Duqm Internship Program Insights: What Students’ Briefing to OPAZ Chairman Means for Business Growth in Oman
Qais Al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones & Free Zones (OPAZ), recently engaged with 18 students from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) during a breakfast meeting where they presented their internship projects and shared their experiences working within various businesses in Duqm. These students are participants in the inaugural SEZAD-SQU Summer Internship program, with placements across eight organizations operating in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.
The conversation extended beyond the immediate scope of the students’ assignments, highlighting employers’ increasing preference for graduates who possess practical workplace understanding before entering full-time employment. While technical expertise remains essential, qualities such as attentive listening, clear communication, and adaptability to changing plans are highly valued.
Over a two-week period, students are gaining experience with notable organizations including OQ8, ASYAD Drydock, Oman Tank Terminal Company (OTTCO), SIMAK, Port of Duqm, ASYAD Ports, Renaissance Services, and Crowne Plaza Duqm.
Hanan Al Siyabi, Section Head of Tourism Development & Lifestyle at SEZAD and the program organizer, remarked, “What stands out is how quickly the students have adapted. They have transitioned from passive observation to making meaningful contributions, asking more insightful questions as they deepen their understanding of their host organizations.”
She added, “This type of hands-on experience offers learning that cannot be replicated in a classroom. Students gain insights into workplace dynamics and employer expectations, building confidence that will benefit them when seeking their first jobs.”
Rahma Al Haddbi, a Media student from SQU interning with SEZAD, shared her perspective: “Before coming to Duqm, I only knew about the projects here through news and social media. Being on-site has provided a clearer understanding. I’ve interacted with professionals across various roles, seen how ideas are transformed into projects, and learned what is expected in a professional setting. This experience will shape my future career outlook.”
The internship mirrors worldwide recognition of the importance of bridging education and practical work experience. Research from the OECD emphasizes career readiness as vital in the context of technological shifts transforming labor markets, especially for young people transitioning from higher education to employment. Similarly, the International Labour Organization (ILO) identifies work-based learning as an effective method for building practical skills prior to entering the workforce.
The inaugural SEZAD-SQU Summer Internship, involving 18 undergraduate students from Sultan Qaboos University, runs until June 18.
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The SEZAD-SQU internship initiative within Duqm’s Special Economic Zone signals a strategic alignment between academia and industry, enhancing graduate employability through practical workplace experience. For businesses, this creates a pipeline of work-ready talent capable of adapting to evolving operational demands, while investors and entrepreneurs should view this as an opportunity to leverage skilled human capital for future growth and innovation in the region. Emphasizing such collaborations is key to sustaining competitive advantage amid Oman’s broader economic diversification goals.
