Muscat – In an effort to empower young Omanis with skills suited to the sultanate’s economic priorities, the Youth Centre has launched a set of targeted national programmes across all governorates in partnership with Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development.

Focusing on citizens aged 15 to 34, the initiative is designed to foster entrepreneurship and build sector-specific capabilities in agriculture, maritime industries, logistics, technology and traditional crafts. The rollout of these programmes reflects the government’s aim to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs who are aligned with Oman Vision 2040.

Each governorate hosts programmes tailored to its local context. In agriculturally rich areas, the Agricultural Entrepreneurship Programme trains youth in modern farming techniques, agribusiness models and investment opportunities within the sector. Similarly, the Maritime Entrepreneurship Programme is being deployed in coastal governorates to encourage business ventures that tap into Oman’s strategic maritime assets.

In the logistics field, young participants are being introduced to key elements of supply chain operations, warehousing and e-commerce under the Logistics Entrepreneurship Programme. It also highlights the growing role of Oman as a regional logistics hub.

The Entrepreneurial Technology Programme is equipping youth with the tools to convert digital skills into tech-based enterprises, covering aspects such as innovation, coding and scalability of tech solutions.

The Crafts Leadership Programme focuses on helping youth in creative fields build sustainable businesses that preserve Oman’s cultural heritage. Participants are trained in branding, commercial viability and market alignment.

To cultivate early awareness of self-employment, a separate programme has been launched in cooperation with Ministry of Education for school students aged 15 to 17. It promotes entrepreneurship and independent thinking at a formative stage.

In response to growing market demand, a Design and Packaging Programme has also been introduced. It trains youth in product design, branding and packaging based on current consumer trends and export requirements.