
Oman: What are government jobs really for?
It's an image many dream of: job security, work-life balance, and time to enjoy life with family and friends. But the post also made me pause. In a country where the government remains the largest employer and carries the weight of national development, can we afford to see public sector jobs primarily as a path to comfort and early afternoons?
This isn't about blaming the young man. He's doing what thousands of others do—and he's grateful for it. But it raises a bigger question that Oman can no longer avoid: What do we expect from government work? And what does the country need from it, now and in the years ahead?
For decades, getting a government job has been a major milestone for many Omani families. It meant stability, a reliable salary, and respectable working hours. These jobs helped create a middle class and supported livelihoods across the Sultanate. But today, things are different.
Oman is pushing forward with Vision 2040. We are diversifying our economy, investing in clean energy, logistics, industry, and digital transformation. We are reforming our finances, reducing reliance on oil, and trying to create a private sector that can compete globally. That future needs a different kind of workforce—one that delivers value, not just attendance.
Here's the truth: public sector salaries and operating costs still make up the largest part of government spending. But how much of that cost is truly productive? If large parts of the public workforce are underutilised, unchallenged, or working within outdated systems, the country carries not just a financial burden—but an opportunity cost. We miss out on what these people could be contributing.
Meanwhile, the private sector is working harder. It's more competitive, more demanding, and in many ways, more aligned with the new economy. Yet we still see many young graduates avoiding it—not because they lack skills, but because the public sector still offers an easier, more predictable path.
That mismatch creates problems. Talented Omanis are not joining the sectors that need them most—like logistics, technology, industry, or renewable energy. Our labour market becomes distorted. And our economy slows down.
This is why we need to think differently about public jobs. They shouldn't be seen as a reward for showing up—they should be about public value. Government jobs should inspire innovation, solve problems, and improve how we serve citizens and businesses.
This doesn't mean stripping away job security or increasing stress. It means bringing purpose back into the role. It means linking performance to recognition, encouraging people to learn, grow, and make a difference. It means celebrating those who move the country forward—not just those who clock in and clock out.
A civil servant in today's Oman isn't just managing files or attending meetings. They're part of a national strategy. They help deliver policies, reform services, attract investment, support communities, and lead change. That's a responsibility worth taking seriously—and worth being proud of.
If we continue treating government jobs as the safest and most comfortable option, we will struggle to build a future-ready economy. But if we treat them as a platform for contribution, for purpose, for real national service—then we will have a workforce that matches our ambitions.
So yes, the lunch at home, the midday rest, and the evening adventures sound lovely. But I believe Oman's young men and women want more. They want to matter. They want their work to count. Let's give them a public sector that challenges them to do exactly that.
2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank mobilises $4.63bn in sustainable finance, leads region in green sukuk
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) announced it has mobilised AED17bn ($4.63bn) in sustainable finance by the end of 2024, marking major progress toward its AED60bn ($16.3bn) commitment by 2030. The milestone was detailed in the bank's newly released 2024 Sustainability Report, which outlines ADIB's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) progress in line with the UAE Net Zero 2050 and UAE 2031 national strategies. ADIB became the first Islamic bank in the region to publish sector-specific financed emissions targets, focusing on six high-emission sectors including real estate, utilities, and home finance. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank These interim 2030 targets align with IEA Net Zero scenarios and the UAE's national decarbonisation goals. The report also showcases ADIB's: Double materiality assessment aligned with European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) First Green Sukuk allocation and impact report for its $500m green issuance Allocation of 90 per cent of Green Sukuk proceeds toward renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable water infrastructure, resulting in 607,000 tonnes of avoided annual emissions Mohamed Abdelbary, Group Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, said: 'Putting sustainability at the heart of what we do is one of the three key pillars of our 2035 vision. We're proud of the progress we're making, and how we're using our financing to contribute to the transition of our customers and the economy. 'Our latest sustainability disclosures reflect our steadfast commitment to ethical, inclusive, and climate-aligned banking. From leading the region in green sukuk to setting the benchmark on sectoral decarbonisation, we are taking decisive steps toward a low-carbon future'. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank reported an 87 per cent reduction in Scope 1 emissions and a 3.51 per cent drop in Scope 2 emissions compared to 2022. These gains are attributed to continued investments in energy efficiency, electrification, and operational optimisation. The bank's double materiality approach ensures that it evaluates not only how sustainability affects business performance but also how ADIB's operations impact people, planet, and economy—in line with global best practice for corporate sustainability disclosures. Beyond environmental goals, ADIB strengthened its social impact commitments:


Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE Central Bank fines exchange houses $1.12m for anti-money laundering violations
The Central Bank of the UAE has imposed financial penalties totalling AED4.1m ($1.12m) on three exchange houses for failing to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) regulations. The sanctions, issued under Article (14) of Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018, follow detailed examinations by the Central Bank, which found significant compliance shortcomings. These included deficiencies in implementing adequate AML/CFT procedures and policies intended to detect and prevent illicit financial activity. CBUAE fines The action is part of the CBUAE's broader mandate to supervise and regulate financial institutions across the United Arab Emirates, ensuring they operate in accordance with local laws and the highest international standards. By holding exchange houses accountable, the Central Bank aims to maintain transparency, financial stability, and compliance with global AML/CFT frameworks.


Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Former NBA star Dzanan Musa joins Dubai Basketball
Dzanan Musa, one of Europe's most sought-after shooting guards, joins Dubai Basketball on a three-year deal starting with the 2025/26 season. The two-time EuroLeague champion will join the Dubai side directly from a title-winning campaign with one of the world's most celebrated teams – Real Madrid. The 26-year-old Bosnian has created a name for himself with a brief stint in the NBA followed by his immediate ascent in the EuroLeague. Speaking on his transfer to Dubai that will see him on the team until 2028, Musa commented, 'Joining Dubai Basketball is an incredible opportunity and a challenge I'm fully prepared to take on. Coming off a championship season in Spain, I feel confident in what I can bring to the court, and I'm excited to help this team create history in both the EuroLeague and ABA League. 'It's been an amazing journey to reach this stage of my career. Now being here in Dubai ready to write a new chapter, it's truly special. I'm looking forward to supporting the growing basketball community here, connecting with our fans, and making them proud. I'm committed to doing whatever it takes to help this team grow and leave a lasting legacy in this city." Before returning to Europe, Musa spent two seasons in the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets, who selected him 29th overall in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft. During his time in the United States, he appeared in 49 NBA games, gaining playing time alongside All-Star teammates including NBA stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Musa also excelled in the NBA G League, where he averaged 19.5 points per game with the Long Island Nets, underlining his offensive potential.