The World Economic Forum expects 39 per cent of today’s job skills to change by 2030. As careers evolve, Duqm Now examines what organizations look for when selecting their next managers.
Promotion rarely arrives because someone has stayed in the same job long enough. More often, it follows a period when colleagues begin relying on that person to solve problems, organize work or make decisions that affect others. Many businesses find that transition difficult. Technical expertise helps someone establish a career but managing colleagues requires different strengths. The best engineer, accountant or logistics specialist will not automatically become the best manager. Some experienced professionals also find they have become indispensable in their current role without being considered for the next one.
The next Duqm Now discussion will take place 7.30pm, Wednesday, August 19, at Crowne Plaza Duqm. Talal Al Shahri, Director, Specialized Radio Stations at the Ministry of Information will moderate the event. The panel will bring together Aisha Al Balushi, Environmental Officer at ASYAD Container Terminal; Mohammed Al Farsi, Head of Food and Fisheries in SEZAD’s Industrial Clusters Department; and Maryam Al Rawahi, HSSE Technical Expert at OQ8.
Designed for mid-career professionals, the evening event will examine a stage of working life that receives surprisingly little attention. Employers devote considerable attention to graduate recruitment and executive leadership attracts extensive commentary. Far less is said about the years when professionals first supervise projects, influence colleagues and prepare for management.
The discussion comes as more Omanis establish careers in the private sector. Their number reached 441,737 in June 2026 a 8.6 per cent jump on the previous year. Employment among Omani technicians increased 6.4 per cent while the number of Omani specialists is up 3 per cent. Behind those numbers are thousands of professionals reaching a stage when career progression depends on more than technical knowledge. Employers also need people who can take broader responsibility and guide colleagues through changing ways of working.
Promotion often depends on qualities that do not appear in a job description. Senior managers notice people who remain dependable when priorities change and accept responsibility before being asked. Those qualities often become apparent long before a management vacancy arises. Drawing on experience from logistics, economic development and petrochemicals, Aisha Al Balushi, Mohammed Al Farsi and Maryam Al Rawahi will discuss the decisions that shaped their careers, the opportunities they nearly missed and how organizations decide whether someone is ready to lead others.
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