Latest news with #MakeenInitiative
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman targets 5,380 jobs for citizens in key sectors in 2025
Muscat – Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has reported notable progress in its 2025 drive to boost employment of nationals in the transport, logistics, and information technology sectors. In the first quarter of the year, 1,450 Omanis secured jobs in the transport and logistics sector, while 236 found employment in the IT sector. The ministry is targeting a total of 4,950 jobs in transport and logistics and 430 in IT by the end of 2025. A ministry official confirmed that the 21% Omanisation target in the transport and logistics sectors was achieved in the first quarter. The ministry is also aiming to reach 10% Omanisation in technical, specialised and leadership roles in both sectors, and an overall Omanisation rate of 63%, with 41% specifically in technical and leadership positions. To meet these goals, the ministry has introduced several policies and regulations. These include mandatory Omanisation quotas for consulting firms contracted by the ministry and a 20% Omanisation requirement for supervisory roles in the last-mile delivery sector. Efforts to build workforce readiness are also underway. Around 210 Omanis are currently participating in training programmes that include classroom instruction linked to employment. In collaboration with the Oman Logistics Association, 52 Omanis are undergoing training to become qualified heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers. In the IT sector, the ministry is promoting both structured employment and freelance work. As part of its Freelance Work Initiative, a contract has been signed with Awasr to provide 58 freelance opportunities for Omanis. Additionally, 50 nationals received hands-on training and job placements in semiconductor-related investment projects through the ministry's On-the-Job Training Initiative in Q1. The Makeen Initiative, aimed at equipping youth with digital skills to support entry into the digital economy, benefitted 990 Omanis during the same period. The ministry stated these initiatives reflect its commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities for citizens. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
14-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman targets 5,380 jobs for citizens in key sectors in 2025
Muscat – Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has reported notable progress in its 2025 drive to boost employment of nationals in the transport, logistics, and information technology sectors. In the first quarter of the year, 1,450 Omanis secured jobs in the transport and logistics sector, while 236 found employment in the IT sector. The ministry is targeting a total of 4,950 jobs in transport and logistics and 430 in IT by the end of 2025. A ministry official confirmed that the 21% Omanisation target in the transport and logistics sectors was achieved in the first quarter. The ministry is also aiming to reach 10% Omanisation in technical, specialised and leadership roles in both sectors, and an overall Omanisation rate of 63%, with 41% specifically in technical and leadership positions. To meet these goals, the ministry has introduced several policies and regulations. These include mandatory Omanisation quotas for consulting firms contracted by the ministry and a 20% Omanisation requirement for supervisory roles in the last-mile delivery sector. Efforts to build workforce readiness are also underway. Around 210 Omanis are currently participating in training programmes that include classroom instruction linked to employment. In collaboration with the Oman Logistics Association, 52 Omanis are undergoing training to become qualified heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers. In the IT sector, the ministry is promoting both structured employment and freelance work. As part of its Freelance Work Initiative, a contract has been signed with Awasr to provide 58 freelance opportunities for Omanis. Additionally, 50 nationals received hands-on training and job placements in semiconductor-related investment projects through the ministry's On-the-Job Training Initiative in Q1. The Makeen Initiative, aimed at equipping youth with digital skills to support entry into the digital economy, benefitted 990 Omanis during the same period. The ministry stated these initiatives reflect its commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities for citizens.
Muscat Daily
01-03-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Winners of SQU's AI-enhanced drone competition announced
Muscat – The second edition of Oman AI-Enhanced Drone Competition concluded on Thursday at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), held under the patronage of H H Sayyid Dr Fahd bin al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of the university. Organised by SQU's College of Engineering in collaboration with Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the competition is part of the Makeen Initiative for digital competency development. It aims to raise awareness on drone applications, enhance technological skills among Omani youth, and support economic growth by fostering expertise in AI-integrated drone technology. It also prepares participants for regional and international competitions. Winners were announced in two categories. In the Remote Control Category, Sanad al Salmi from SQU secured first place, followed by Luqman al Saqri from Military Technical College. In the AI-Powered Autonomous Control Category, Osama al Rawahi and Yusuf al Shuaili from SQU won first place, while Ayah al Balushi, Sumaiya al Shamli and Zainab al Mahrouqi, also from SQU, took second place. The competition attracted 120 participants, including students and jobseekers from diverse disciplines. It was conducted in two phases. The first, held from July to September 2024, focused on manual drone operations. Participants completed a 15-hour intensive programme covering drone types, applications, regulations, safety protocols, and practical training in drone assembly and piloting through virtual simulators, controlled indoor environments and open-air flights. The second phase, in January 2025, was dedicated to AI-powered autonomous control. The top 40 participants from the first phase advanced to workshops on AI integration, computer vision and algorithm development. The training combined theoretical learning with hands-on experience in virtual simulations and real-world lab testing. The final competition rounds began mid-February 2025. In the Remote Control Category, 30 participants competed in the first elimination round, with 20 advancing to the second round and ten finalists competing for the top prize. In the AI-Powered Autonomous Control Category, 20 participants started in the first round, 16 progressed to the second, and 14 moved to the third, with the final ten competing in the concluding round at the end of February.
