
What are government jobs really for? Oman needs an honest conversation
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 If large parts of the public workforce are underutilised, unchallenged, or working within outdated systems, the country carries not just a financial burden—but an opportunity cost.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.

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


Muscat Daily
an hour ago
- Muscat Daily
Fanja Heritage House honours past while engaging with present
Nestled in the village of Fanja in the wilayat of Bidbid, Dakhiliyah, a historic family home has been transformed into a thriving heritage tourism project that blends Oman's cultural legacy with modern development. Known as the Fanja Heritage House, the site is now a popular exhibition and heritage inn, offering visitors a quiet retreat from urban life. It stands as an example of how heritage preservation can contribute to sustainable tourism and economic growth. The house, originally built around 40 years ago, was revived and opened to the public two years ago by photographer and entrepreneur Saif bin Nasser al Rawahi. His vision was to preserve the memory of his ancestors while supporting tourism and the local economy in Bidbid. Divided into three main areas, the site features a café serving traditional and modern cuisine, with seating arranged across the premises to allow visitors to enjoy the surroundings. The second area includes scenic walking paths, trees, animals, and access to Wadi Fanja, offering a natural extension of the heritage experience. The third section serves as a guest inn for overnight stays. Rawahi said that by May 2025, the site had welcomed over 160,000 visitors from 63 countries, highlighting both the success of Omani youth in tourism initiatives and the growing interest in authentic heritage experiences. 'The beauty of the place, and the link between nature and Omani heritage, continues to attract people from all walks of life,' he said. The heritage exhibition at the house includes three sections. One is dedicated to traditional Omani clothing, showcasing the diversity of regional attire. Another displays archaeological items made from wood, palm fronds and silver, including antique ornaments. A third section presents photographs of the Omani environment, customs and traditions, capturing the cultural essence of the sultanate. Rawahi's project has become a model for reviving heritage spaces in a way that honours the past while engaging with the present — inviting both locals and international visitors to experience a living story of Omani identity.


Observer
4 hours ago
- Observer
Omani media raises pitch on nation's potential to global audience
MUSCAT: The Omani media continues to present a distinguished image of the Sultanate of Oman to the global audience, guided by a media strategy aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. The Ministry of Information has implemented methods and programmes to strengthen Oman's international presence, including hosting international journalists, organising meetings with officials, producing documentaries and enhancing cooperation with global media institutions. These efforts serve as a mirror reflecting Oman's potential, achievements and modern advancements across political, economic, tourism, cultural and developmental fields. To expand engagement with international media entities, Oman has hosted dozens of journalists from different continents. They left with deeper impressions of a nation that combines political stability, cultural openness and economic prosperity. Hosting programmes have resulted in the production of over 937 media materials between January 2024 and June 2025, including visual and written reports, analytical articles, short films, and interactive posts on social media and prestigious media platforms. Some international outlets have even published special editions highlighting Oman's economic growth, transition towards green hydrogen, sustainable environmental policies and its balanced political stances. Sheikha Ahmed al Mahrouqi More than 18 bilateral media memoranda of understanding were either signed or finalised for signing, reflecting an expansion of media partnerships with friendly nations and reinforcing frameworks for cooperation. These efforts have also led to a 52 per cent increase in media coverage by regional and international outlets in 2024 compared to 2023 — an indicator of growing global interest in Oman due to its notable efforts and active role in promoting international peace and security, including its mediation in Iranian-American talks, as well as its dynamic economic, trade and investment activities. To showcase Oman's civilisational role and ancient history, the Ministry of Information oversaw the production of the documentary series 'House of Wonders' in three languages. Additionally, a book documenting Oman's civilisational influence in Zanzibar and East Africa was launched. Collaboration with Russia's RT channel also resulted in the production of 'The Dagger', a film that highlights the cultural and historical dimensions of Oman's global presence. The film narrates the story of a historical dagger transferred from the National Museum of Oman to Russia's Hermitage Museum. The ministry has broadened its international network, leveraging a database of over 500 regional and global media entities. It actively engages with them using advanced technological tools and has introduced digital publishing for foreign-targeted content, which has received widespread positive response. This is particularly evident in the growing global media interest in Oman's role in environmental and energy issues, especially green hydrogen, as seen during His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's visit to the Netherlands and the launch of a strategic project — the largest of its kind — for exporting green hydrogen to Europe. Sheikha bint Ahmed al Mahrouqiyah, Acting Director-General of External Media at the Ministry of Information, stated that enhancing Oman's global image requires continuous, professional and strategic engagement with international media. This approach serves as a long-term investment in the nation's reputation, reaffirming its noble stances and humanitarian message. Through this balanced approach, Omani media continues to fulfil its sincere and objective mission, drawing inspiration from national principles, future vision and the firm belief in media's pivotal role in shaping Oman's international presence. — ONA


