Human resource development is the cornerstone and foundation of development in the Sultanate of Oman. Over the past decades, the Omani government has consistently emphasised the importance of nurturing and enhancing human resources as the primary pillar of community development, which in turn impacts economic and social development. This emphasis is reflected in the continuous attention of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik (may God protect him), who consistently underscores the importance of developing national competencies and preparing them. The vision for the future, Oman Vision 2040, relies heavily on human resources.

Continuing His Majesty's concern for developing national competencies, the Council of Ministers has approved the enhancement of the external scholarship programme for the years 2023–2027. This initiative introduces a new programme aimed at preparing graduates capable of taking on leadership roles in various economic sectors. It includes 150 scholarships over five years, starting this year, with a total cost of OMR 36 million.

In alignment with His Majesty Sultan Haitham's commitment to developing human resources in both the public and private sectors and in accordance with the requirements of Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to prepare and train Omani cadres to enhance the Omani economy and equip it with empowered leaders and national competencies, the establishment of the Royal Academy of Manegment was announced. According to the Royal Decree No. 2/2022, this academy aims to build an innovative administrative body that shapes the future and generates opportunities, focusing on developing and empowering national leaders at various administrative levels using modern management methodologies.

In line with the importance of qualifying competencies, the Ministry of Labor launched the National System for Capacity Building and Talent Management project in 2021, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the nation’s youth and opening broad horizons to improve work quality and achieve the satisfaction of citizens and residents.

This national project is part of the Ministry of Labor’s focus on building the capacities of employees, entrepreneurs, job seekers, and talented individuals. It aims to provide an environment suited to their talents and capabilities and contribute to the continuity and sustainability of the developmental roles undertaken by the institution. This will be achieved through offering effective developmental and training programs that provide real and tangible benefits to targeted groups including employees in both the public and private sectors, job seekers, and talented individuals. These programs will enable them to understand and refine their skills and capabilities, thereby positively impacting their current and future performance, as they are the outputs whose effects extend into the future.

The idea for the system stemmed from the Ministry of Labor’s vision to implement a range of strategic programs as part of the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), which aligns with the national strategic direction aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable education, scientific research that fosters a knowledgeable society, and competitive national capabilities. Building and developing national capacities and talents and empowering them are fundamental drivers of human development and key pillars for enhancing human resource characteristics, improving professional efficiency and productivity, and advancing work performance, in line with Oman Vision 2040 and aiming to position the Sultanate of Oman among the advanced countries.

The objectives of the project are:

  • Establishing a unified national system for the development and enhancement of dynamic and competitive national competencies with skills that meet local and global standards.
  • Governing the various efforts of entities that provide programs related to building national competencies and capabilities.
  • Reducing the gap between educational and training outputs and labor market requirements.
  • Enhancing human capital with abilities, competencies, and skills to support the national economy.
  • Establishing a comprehensive informational infrastructure that includes all categories of talented individuals, current national capabilities, and the future skills and competencies required according to Oman Vision 2040.
  • Establishing clear standards and mechanisms for career and leadership paths.
  • Enhancing the global competitiveness index of the Sultanate of Oman in terms of developing national capabilities and skills.
  • Enhancing readiness to keep pace with future industrial revolutions.

In an effort to build digital competencies and capabilities, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology launched the National Digital Competencies Initiative (Makeen) in September 2022. This initiative is part of the executive program for the digital industry within the National Digital Economy Program. Makeen focuses on equipping Omani youth with the most in-demand digital skills in the labor market. The initiative also aims to provide income-generating opportunities for Omani youth in the digital sector by 2025, as part of the ministry’s targets in the Tenth Five-Year Plan.

Makeen works in partnership with a range of leading local and international educational and training institutions in the field of communications and information technology. The initiative, in collaboration with leading companies and institutions in the sector, aims to train 10,000 Omanis in digital skills by 2025. This will contribute to providing the labor market with national competencies that match the rapidly evolving business environment and the increasing demand for technical expertise.