Latest news with #citizenengagement
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
A nation recalibrated: Why Oman may hit 2040 targets ahead of time?
In an age dominated by grand national visions, Oman's latest performance report of its 10th Five Year Plan, spanning the 2021–Q1 2025 timeframe, stands apart—not for its rhetoric, but for its results. While other nations amplify ambitions, Oman quantifies them. And what the numbers now reveal is nothing short of a silent transformation—precise, purposeful, and increasingly irreversible. This transformation—guided by Oman Vision 2040—is not being proclaimed with slogans, but evidenced through percentages. From digital government to clean water access, from economic diversification to governance reform, the performance report issued recently by the Ministry of Finance underscores the progress Oman is making on multiple fronts, consistently and measurably. STRATEGIC PLANNING THAT PRODUCES At the heart of the report lies a compelling headline figure: 44.9% cumulative improvement in national performance indicators over just four years. This is not a marginal shift—it is a recalibration of how governance, services, and citizen engagement function in the Sultanate. The government's success in digital transformation is among the most visible. 85% of services are now accessible online, and 90% of citizens use digital identity systems, enabling faster, more transparent public services. Digital infrastructure readiness stands at 95%, while AI integration in government functions has reached 20%—a significant foundation for the next generation of smart governance. This is not just about technology; it's about access. Digital service satisfaction now stands at 80%, and 81% of public sector services have been automated, cutting red tape and raising accountability. HEALTHCARE THAT DELIVERS Healthcare is one of Oman's standout reform areas. Preventive health service coverage has reached 95%, and public satisfaction with the sector stands at 86%. The digitisation of medical records has ensured 90% of patients can now access their health data with ease. Key outcomes include a 4.6% increase in life expectancy, and an 11.9% decline in infant mortality since 2021—proof that investment in the healthcare system is not only improving systems, but saving lives. The health insurance coverage rate stands at 92%, and health system efficiency has improved by 6.1%—figures that show strategic policies are translating into tangible gains. AN ECONOMY DIVERSIFYING BY DESIGN Despite global economic volatility, Oman's efforts to reduce its dependence on oil are bearing fruit. The report shows an 8.7% increase in non-oil sector contribution to GDP, supported by 7.8% growth in the manufacturing sector and a 4.9% rise in SME contributions. Public–private collaboration has become a pillar of this diversification, with a PPP success rate of 90% and private sector engagement in development at 92%. These numbers reflect not just alignment with Vision 2040, but a structural shift in how Oman's economy is financed, built, and grown. FDI inflows have risen by 2.0% annually, while business environment indicators improved by 2.8%, driven by ongoing regulatory reform and streamlined licensing procedures. Inflation control measures delivered a 2.6% improvement, and economic diversification indexes rose by 3.2%, signaling that Oman's economy is expanding in both depth and scope. EDUCATION IN SERVICE OF EMPLOYMENT The education sector has undergone substantial reform. Tertiary enrolment stands at 60%, and a significant 86% of graduates now meet labour market needs. Vocational training participation sits at 59%, and digital literacy among youth is an impressive 95%—a critical asset for a future economy built on innovation. Still, gaps persist. STEM graduates comprise 45% of total graduates, and only 15% of students specialise in entrepreneurship-related fields. While female labour force participation has improved to 40%, perceptions of gender equity in the workplace remain modest at 57%. These metrics will need sharper focus to meet inclusivity and competitiveness targets. CITIES, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY Urban development efforts have kept pace with citizen expectations. Access to electricity and clean water has reached 95% and 90% respectively, and 81% of the population expresses satisfaction with infrastructure. Housing remains accessible to 83%, while smart city initiatives have achieved 59% implementation. Yet public transport coverage remains at 55%, and green infrastructure integration at 25%—areas where Oman can scale up to ensure sustainable urban living. The environmental domain, however, is a red flag. Carbon emissions dropped only 0.6%, and waste recycling remains at 14%. Environmental awareness is just 28%, while air quality and water efficiency compliance both sit at 72%. Without greater policy innovation and public mobilisation, Oman risks lagging behind on sustainability, even as it leads in infrastructure. Where Oman is leading regionally—and arguably internationally—is in governance reform. Transparency indicators are at 86%, accountability mechanisms score 91%, and anti-corruption efforts are rated at 85%. This new culture of statecraft is supported by 72% e-participation and 50% citizen engagement in policymaking—numbers that are expected to rise as decentralisation efforts and municipal reforms take hold. The report's closing message is clear: Oman is not improvising. It is delivering. Over 70% of Vision 2040 performance indicators have either met or exceeded benchmarks. And yet, rather than declare victory, the government is pressing forward—identifying regional disparities, calling for stronger environmental frameworks, and encouraging private sector competitiveness. If the next five years mirror the momentum of the last, Oman may not just reach its Vision 2040 goals—it may arrive early, and stronger than anticipated. Qasim Al Maashani 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
CBC
16-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
What you might have missed during the Alberta Legislature's spring sitting
The Alberta government fulfilled some promises and revealed a few surprises during the spring sitting, including legislation that makes it easier for citizens to force a provincial referendum.
Trade Arabia
06-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
VFS Global acquires majority stake in Brazil's CiX Citizen Experience
VFS Global, a leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure global mobility for governments and citizens, has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in CiX Citizen Experience, a leading provider of digital and physical citizen services based in Brazil. This strategic acquisition marks a pivotal step in VFS Global's expansion journey — particularly across Latin America (LATAM) — as it continues to broaden its capabilities and deepen its impact in the public service delivery space, the company said. With nearly two decades of innovation in citizen services, CiX has established a strong presence in Brazil. This success will be further scaled across LATAM and other global markets, leveraging VFS Global's international reach and operational excellence. This acquisition is centred on driving transformation through advanced digital technologies, including AI and data-driven platforms. By uniting CiX's cutting-edge digital capabilities with VFS Global's extensive global infrastructure and expertise in managing complex service ecosystems, we are positioned to deliver next-generation, integrated solutions to public and private sector clients around the world. For both companies' client governments and partners, this will lead to enhanced, tailored solutions that improve citizen engagement, access, and satisfaction. Sergio Rodrigues, CEO of CiX Citizen Services, said: 'Partnering with VFS Global will supercharge our growth. With access to their capital, technology, talent, and global reach, we can rapidly expand across Latin America, and beyond. This collaboration is about scaling CiX Citizen Experience, delivering even more intuitive, efficient, and accessible government services. Our goal is to simplify citizens' lives with a combination of physical and digital solutions that also bring agility, and savings for governments worldwide.' Zubin Karkaria, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global, added: "We are very pleased to have concluded this strategically important acquisition which will be value accretive for both companies – for CiX Citizen Experience and for VFS Global. VFS Global operates in 158 countries, serves 69 client governments and has a workforce of nearly 13,000 people from 153 nationalities. Access to all of this, and our technological capabilities, will provide the launchpad for CiX Citizen Experience in its next phase of growth to become a global powerhouse. Our collaboration will transform citizen services world-wide, driving efficiency and inclusivity. It highlights VFS Global's commitment to innovative solutions that enhance citizens' quality of life and build renewed trust in governments." - TradeArabia News Service
