03-08-2025
MTCIT launches gaming development camp to build digital skills
Muscat – Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology launched a video game development training camp to equip young jobseekers with skills in one of the world's fastest-growing digital sectors on Sunday.
The initiative, launched in partnership with Al Nahda Training Institute and Unity – a global leading platform to create games and interactive experiences – is part of the ministry's Makeen programme to support national digital capabilities.
Held at Al Araimi Boulevard in Seeb, the event was inaugurated under the patronage of H E Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology.
The camp will train 50 Omanis across two tracks – game programming and animation design – over 24 weeks. Participants will receive both theoretical instruction and hands-on training under the supervision of local and international experts.
Jalila bint Abdullah al Fanna al Araimi, Director of the ministry's Future Skills Development Department, said the programme is designed to prepare youth for the global gaming market.
'The initiative aims to empower jobseekers with a talent for game development by offering practical experience within technology incubators and the opportunity to work on original digital projects,' she said.
She added that the collaboration with Unity marks the first such partnership in the sultanate. 'Unity's technologies power over 50 percent of digital games worldwide. This partnership will help transfer global expertise to Oman,' she said.
The programme is also expected to support the establishment of digital startups in Oman's gaming sector.
Sheikh Humaid bin Juma al Shamsi, Member of the Majlis A'Shura and Chairman of the Board of Al Nahda Training Institute, said the gaming industry is evolving into a complex knowledge-based economy.
'This unique initiative is part of wider efforts to empower Omani youth with digital skills, which have become a key pillar of modern economies,' he said. 'The video game industry today combines programming, design, artificial intelligence and creativity. This camp offers a practical platform to prepare youth for this global sector.'
The Makeen programme is part of Oman's broader digital transformation strategy under Vision 2040, aimed at positioning the sultanate as a regional hub for innovation and emerging technologies.
