Muscat – As the world marks World Youth Skills Day on July 15, young Omanis are increasingly prioritising future-ready skills over traditional qualifications, reflecting a growing awareness that success in tomorrow’s labour market will depend on innovation, digital expertise and entrepreneurship.

From artificial intelligence and data analysis to leadership and business development, Oman’s youth are embracing lifelong learning to prepare for careers in an economy undergoing rapid transformation under Oman Vision 2040.

Innovation experts say the shift marks a significant change in mindset, with many young people seeking to become entrepreneurs, researchers and technology innovators rather than relying solely on conventional employment.

Omani inventor Ali Salim Al Busaidi believes the country’s youth possess the creativity and determination needed to drive economic diversification but require stronger support to transform ideas into successful businesses.

“The idea alone is not enough,” he said. “Young innovators need to learn how to convert ideas into marketable products by developing prototypes, understanding customer needs, attracting investment and building strategic partnerships.”

He stressed that innovation should be measured not only by generating new ideas but by creating practical solutions that deliver economic and social value.

Artificial intelligence researcher Malak bint Majid Al Ameri of Sultan Qaboos University said interest among young Omanis in AI and emerging technologies has grown rapidly in recent years.

She noted that increasing numbers of students are enrolling in specialised digital courses, online learning programmes and AI research projects, recognising that future careers will require advanced technical and analytical skills.

“The labour market is evolving at an unprecedented pace,” she said. “Competitiveness today depends on analytical thinking, digital literacy, data skills and the ability to work with emerging technologies.”

For Ola bint Mohammed Al Mutawa, a satellite operations engineer at Oman Lens, continuous learning has been the key to building a career in the rapidly advancing space sector.

She said self-learning, scientific research and practical application enabled her to develop the expertise needed to work in one of the world’s fastest-growing scientific fields.

Experts say these changing attitudes demonstrate that Omani youth increasingly view themselves as contributors to innovation and national development rather than simply job seekers.

Supporting this transition, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth has expanded programmes aimed at equipping young Omanis with future-ready capabilities.

Hilal bin Saif Al Siyabi, Director General of Youth at the ministry, said national initiatives are helping prepare young people with leadership qualities, practical experience and workplace skills aligned with future labour market demands.

Among the ministry’s flagship initiatives is the Mostaed Programme, launched in 2022. More than 2,700 young Omanis have participated in experiential training covering leadership, life skills and employability. Ministry assessments show that 90% of participants reported improvements in their practical and personal skills, while the programme recorded an overall impact rate of 80%.

The ministry has also expanded the Youth Ambassadors Programme, which prepares young Omanis to represent the sultanate internationally through diplomatic training, leadership development and Model United Nations simulations. Four graduates recently represented Oman at the United Nations Economic and Social Council Youth Forum in New York.

Another key initiative is the Youth and Future Skills Project, which identifies emerging occupations and equips young Omanis with the competencies required in sectors expected to lead economic growth in the coming decades.

Complementing these efforts, the Youth Centre works with government entities and private-sector partners to identify future workforce requirements based on labour market trends and international competitiveness indicators.