Latest news with #Tawteen
Qatar Tribune
19-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
MoL officials visit Commercial Bank to review Tawteen initiatives
Tribune News Network Doha Commercial Bank, a leader in innovative digital banking solutions, was honoured to welcome Mohammed Salem Al-Khlaifi, acting director of the Qualifying and Skills Development Department at the Ministry of Labor (MoL), along with representatives from the ministry, as part of the Tawteen programme. The visit to Commercial Bank Plaza served as an opportunity to assess the participants' progress and witness the impact of ongoing development initiatives firsthand. Throughout the visit, MoL officials met with Khalifa Al Rayes, EGM and Chief Human Capital Officer at Commercial Bank, who shared insights into the ongoing support provided to national talents. These discussions emphasised the importance of building capabilities that contribute to long-term career growth and sustainability. This visit reaffirmed the bank's commitment to nurturing skills that empower individuals, support national talent, and pave the way for meaningful career opportunities. Khalifa Al Rayes said, 'Our corporate strategy revolves around talent development, specifically, investing in the potential of our talents. Commercial Bank strives to nurture individuals through specialized career paths, leadership programmes, and supervisory roles that thoroughly prepare them to take on executive roles in the banking sector. 'Through our personalised trainings and our strong ties with government entities, institutions and universities, we ensure that nationalisation goes hand-in-hand with performance and financial institution integrations. This is how Commercial Bank chooses to build a future-ready workforce and contribute to Qatar's economic prosperity.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
24-03-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Economic Reforms Drive Saudi Job Market Toward Sustainable Growth
Since the launch of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has implemented sweeping labor market reforms aimed at improving workplace conditions, increasing citizen participation across sectors, and stimulating private sector growth to ensure long-term sustainability. These ongoing efforts have led to a record-low unemployment rate of 7.1% in 2024, bringing the country close to its targets and solidifying the private sector's role as a key partner in sustaining employment and attracting local talent. Achieving this unemployment goal years ahead of schedule prompted the government to revise its targets, lowering the benchmark from 7% to 5%. Economic and legislative reforms have enhanced Saudi Arabia's competitiveness both regionally and globally, contributing to lower unemployment and greater national workforce participation, particularly in non-oil sectors. Labor market experts told Asharq Al-Awsat that these reforms have improved job stability, enhanced workplace environments, and ensured fair treatment for all employees by reinforcing job security, wage equality, and a minimum wage policy. Other measures include regulating working hours, leave policies, and end-of-service benefits, while mandating employer compliance with housing and transportation provisions or equivalent allowances. Structural reforms have also streamlined labor dispute resolution through mediation and arbitration. A Leading Regional Labor Market HR specialist Ali Al-Eid told Asharq Al-Awsat that Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a regional and global leader in labor market development, thanks to its ambitious economic reforms. He noted that the Saudi job market has undergone significant transformations in recent years, driven by increased foreign investment, the development of economic cities, and new taxation policies, such as the value-added tax, which have strengthened the local economy. The acceleration of digital transformation has also opened up new employment opportunities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics. This shift underscores the need for greater investment in local talent to keep pace with evolving job market demands. Al-Eid highlighted the importance of education and vocational training in bridging the skills gap, making the job market more attractive, and enhancing workforce efficiency. He emphasized that building a strong work culture that prioritizes mutual interests, career development, and job stability is key to successful workforce nationalization. The private sector plays a critical role in this effort. According to Al-Eid, improving salaries and benefits is essential to enhancing the attractiveness of the job market, alongside providing clear career progression paths and flexible work options that encourage innovation. Key Workforce Nationalization Initiatives One of the most notable reforms is the Tawteen (Nationalization) program, designed to integrate job seekers into the labor market by supporting private sector companies with qualified Saudi talent. The program provides incentives for businesses and employees, facilitates skill development through training, and fosters job stability and career growth. Bader Al-Enezi, a board member of the Saudi Society for Human Resources, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the country is focusing on qualitative nationalization, targeting strategic sectors such as finance, insurance, healthcare, technology, and tourism. These industries offer competitive benefits and job security, making them attractive for Saudi talent. Al-Enezi emphasized that government initiatives have successfully reduced unemployment and encouraged private sector participation through flexible policies that support job sustainability. However, he noted that over 40% of private sector jobs still require improvements in wages and working conditions. The government is addressing these challenges through incentive programs focused on training and professional development. Among the key initiatives driving workforce nationalization is the Nitaqat program, which has increased employment rates and enhanced private sector stability. One of its latest updates raised the minimum wage for Saudi employees from 3,000 SAR to 4,000 SAR. Al-Enezi stressed that the private sector has become increasingly committed to effective nationalization, leading to improved work environments and making Saudi Arabia's labor market more appealing to both local and international talent. This shift has also strengthened the competitiveness of businesses entering the Saudi market, supported by robust regulatory frameworks that protect workers' rights.
