As the Sultanate of Oman celebrates the 54th National Day. there is joy as schools, universities, and offices celebrate the tricolors—red, green, and white.
Marwa al Bahri, a young Omani who is an ardent promoter of Omani traditional clothes, said, “I am proud to be an Omani, and I love to represent Oman wearing the traditional Omani clothes for special occasions such as this. I am happy to celebrate National Day because it also means celebrating the country from Musandam to Dhofar and all the beautiful governorates of Oman. And we are celebrating it with every person in Oman, Omanis, and everyone living in Oman. My childhood memory is about red, green, and white—that is the flag of Oman. I am proud of my identity wherever I go. And I am proud of my country.”
At the end of May 2023, the Sultanate of Oman had a youth population of 537,252, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
As for 2023, young people in Oman under 29 years of age represent almost 60 percent of the population.
UNICEF reported that by 2030 the Sultanate will see about 40,000 young people aged 15-24 enter the labor market as first-time job seekers.
As Oman moves forward with the economic Vision 2040, adolescents and the youth are part of the central focus.
UNICEF, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, is working with the government of Oman in collaboration with UNFPA to develop Situation Analysis on Youth and Adolescents: “To advance the situation of young people in key priority areas: education and skills; employment and entrepreneurship; health and well-being; and engagement and rights.”
Oman took the 33rd rank in the 2023 Global Youth Development Index, moving up 19 places from 52nd in the last index compiled in 2020.
In addition to government universities, Oman’s system of higher education currently includes 27 private universities and colleges with an enrollment of some 35,000 students.
Tasneem Said Salim Al-Mufarji, a student at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS Muscat), said, “As chemical engineering students, we are taught to always think effectively and efficiently so that the future industry will be sustainable. The Vision Oman 2040 focuses on sustainability, and we as students have to reflect this theory to applications so that we can ensure a sustainable future.”
“On this National Day, I would like to think we students will play an important role in Oman’s future. Currently, at the university, we are learning the skills to address the challenges of energy, water, and sustainability. These are key factors in building Oman’s future. So let us work hard for positive impact,” said Mohammed Ait Azeroual.
On October 26th, each year, Omani Youth Day is celebrated, and this year saw the launch of youth centers in various governorates of the country by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all the youth around the country.
The objective of the youth centers is to discover, develop, and groom the talent of the young members of society and encourage creativity.
There are studios that youth can utilize if they are keen on photography or videography, art and sound, a drone lab, a 3D printing lab, a library, virtual reality, multipurpose training halls, co-working spaces, and a cafe. In addition to all these facilities, the Youth Center also has a business incubator in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority.
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