Latest news with #Omanization
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Health
- Times of Oman
Trial run of vet hospital in Adam to start on Tuesday
Adam: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has announced the commencement of the trial operation for Al Bashayer Vet Hospital in the Wilayat of Adam, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, starting next Tuesday. The establishment of this veterinary hospital comes as part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance the veterinary care system in the Sultanate of Oman and elevate animal health services, with an investment exceeding OMR1 million. Al Bashayer Vet Hospital is the first specialised, integrated hospital in the livestock sector in Oman, providing advanced services in diagnosis, treatment, and surgery. It includes a range of specialised departments and facilities, such as outpatient and inpatient veterinary clinics, a fully equipped pharmacy, specialised laboratories, and operating rooms for both large and small animals, in addition to a dedicated department for camel medicine, pregnancy-related issues, infertility treatment, and artificial insemination. Through this project, the ministry aims to develop the infrastructure for veterinary services and encourage private sector participation in providing specialized technical services. The contracted company is committed to supplying the necessary medical, technical, and administrative staff to operate the hospital in accordance with quality standards and Omanization policies, while also covering all operational costs during the contract period. The trial operation marks a significant step in supporting livestock breeders in Oman and improving the healthcare services provided to them. This initiative contributes to achieving biosecurity and strengthening sustainable livestock production systems, in line with the agreement signed between the ministry and Al Khayrat Agricultural Services and Development Company, which will manage and operate the hospital to ensure comprehensive veterinary medical services in accordance with the highest standards.
Observer
16-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Pharmacists must be Omanis
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a circular 167/2025 calling for mandatory Omanization in pharmacies located within commercial complexes and hospital facilities. The directive specifically states that licenses for non-Omani pharmacists and their assistants will no longer be renewed. The decision has been widely welcomed, particularly by Omani pharmacy graduates who have long voiced concerns about the lack of employment opportunities in private pharmacies, which have been largely dominated by expatriate professionals for years. For many pharmacy graduates in the Sultanate, the circular marks a long-awaited turning point. Saeed al Amri, a recent graduate with a pharmacy degree from a local university, expressed his optimism, saying, 'My classmates and I have been waiting for a decision like this since graduation. Unfortunately, the private sector has been heavily reliant on expat pharmacists. Now, we feel a real opportunity is emerging for us.' Abdulla al Hosani, an Omani pharmacist currently working in a private healthcare facility, echoed the sentiment, stating: 'This is not just about replacing expats. It's about investing in local talent. We are well-trained and more than capable of leading the pharmacy sector forward.' Recent statistics from the Ministry of Higher Education reveal a growing number of pharmacy graduates from both local and international institutions. Yet employment rates among these graduates remain modest, particularly within private institutions, where cost considerations often lead to the hiring of lower-paid foreign workers. While the decision has been largely applauded, stakeholders agree that implementing Omanization requires parallel efforts to ensure that Omani pharmacists are fully equipped to take on their roles in the private sector. Kholood Al-Balushi, a trainee pharmacist, believes that readiness is key: 'As graduates, we must rise to the challenge. The job market is competitive, and we need to continuously improve our skills. Securing opportunities should be matched with personal development.' Some private pharmacy owners have also highlighted the importance of additional support measures, such as financial incentives or training programs to ensure a smooth transition. The Ministry of Health emphasized that the circular is part of a broader national vision under Oman Vision 2040 to create sustainable employment opportunities for is a carefully considered policy decision based on employment data and field studies. The ministry is committed to working closely with private healthcare providers to ensure that this transition is implemented effectively without compromising the quality of healthcare services. Experts believe this directive will contribute to a broader shift in private sector employment dynamics. With more Omanis entering the pharmacy field, patient communication and trust may improve due to shared language, cultural understanding, and stronger community bonds. Moreover, the decision may also encourage higher education institutions to enhance their pharmacy programs by aligning them more closely with the needs of the local job market. It is expected that government-led initiatives such as training subsidies, internship placements, and employer incentives will play a key role in supporting the Omanization process. Ultimately, the Omanization of the pharmacy profession signals a decisive step toward workforce sustainability in the healthcare sector. It not only offers a renewed sense of hope for hundreds of job-seeking graduates but also reaffirms the nation's long-term commitment to building a self-reliant healthcare system.