Zawya
19-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Consumer awareness sees significant improvement in Oman
Muscat: Consumer Empowerment Index regarding rights and responsibilities for the year 2024 reached approximately 78%, marking a significant increase compared to the year 2022, Oman's Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) said on Tuesday. 'This reflects a positive development in the relationship between consumers and markets in the Sultanate of Oman and is a result of the intensive efforts made by the Consumer Protection Authority to enhance transparency and ensure consumer rights.' Furthermore, the development of this index contributes to achieving the priorities of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in the governance and institutional performance axis. It does so by utilising the index results to attain effective institutional performance and provide high-quality government services. The study was based on the opinion poll about 'Consumer Empowerment Index on Rights and Duties in the Sultanate of Oman' and was conducted by the Market Studies and Research Department of the Authority in 2024. 'The study aimed to enhance consumers' ability to transition from being aware consumers to empowered consumers who are fully aware of their rights and duties. This was achieved by identifying the level of consumer awareness of their rights and duties in Oman, revealing consumer practices, and measuring their level of engagement and participation in their experiences with society,' the authority said. The survey contributed to providing a deeper understanding of consumer behaviours and empowerment, which helps in developing policies and programmes that better meet their needs. The consumer empowerment index used in the study was based on three key indicators. The first indicator focused on awareness of consumer rights legislation, measuring the level of knowledge related to contractual conditions and commercial practices, as well as ensuring consumers' entitlements, including rights of return and exchange. The government departments will be assessed based on operational speed, leadership quality, and job satisfaction, enhancing the efficiency of government work and raising overall performance standards. During the conference, the minister addressed the efforts of the National Employment Programme, which aims to integrate educational outcomes with labour market needs. This will be achieved by analysing and diagnosing the employment system and providing innovative solutions to enhance its efficiency and bridge the existing gaps. The programme has contributed to the localisation of 2,800 leadership and mid-level positions in industrial estates, in collaboration with the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn). Additionally, the programme has launched several advanced digital tools to improve labour market efficiency, including the 'Tawteen' platform for managing employment in economic sectors, the 'Marsad' platform for analysing labour market data, and the 'Khuta' platform for assisting Omani youth in making sustainable career decisions. The minister emphasised that employment governance committees, established in 17 key economic sectors, are working to achieve localisation goals and enhance employment opportunities for Omanis. Work is also underway to establish specialised companies to enable job seekers to enter new sectors, such as information technology and periodic maintenance, which manages maintenance contracts in industrial zones. Regarding entrepreneurship support, the ministry has launched an integrated package to support freelance work, including financing, training, social protection, and consulting, as well as supporting Omani freelance platforms. The ministry has announced funding for the pilot phase of the 'Smart Management' project, in collaboration with the private sector, to enhance digital governance in human resources management. Three pilot applications will be designed to test artificial intelligence solutions, build a visual identity, and establish a digital knowledge base. The 'Waiting List' initiative will also be launched to facilitate employment opportunities through smart systems. The minister confirmed that the labour department continues to adopt global best practices in digital transformation, explaining that these efforts will contribute to raising the efficiency of government work, improving the employee experience, and ensuring the integration of operational policies between the public and private sectors. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
18-03-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Consumer awareness sees significant improvement in Oman
