One of the oft mentioned criticisms of Arab countries by the West concerns people’s false belief that Arab women are oppressed, often reinforced by misleading narrative in the western media. I have always thought, if it were possible, that all westerners should spend some time in Oman to understand what rubbish this is.
Since 1970, when Sultan Qaboos came to power, a revolution has been unfolding in Oman and at its heart are the nation’s women. Under the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Omani women are no longer just part of the story—they are the driving force shaping the future. With bold policies championing equal opportunities in education and the workplace, HM Sultan Haitham bin Tarik is transforming Oman into a powerhouse of innovation and resilience, positioning it to become one of the Middle East’s strongest nations. Half the population’s untapped potential in some Middle Eastern countries goes unused. Not so in Oman. HM’s groundbreaking policies are unlocking the immense economic power of Omani women and the results are transformative. Women are entering critical industries like healthcare, technology, and finance, fuelling national productivity like never before.
The rise of women entrepreneurs is transforming Oman’s non-oil sectors, from tourism to renewable energy, fostering innovation and driving economic diversification. Even more remarkable is the surge of women entering STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) propelling Oman toward a knowledge-based economy and reducing reliance on oil. It’s not just the economy that’s thriving—higher household incomes and increased consumer spending are setting the nation on a path of unstoppable growth.
It all began with education. Decades ago Sultan Qaboos bin Said laid the foundation by providing free and inclusive schooling for all Omanis. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has built on this legacy, modernising education to prepare women for a globalised, tech-driven world.
Girls now dominate higher education enrolment, outnumbering boys and breaking stereotypes. Scholarships and initiatives are opening doors for women to pursue advanced degrees and careers in STEM. Cutting-edge technology in classrooms and vocational training ensures that even women in remote areas have access to world-class opportunities. These efforts are not just levelling the playing field—they are rewriting the rules, with women excelling in fields once considered male-dominated.
Oman Vision 2040 makes one thing clear: women are not just participants—they are leaders in the nation’s development. They are driving progress in key areas:
• Economic Diversification: Women entrepreneurs are spearheading innovation in technology, tourism and clean energy, reducing Oman’s reliance on oil.
• Social Development: Educated women are raising healthier, better-educated families, creating a ripple effect of progress across communities.
• Global Competitiveness: Oman’s commitment to gender equality is enhancing its reputation as a forward-thinking, inclusive nation, attracting talent and investment.
HM’s vision for empowering women is nothing short of revolutionary in the Middle East. By placing women at the centre of Oman’s growth story, he is unlocking the full potential of the nation’s talent and creativity.
Omani women are breaking barriers, leading industries and demonstrating that their success is the nation’s success. Their achievements are not only reshaping Oman’s future—they are setting a blazing example for the entire region.
This is more than empowerment—it is a movement transforming Oman into a beacon of opportunity, innovation and equality. With HM’s unwavering commitment to gender equality, Oman is poised to claim its place as a global leader and a shining symbol of progress in the Middle East. Regrettably I read so many times in western newspapers that even Arab women’s chosen form of dress is proof of their being oppressed. It is of course quite the opposite. Arab women wear their Muslim clothes as a statement of their strength, independence and empowerment.
The author is Former School Principal UK, Email: k.easterbrook@yahoo.com
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