Observer
15-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Graduates welcome mandatory Omanisation in pharmacies
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a circular 167/2025 calling for mandatory Omanization in pharmacies located within commercial complexes and hospital facilities. The directive specifically states that licenses for non-Omani pharmacists and their assistants will no longer be renewed. The decision has been widely welcomed, particularly by Omani pharmacy graduates who have long voiced concerns about the lack of employment opportunities in private pharmacies, which have been largely dominated by expatriate professionals for years. For many pharmacy graduates in the Sultanate, the circular marks a long-awaited turning point. Saeed al Amri, a recent graduate with a pharmacy degree from a local university, expressed his optimism, saying, 'My classmates and I have been waiting for a decision like this since graduation. Unfortunately, the private sector has been heavily reliant on expat pharmacists. Now, we feel a real opportunity is emerging for us.' Abdulla al Hosani, an Omani pharmacist currently working in a private healthcare facility, echoed the sentiment, stating: 'This is not just about replacing expats. It's about investing in local talent. We are well-trained and more than capable of leading the pharmacy sector forward.' Recent statistics from the Ministry of Higher Education reveal a growing number of pharmacy graduates from both local and international institutions. Yet employment rates among these graduates remain modest, particularly within private institutions, where cost considerations often lead to the hiring of lower-paid foreign workers. While the decision has been largely applauded, stakeholders agree that implementing Omanization requires parallel efforts to ensure that Omani pharmacists are fully equipped to take on their roles in the private sector. Kholood Al-Balushi, a trainee pharmacist, believes that readiness is key: 'As graduates, we must rise to the challenge. The job market is competitive, and we need to continuously improve our skills. Securing opportunities should be matched with personal development.' Some private pharmacy owners have also highlighted the importance of additional support measures, such as financial incentives or training programs to ensure a smooth transition. The Ministry of Health emphasized that the circular is part of a broader national vision under Oman Vision 2040 to create sustainable employment opportunities for is a carefully considered policy decision based on employment data and field studies. The ministry is committed to working closely with private healthcare providers to ensure that this transition is implemented effectively without compromising the quality of healthcare services. Experts believe this directive will contribute to a broader shift in private sector employment dynamics. With more Omanis entering the pharmacy field, patient communication and trust may improve due to shared language, cultural understanding, and stronger community bonds. Moreover, the decision may also encourage higher education institutions to enhance their pharmacy programs by aligning them more closely with the needs of the local job market. It is expected that government-led initiatives such as training subsidies, internship placements, and employer incentives will play a key role in supporting the Omanization process. Ultimately, the Omanization of the pharmacy profession signals a decisive step toward workforce sustainability in the healthcare sector. It not only offers a renewed sense of hope for hundreds of job-seeking graduates but also reaffirms the nation's long-term commitment to building a self-reliant healthcare system.
Observer
19-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
HR forum empowers Oman's energy workforce
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has launched the inaugural Energy Sector Human Resources Forum, held under the auspices of Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals. Taking place from May 19–20, 2025, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the forum aims to reshape human capital development in the energy sector in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. DRIVING TRANSFORMATION THROUGH HUMAN CAPITAL Bringing together executive leaders, HR professionals, academics, and policymakers, the forum underscores the urgency of building an agile, future-ready workforce amid rapid changes in the global energy landscape. The event highlights Oman's efforts to promote economic diversification and empower its national workforce. In his opening speech, Eng Salim al Aufi emphasised the forum's role in fostering collaborative thinking and policy innovation. He stressed that empowering Omani talent, enhancing workplace well-being, and nurturing supportive environments are vital to boosting institutional performance and national competitiveness. He called on participants to reimagine HR strategies, strengthen academia-industry ties, and advance public-private cooperation. Held under the theme 'Strategic Human Resources in the Energy Sector,' the forum tackled four priority areas: 1. Leadership Resilience in navigating economic and technological disruption. 2. Innovative Omanization, bridging the gap between education and employment. 3. Future Skills, focusing on digital transformation and workforce upskilling. 