Observer
16 hours ago
- Observer
‘Duqm-2' marks major step for Oman's space ambitions
DUQM: The second mission of a series of experimental space rocket launches, Duqm-2, has successfully concluded on Sunday without ignition of the vehicle. Stellar Kinetics' Kea-1, a two-stage guided experimental suborbital vehicle, was set to launch from Etlaq Spaceport before it was halted during the final preparations due to a technical issue with onboard actuators. Etlaq, Stellar Kinetics, and institutional partners gathered immense data leading up to the launch attempt before initiating protocols to safely unload the propellants from Kea-1 and secure the premises. Etlaq has successfully prepared and executed spaceport activities, accomplishing a number of goals and gaining critical insights across technical, operational and logistical aspects. The Duqm-2 mission supported the upskilling of Omanis in launch operations such as handling cryogenics, establishing power systems, constructing launch pad infrastructure and providing tenant services. The launch attempt marked a major operational success for Etlaq Spaceport. HH Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, CEO of Etlaq Spaceport, said: 'We achieved many objectives of the Duqm-2 mission, including planning the mission, navigating regulatory processes, designing ground infrastructure and building an integration hangar. We commend the teams, both local and international, for their disciplined decision-making in prioritising safety and system integrity. Etlaq Spaceport continues to rapidly acquire knowledge to prove itself as a capable, reliable host, and this effort further strengthens our role in building sustainable, skill-based partnerships in the global launch ecosystem.' The experimental suborbital vehicle was designed by Stellar Kinetics to prove orbital class systems such as stage separation and guidance and navigation systems, while operating in the Middle Eastern summer on unprecedented timelines. Over the course of the two-week campaign, the vehicle underwent successful payload integration, electronics testing and fuel tank filling. A spokesperson for Stellar Kinetics said: 'It has been an exciting few months working closely with the Etlaq and NASCOM teams preparing for this mission. We proved out the majority of our objectives, demonstrating how fast we can move through this complex programme with our regional partners. The National Space Programme and Civil Aviation Authority provided support throughout, allowing agility and responsiveness in the regulatory environment that is immensely valuable for a fast paced programme like the Duqm-2 mission. The spokesperson added that the Stellar Kinetics team encountered an issue with a COTS valve actuator used for various systems on the Kea vehicle. We are postponing the launch until a replacement solution is developed. While the ignition moment was missed, this mission delivers on the calendar announced in February. Over the next 4 months we anticipate a series of subsequent launches to continue on the R&D pathway. As the programme builds momentum, we expect to see a steady stream of both experimental and commercial Stellar Kinetics vehicles launching from the Etlaq Spaceport. The Kea-1 vehicle carried two tethered payloads from international partners, spanning the UK and Taiwan, for scientific research and microgravity testing. The mission offered hands-on experience and critical data that will support the next generation of aerospace talent both locally and globally. Ieuan Carney, a PhD student from the University of Surrey leading the Jovian-O team on behalf of Jupiter, said: 'Although the payload didn't get to deploy, it's something we were prepared for because we know space projects often have setback in the early stages. We're still so proud of what we've done, developing a payload and fitting it onto a rocket.' SIGHT Space founder, Kevin Chen, said: "The experience of working alongside Stellar Kinetics and Etlaq Spaceport has been invaluable for our team and the National Central University in Taiwan. We are proud to have reached this milestone and this collaboration reminds us that progress in space always comes through testing, iteration and international cooperation." Duqm-2 stands as a proud milestone for Etlaq and Oman, reflecting its growing leadership in fostering international collaboration and enabling access to space. Etlaq Spaceport remains committed to supporting the global launch community by offering secure, responsive infrastructure for testing, suborbital research and commercial demonstration. Each mission advances the capabilities and learnings that shape the future of space access. - ONA