OPAL-Takamul Pact: Enhancing Skills Certification to Boost Workforce Competitiveness in Oman
MUSCAT: The Oman Energy Association (OPAL) has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Takamul Holding Company to bolster professional accreditation systems, enhance competency verification mechanisms, and elevate workforce standards within Oman’s energy and industrial sectors.
The agreement, signed in Muscat in the presence of the Ministry of Labour, emphasizes the implementation of OPAL’s professional licensing framework. It aims to introduce advanced digital solutions for assessing and verifying workers’ skills before they enter the Omani labor market.
This partnership intends to fortify labor market regulations, support Omanisation goals, and ensure that newly recruited professionals meet internationally recognized competency standards. By leveraging Takamul’s expertise in digital testing platforms and professional assessment systems, the collaboration will improve the reliability and efficiency of skills verification processes across various occupational categories.
OPAL officials noted that this initiative is a significant step toward developing a transparent, competency-based professional environment that aligns workforce qualifications with industry requirements. Additionally, the agreement fosters regional cooperation by facilitating the transfer of technical expertise and professional standards across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.
As part of the cooperation framework, both organizations will integrate approved occupational standards into the examination system, develop question banks aligned with industry needs, and explore the establishment of accredited testing centers in labor-sending countries. These centers will operate under unified operational controls and quality assurance frameworks to ensure consistent assessment results.
Industry stakeholders emphasize that enhancing accreditation and licensing systems is vital for improving productivity, safety performance, and competitiveness in Oman’s energy, logistics, and infrastructure sectors. Consequently, the OPAL-Takamul partnership is poised to significantly upgrade workforce capabilities, supporting the Sultanate of Oman’s long-term human capital development agenda as outlined in Oman Vision 2040. — ONA
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The OPAL-Takamul agreement represents a pivotal shift for Oman’s workforce, enhancing professional accreditation and aligning skills with industry standards. Businesses should seize this opportunity to invest in workforce development, as improved competencies may lead to greater productivity and competitiveness. Smart investors should consider aligning their strategies with Omanisation efforts and embracing the integration of digital skills assessment tools, which will be essential for meeting future labor demands.
