Youth Development Forum 2025 Concludes in Taqah: Key Insights and Opportunities for Oman’s Business Community
SALALAH, SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 — The 2nd Youth Development Forum in the Wilayat of Taqah successfully concluded on Monday, September 22, under the patronage of Shaikh Tariq bin Khalid al Hinai, Wali of Taqah. Organised by the Office of the Wali in collaboration with various public and private entities, the forum was held under the theme “Empower Today… Lead Tomorrow.” This event is part of a strategic initiative aimed at supporting Omani youth and enhancing their skills in alignment with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
The forum attracted over 160 participants, including jobseekers, entrepreneurs, and employees. It featured accredited training programs that focused on critical areas such as artificial intelligence and its business applications, cybersecurity, and the creation of secure digital environments. Emphasis was placed on equipping youth with skills that correspond to national economic priorities outlined in Oman Vision 2040. Additionally, the event showcased a youth exhibition highlighting innovative projects and visual presentations demonstrating young people’s talents and contributions to modern business and sustainable development.
Activities culminated in a dialogue session titled “Empowerment and Entrepreneurship: A Dialogue for Tomorrow,” where representatives from the Directorate General of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Dhofar, the Oman Development Bank, and the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development joined local entrepreneurs. The discussion addressed practical challenges such as market entry, financing, fostering innovation, and the role of entrepreneurial ventures in economic diversification and creating quality opportunities for youth.
Asma al Maashani, from the Department of Planning and Wilayat Development and one of the forum’s organisers, praised the determination of young people to develop their skills and capacities for the benefit of society and the nation. She emphasized that sustaining this momentum will significantly contribute to realising Oman Vision 2040, enabling Oman to progress confidently towards becoming a developed nation through the efforts of its aware and proactive youth.
A representative from the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Dhofar highlighted that youth are the true wealth and foundation of the country’s present and future. He noted the government’s strong commitment to nurturing young people’s potential and fulfilling their aspirations. The forum addressed vital topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and national coordination efforts supporting Oman Vision 2040, while also serving as a platform for exchanging knowledge and launching initiatives to boost youth engagement in key sectors.
The Chamber representative underscored their commitment to investing in youth capabilities by supporting initiatives, delivering advanced training, linking youth with the labour market, fostering entrepreneurship, and empowering small and medium enterprises, which are essential to the national economy. He concluded by stressing the importance of transforming ideas into practical projects that contribute to building a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy and expressed gratitude to the organisers and participants for the forum’s success.
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The 2nd Youth Development Forum in Taqah signals a strategic investment in Oman’s future workforce, emphasizing skills in AI, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship aligned with Oman Vision 2040. For businesses, this presents a prime opportunity to harness emerging digital talents and innovate within a supportive ecosystem focused on SME growth and economic diversification. Smart investors should consider backing youth-led ventures and tech-driven startups, as the government and institutions are fostering an environment ripe for knowledge-based economic expansion and sustainable development in Oman.