4. Mental Health & Safety, promoting stability and productivity at work. The first day featured four interactive workshops facilitated by industry experts. These sessions encouraged participants to propose practical, actionable solutions to HR challenges, which will be reviewed for integration into sector-wide policies. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP AND ACADEMIA-INDUSTRY DIALOGUE A CEO panel headlined the first day, offering insights into labour market shifts, talent retention, and the impact of digitalisation on leadership models. On the second day, the forum hosted an academic session titled 'Integration of Knowledge and Energy', featuring top university leaders from Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, and the German University of Technology in Oman. The session focused on aligning academic curricula with industry needs and fostering R&D partnerships to support energy innovation. Participants also joined expert-led knowledge exchange sessions exploring practical solutions to the forum's key themes. Attendees were awarded participation certificates, reinforcing the forum's emphasis on engagement and learning. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND AGREEMENTS The forum also served as a platform for signing several high-impact agreements and MoUs aimed at advancing workforce development and sector innovation. Highlights included: PDO & SMEDA: Supporting SMEs in the solar energy sector through the Ishraq Programme. PDO, Oman LNG & Sur LNG: Enhancing talent mobility through a joint MoU on talent acquisition PDO & Takatuf: Providing advanced human capital services. Shell & Takatuf Petrofac Oman (TPO): Launching training programs for technical operators. OPAL & Oman Energy Institute: Developing clean energy training programmes. OPAL & TPO Centte: Expanding vocational training opportunities. MEM & Rihal: Creating a digital dashboard to monitor rig and jack-up contracts for greater transparency. A PLATFORM FOR SUSTAINABLE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The forum concluded with a commitment to transforming dialogue into action. Recommendations and insights generated during the event will be submitted to the Ministry of Energy and Minerals to inform future policies and initiatives. As a cornerstone initiative, the Energy Sector Human Resources Forum marks the beginning of a structured, long-term approach to building a resilient, skilled, and competitive national workforce—paving the way for a more integrated, innovative, and sustainable energy future in Oman.
Observer
13-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Five OIA companies win Excellence Awards
MUSCAT: Oman Investment Authority (OIA) announced the winners of the second edition of the OIA Excellence Awards. The awards recognize efforts to promote a culture of continuous improvement, celebrate outstanding companies that contributed to achieving national objectives, and encourage competitiveness in performance enhancement. 'Omantel' won in the Growth and Job Creation category for achieving a revenue growth compared to last year and investing 18% of its assets in new projects—achieving 98% of its target. The company also succeeded in creating job opportunities for Omanis and replacing expats with Omanis, raising its Omanization rate to 94%. 'ITHCA Group' excelled in the Financial Sustainability and Performance category for leading the 2024 financial sustainability assessment by achieving the highest improvement in financial sustainability indicators among all companies and delivering a positive financial performance during 2024. 'Omran Group' was awarded the excellence award in Private Sector and SMEs Empowerment category for achieving a high growth rate in the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In addition, it exited from investments in favor of the private sector, and reached a rate of 56% in total investment through the private sector. 'OQ Group' received the excellence award in the In-Country Value (ICV) and RDI category for achieving the highest average spending on ICV as a percentage of total supply chain expenditure during 2023 and 2024. The Group also excelled in the number of supplier development programs, ring fencing initiatives, and research, development, and innovation (RDI) projects. 'ASYAD Group' won in the Project Excellence category for the 'Duqm Container Terminal' project. The project scored high efficiency in adherence to budget, timeline, and safety standards. The project also achieved a high Omanization rate exceeding 70%, and maximized in-country value by sourcing 43% of project expenditures through local suppliers and companies. Abdulsalam Al Murshidi, President of OIA, said the Excellence Awards recognized the significant improvement achieved by OIA companies in their revenues in 2024 compared to 2023. They also implemented new investments through approved projects and expanded operational initiatives that supported the local market. In addition, there was a consistent focus on employment and raising Omanization rates. The companies also increased their strategic partnerships with the private sector and supported small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through various initiatives, contract allocations, and development and training programs. They maximized their local impact by increasing local procurement spending and supporting local suppliers through supplier development programs and initiatives to localize products and services. As a result, total spending on SMEs reached RO 265.5 million, over 50 innovative projects were developed, and ICV rate increased to 32% in 2024 compared to 23% in 2023.
