According to Times of Oman, in its July 2026 report, Oman youth skills remain a national priority as the Sultanate prepares to mark World Youth Skills Day with initiatives focused on empowering future generations. The programmes reinforce Oman Vision 2040 by strengthening youth skills, innovation, and workforce development while preparing young people for future labour market demands.
Oman Youth Skills prepare future careers through training
This year’s World Youth Skills Day is being observed under the theme “Skills for a Shared Future.” The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth continues to expand programmes that help young Omanis build practical, leadership, and future-ready skills.
Hilal bin Saif Al Siyabi, Director General of Youth at the ministry, said these initiatives prepare national talent to contribute to development and innovation. He noted that the programmes also help young people respond to changing labour market requirements and technological progress.
The Mustaid programme remains one of the ministry’s flagship initiatives. Since its launch in 2022, it has reached more than 2,700 participants, while 90% said the programme improved their practical or personal skills. The initiative also recorded an average impact rate of 80%.
National programmes build leadership and innovation
The Youth Ambassadors project continues to develop leadership and diplomatic skills through specialised training, United Nations simulation sessions, and meetings with diplomatic leaders. Four graduates have also participated in the UN Economic and Social Council’s Global Youth Forum in New York.
Youth initiatives also encourage entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and innovation while helping participants develop practical solutions for community challenges. These programmes support Oman youth skills by strengthening confidence, responsibility, and long-term career readiness.
The ministry recently launched the Youth and Future Skills project to identify future workforce needs and prepare young people for emerging careers across priority sectors.
Partnerships strengthen Oman Youth Skills
The Youth Centre continues to work with public and private sector partners to design programmes based on future labour market needs. According to Is’haq bin Saud Al Manji, Director of Relations and Partnerships, the centre also uses international benchmarks, including the Global Youth Development Index and the Global Innovation Index, to monitor skills gaps and measure programme impact.
These partnerships help ensure training remains aligned with Oman Vision 2040 while improving young people’s competitiveness across innovation-driven industries. As a result, Oman youth skills continue to develop through programmes that combine practical learning with future workforce planning.
Innovation and AI shape youth ambitions
Experts from academia, technology, and entrepreneurship highlighted the growing interest among Omani youth in artificial intelligence, research, and innovation. Ola Mohammed Al Mutawa of Oman Lens said continuous learning helps young people identify their strengths and prepare for careers in advanced scientific fields.
Entrepreneur Ali bin Salim Al Busaidi said innovation enables young people to transform ideas into practical businesses, while AI researcher Malak Majid Al Amri noted that more students are exploring artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and research to prepare for future careers. Together, these initiatives reinforce Oman youth skills by supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, scientific research, and a knowledge-based economy under Oman Vision 2040.
