The saying ‘one person’s loss is another person’s gain’ rightly describes the current global war for talent. Over the past year, many highly skilled professionals — scientists, entrepreneurs, professors and educators, engineers, lawyers, physicians, thinkers, and journalists — have faced job loss in advanced economies simply for expressing their views online.
A significant contributor to this trend is the rise of ‘doxing,’ a malicious practice involving the online publication of private information to intimidate, blackmail, or control individuals. Doxed talents, often unsuspecting and innocent, find themselves, and their families, not only losing their income and careers but also facing identity theft, harassment, humiliation, and social isolation.
This raises a critical question: Can we offer these highly skilled but wrongfully targeted individuals a genuine chance to pursue life, liberty, and happiness? The Sultanate of Oman has a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capitalise on this global talent displacement by building a diverse, high-value network of professionals who align with our national vision.
All notable civilisations have learned from this best practice, that rather than backtracking on welcoming incentives, such as attracting Foreign Direct Investments - FDI with visa schemes, Oman should build a more welcoming practice by prioritising creating an ecosystem that integrates top-tier, doxed talents worldwide.
Like many other countries, Oman is recovering from a period of polycrisis — a term coined by the World Economic Forum to describe overlapping challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic, rising living costs, and ongoing conflicts.
During such testing times, the need for a strong human capital base equipped with the right skills has never been more critical. Oman stands as an oasis of calm in a polarised world, making it essential to build a resilient community and economy.
This is where the Talent Haven Oman Project (THOP) comes into play: creating a flexible, hybrid in-country and remote ecosystem that attracts and integrates diverse talents known for their track records in advancing prosperous economies.
THOP is not merely a talent acquisition strategy; it is a national imperative. By establishing an ecosystem that supports both in-country and remote collaborations, Oman can foster innovation, enhance its knowledge economy, and increase its competitive edge. Moreover, this initiative aligns seamlessly with Oman’s long-term vision of economic diversification and sustainable development.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) initiatives, once celebrated globally, are currently under attack by extremist elements, particularly in Western countries like the United States and parts of Europe.
As a result, talented individuals are increasingly being targeted and marginalised, triggering an upcoming talent exodus and making these Western economies fertile ground for identifying and attracting the talents Oman needs. The very skills and perspectives that make these individuals vulnerable in their home countries are precisely what can help Oman thrive.
For example, Ivy League universities have seen their leaders, such as the former president of Harvard University, Claudine Gay, come under intense scrutiny and criticism for refusing to support genocidal views.
Although Gay stepped down voluntarily, other high-ranking university officials have faced threats or been forced out due to public pressure ignited by online campaigns. Similarly, globally recognised tech entrepreneurs like Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the messaging app Telegram, was arrested in Paris in August, 2024, for refusing to reveal the private data of antigenocide users. These talented leaders, with their experience, innovation, and drive, represent the calibre of individuals who could make significant contributions to Oman’s growing economy.
The focus on technology and artificial intelligence - AI skills are essential, but recent studies underscore the importance of empathetic leadership. According to a 2020 Harvard Business Review study, 86 per cent of workers reported greater success under empathetic leaders.
This suggests that while technological prowess is vital, attracting a network of leaders who excel in understanding and responding to people is crucial for building a resilient and thriving community.
In this regard, Oman can distinguish itself by valuing and integrating human-centric skills alongside technical expertise.
The current global climate presents a unique opportunity for Oman to build a world-class talent ecosystem that drives economic growth and promotes social harmony and resilience. By positioning itself as a sanctuary for high-value, doxed talents who are anti-genocide and advocates of freedom, Oman can attract a wave of innovation, creativity, and expertise that will accelerate its progress. This is not just about economic gains; it’s about building a community where people feel valued and are free to contribute without fear of reprisal.
The Talent Haven Oman Project (THOP) is more than a strategic initiative; it is a call to action. It offers a way for Oman to lead by example, creating an environment where diverse talents can thrive and where the values of respect, inclusion, and empathy drive progress.
This approach will not only strengthen Oman’s position in the global arena but will also ensure that the nation remains a beacon of stability, prosperity, and human dignity. The time to act is now.
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