Salalah – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik chaired a Council of Ministers meeting at Al Mamoura Palace in Salalah on Tuesday, reviewing local, regional and international developments.
The council examined the outcomes of the 10th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and discussed the objectives of the 11th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). His Majesty praised the efforts of state institutions and the private sector in implementing development programmes, strengthening the sultanate’s economic performance and enhancing social progress. He emphasised the importance of maintaining these achievements, improving national competitiveness and leveraging past experiences to achieve the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
His Majesty the Sultan directed concerted efforts to achieve higher economic growth, expand the national economy, diversify income sources, and address challenges in employment and training initiatives.
His Majesty underscored the importance of joining hands for achievement of the targets of the upcoming development plan and to maintain the drive to achieve higher growth rates, develop appropriate mechanisms to boost the national economy, expand its structure, diversify sources of income and find suitable solutions to address the challenges posed to implementation of employment and training initiatives and programmes, with special emphasis on generating new employment opportunities in all sectors.
The council reviewed the preliminary results of the 2025 State General Budget, noting a GDP growth of 3.4% driven by non-oil sectors, while also reviewing the draft 2026 budget, which will be the first year of the 11th development plan.
His Majesty the Sultan directed the authorities concerned to keep achieving sustainable development goals, supporting economic stability and achieving efficiency in spending within a balanced and sustainable framework.
The council also reviewed the Government Digital Transformation Programme (2021-2025), which saw the launch of the National Services Portal, issuance of the Government Digital Transformation Regulation, digitisation of 74% of government services and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) projects. The initiatives helped Oman achieve 45th rank globally and fifth in the Middle East and North Africa in the AI Readiness Index.
Regarding employment, His Majesty directed doubling support for job creation programmes in the private sector, notably the Wage Support Initiative, so that the sum allocated would stand at RO100mn.
Emphasis was laid on developing the National Employment Platform ‘Tawteen’ and devising a suitable mechanism to increase the number of registered companies and link the platform with relevant databases to help use the data it provides in finding jobs for citizens.
The council also reviewed government performance evaluations and the National Platform for Suggestions, Complaints and Reports (Tajawob), underlining the need to address citizen feedback promptly and ensure accountability.
His Majesty affirmed that, since the beginning of the year, he has approved a mechanism for holding all departments accountable and responsible according to their annual performance results.
In support of persons with disabilities, His Majesty the Sultan gave directives for establishment of a new office, at the level of a ministry undersecretary in the Ministry of Social Development.
The new entity will oversee this sector, accord appropriate attention to its affairs, address the challenges of the sector and ensure the empowerment of persons with disabilities and their integration in a more efficient manner that enhances their role in building society and facilitating their education.
The council approved the One Government Team initiative, which will be implemented by Royal Academy of Management, to foster teamwork and collective contribution to Oman’s development for all employees of civil units of the State Administrative Apparatus. In this context, His Majesty stressed the importance of working as one team to elevate the nation to the status it deserves. “This can only be achieved when each one of us has faith in the importance of the impact his/her daily work on his/her society and his/her country”.
The success of the 2025 Dhofar Khareef season and its role in promoting tourism was also recognised.
On regional and international matters, the council reaffirmed Oman’s firm stance on maintaining peace and security, expressed full solidarity with Qatar following the recent aggression and reiterated its position on the Palestinian issue, condemning violence against civilians and supporting a two-state solution.
The council also highlighted the importance of translating agreements from international visits and summits into tangible programmes that support the sultanate’s development goals.
Key Highlights
GDP growth of 3.4% in 2025, driven by non-oil sectors
74% of government services digitised
Employment support increased to RO100mn
Dedicated office for persons with disabilities established under Ministry of Social Development
One Government Team initiative launched to foster collaboration across civil service
Success of 2025 Dhofar Khareef recognised for tourism promotion
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