation's long-term strategic objectives.
Also, it is also very important for professional associations, entrepreneurship organisations, and other relevant institutions to engage children and involve them in training programmes during the summer season and school and college holidays. This will enable them to gain knowledge of administrative, financial-saving, and technical skills that can help them organise their future lives. In this way, we can prepare them from an early stage to join the workforce in the future while already possessing valuable experience and practical skills that will benefit them in their professional careers.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
