As economies become increasingly knowledge-based and technology-driven, higher education is playing a growing role in supporting workforce readiness, innovation and long-term competitiveness. In Oman, these trends are closely linked to Oman Vision 2040 and the country’s ambitions to diversify economic activity, strengthen human capital and expand participation in future-oriented sectors.Produced…
Interview: Saeed Hamad Al Rubaie Which strategies can Oman’s higher education institutions adopt to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students? SAEED HAMAD AL RUBAIE: Higher education institutions must continuously evolve to meet the needs of an increasingly dynamic economy. The emphasis that Oman Vision 2040 places on economic diversification calls for an education system that nurtures…
Oman’s government has long been working to decrease the skills gap between basic and higher education and the labour market, which still persists. Across the MENA region, recent graduates encounter market entry dynamics that reflect evolving workforce requirements and a diverse talent pool that includes experienced international professionals. UNICEF Oman estimates that around 20% of youths in the…
In a bid to expand access, education is increasingly exploring the possibilities of the metaverse and extended-reality (XR) approaches. The former comprises a range of technologies that immerse users in a virtual environment. It denotes a 3D medium that combines virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) into a new digital realm, sometimes known as XR. These environments are accessed through VR…
There has been a significant transformation in Oman’s education and health sectors in recent decades, supported by long-term development strategies and actionable mid-term plans. The government has experienced success in closing the labour market skills gap and encouraging the Omanisation of the workforce. Key indicators, such as literacy and life expectancy rates, have risen considerably in recent…
Oman’s education and health sectors have undergone significant transformation in recent decades, driven by long-term development strategies and effective mid-term plans. The government has made progress in addressing the labour market skills gap through the promotion of the Omanisation of the workforce. Key indicators, such as literacy and life expectancy rates, have improved due to increased investment…
Oman is actively diversifying its economy as part of its Oman Vision 2040 strategy, reducing its reliance on hydrocarbons by expanding sectors like agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and banking. The government’s focus on sustainable development is driving growth, particularly through strategic reforms, infrastructure projects and investment in renewable energy...
Interview: Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi In what ways can the private sector further contribute to research and development (R&D) output? RAHMA BINT IBRAHIM AL MAHROOQI: The private sector can contribute to R&D through energy-related activities. In this sense, the EJAAD platform, a virtual collaborative programme, has around 40 partners who produce R&D action plans that align industry…
Education, health and other social services are central to Oman Vision 2040, the country’s long-term development framework that aims to create a knowledge-driven, diversified and competitive economy. Indeed, the authorities are working to shift a portion of the local workforce to the private sector, as well as enhance the role of private entities in the provision of both heath care and insurance…
To boost local production of pharmaceutical goods and medical devices, Oman unveiled plans in 2020 to establish new pharmaceutical factories that would help ease reliance on imports, increase national output, and diversify the economy and export revenue. There were five local companies producing medicines and medical equipment when the plans were announced; Oman is seeking to develop five additional…