Muscat: Consumer Empowerment Index regarding rights and responsibilities for the year 2024 reached approximately 78%, marking a significant increase compared to the year 2022, Oman's Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) said on Tuesday. 'This reflects a positive development in the relationship between consumers and markets in the Sultanate of Oman and is a result of the intensive efforts made by the Consumer Protection Authority to enhance transparency and ensure consumer rights.' Furthermore, the development of this index contributes to achieving the priorities of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in the governance and institutional performance axis. It does so by utilising the index results to attain effective institutional performance and provide high-quality government services. The study was based on the opinion poll about 'Consumer Empowerment Index on Rights and Duties in the Sultanate of Oman' and was conducted by the Market Studies and Research Department of the Authority in 2024. 'The study aimed to enhance consumers' ability to transition from being aware consumers to empowered consumers who are fully aware of their rights and duties. This was achieved by identifying the level of consumer awareness of their rights and duties in Oman, revealing consumer practices, and measuring their level of engagement and participation in their experiences with society,' the authority said. The survey contributed to providing a deeper understanding of consumer behaviours and empowerment, which helps in developing policies and programmes that better meet their needs. The consumer empowerment index used in the study was based on three key indicators. The first indicator focused on awareness of consumer rights legislation, measuring the level of knowledge related to contractual conditions and commercial practices, as well as ensuring consumers' entitlements, including rights of return and exchange. The government departments will be assessed based on operational speed, leadership quality, and job satisfaction, enhancing the efficiency of government work and raising overall performance standards. During the conference, the minister addressed the efforts of the National Employment Programme, which aims to integrate educational outcomes with labour market needs. This will be achieved by analysing and diagnosing the employment system and providing innovative solutions to enhance its efficiency and bridge the existing gaps. The programme has contributed to the localisation of 2,800 leadership and mid-level positions in industrial estates, in collaboration with the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn). Additionally, the programme has launched several advanced digital tools to improve labour market efficiency, including the 'Tawteen' platform for managing employment in economic sectors, the 'Marsad' platform for analysing labour market data, and the 'Khuta' platform for assisting Omani youth in making sustainable career decisions. The minister emphasised that employment governance committees, established in 17 key economic sectors, are working to achieve localisation goals and enhance employment opportunities for Omanis. Work is also underway to establish specialised companies to enable job seekers to enter new sectors, such as information technology and periodic maintenance, which manages maintenance contracts in industrial zones. Regarding entrepreneurship support, the ministry has launched an integrated package to support freelance work, including financing, training, social protection, and consulting, as well as supporting Omani freelance platforms. The ministry has announced funding for the pilot phase of the 'Smart Management' project, in collaboration with the private sector, to enhance digital governance in human resources management. Three pilot applications will be designed to test artificial intelligence solutions, build a visual identity, and establish a digital knowledge base. The 'Waiting List' initiative will also be launched to facilitate employment opportunities through smart systems. The minister confirmed that the labour department continues to adopt global best practices in digital transformation, explaining that these efforts will contribute to raising the efficiency of government work, improving the employee experience, and ensuring the integration of operational policies between the public and private sectors.
Zawya
18-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
45,000 job opportunities for Omanis this year
MUSCAT: The operational plan for 2025 targets to provide 45,000 job opportunities, including 11,000 for training and qualification, 10,000 in government establishments and 24,000 in the private sector. This was revealed by Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour, at the ministry's annual press conference held on Monday. He also noted that the ministry is focused on supporting work-related training and wage subsidies for small and medium enterprises. The ministry reviewed its achievements for 2024 and its objectives for 2025, stressing that it is carrying on its efforts to upgrade the labour market and provide employment opportunities for Omanis. Plan to provide 24,000 jobs in the private sector. The ministry also reviewed three projects that employ artificial intelligence to improve smart management and provide funding for the pilot phases of these projects. The conference addressed the National Employment Programme which seeks to integrate education outcomes with labour market needs with a focus on developing new technologies to improve the system such as the Tawteen (nationalisation) and Khuta (steps) platforms. Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour, at the ministry's annual press conference held on Monday. The ministry underscored the role of technology in expediting the provision of job opportunities through digital tools that enhance the effectiveness of programme implementation. The minister said that reinforced qualitative job nationalisation initiatives will be carried out by employing talented Omanis in senior and middle-level positions and establishing specialised companies to support employment in vital sectors. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
