Muscat: At the end of May 2023, the Sultanate of Oman had a youth population of 537,252, the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) reported. This data release coincides with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) celebration of Gulf Youth Day, observed annually on June 6.
The youth population is generally defined as individuals between 18 and 29 years old. Notably, there has been a decline in the number of young individuals compared to 2021. In 2021, the youth population was reported to be 544,983, whereas the current youth population has decreased by approximately 7,731 individuals. Additionally, comparing the youth population from 2017 to 2021, there has been an overall decline of 4.6 per cent.
Based on the data provided by the NCSI in 2021, there were 171,500 employed youths, with 60 per cent working in the government sector and 40 per cent in the private sector. Additionally, 75 per cent of Omani youth were actively job-seekers, with 34 per cent of them holding a general education diploma. However, there has been a significant 33 per cent decrease in the percentage of job-seekers between 2020 and 2021.
In 2021, the marriage rate among youth was only 15 per cent, indicating that 75 per cent of them remained single and had never been married. Out of the total youth population, 395,032 individuals were single, while only 144,831 were married. Additionally, there were 4,707 divorced youth and 413 widows/widowers. Among the Omani disabled youth, the number stood at 7,746, with 28 per cent of them experiencing hearing impairment.
Gulf Youth Day aims to promote youth empowerment, engagement and development in the region. It provides a platform for young people to showcase their talents, share their ideas and discuss important issues affecting them and their communities. The event typically includes various activities such as workshops, seminars, panel discussions, cultural performances, sports competitions and exhibitions.
Gulf Youth Day plays a significant role in empowering and inspiring the youth of the Gulf countries, providing them with a voice and encouraging their active participation in shaping the future of their nations.
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