Sanad Platform Launch: How It Will Revolutionize Industrial Accreditation for Businesses in Oman
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has entered into a cooperation agreement with the Omani Industrialists Association aimed at streamlining and expediting professional accreditation processes for workers in the industrial sector.
This agreement allows various services offered by the association to be accessible via the Sanad Service Centres’ electronic portal, thereby improving accessibility, efficiency, and speed while minimizing administrative burdens for users.
The signing ceremony was led by Eng. Ghalib bin Said al Maamari, Under-Secretary for Commerce and Industry at the Ministry, and Maqbool bin Ali al Lawati, Vice Chairman of the Omani Industrialists Association.
Al Maamari stated that this initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance Sanad Service Centres and diversify their revenue streams, positioning them as vital conduits for public services. He emphasized that the program arises from the Sanad Service Centres Lab, which aims to improve sustainability and service quality.
Moreover, he noted that this collaboration supports the implementation of the national industrial strategy by increasing workforce efficiency and aligning services with industry requirements.
Al Lawati referred to the agreement as a tangible example of public-private partnership, aimed at simplifying access to professional accreditation through streamlined procedures and multiple service delivery channels. “This initiative will raise workforce efficiency and enhance performance quality in accordance with national standards that promote safe and sound professional practices,” he remarked.
He also indicated that the program will utilize the Industry Sector Skills Unit to align accreditation outcomes with labor market demands, develop skills standards grounded in international best practices, and create tailored training programs. This unit will further assist in professional assessments and classifications, ensuring a skilled workforce that can boost industrial competitiveness.
Professional accreditation acts as a regulatory framework, validating workers’ qualifications and classifying them according to national standards to ensure competence and adherence to legal and safety requirements. The initiative is anticipated to help regulate the labor market, enhance productivity, and reduce unqualified practices.
By the first quarter of 2026, the Sanad Service Centres are projected to offer around 390 services via their electronic portal, demonstrating their growing role in facilitating service delivery for both government and private sectors.
Following the signing, ministry officials convened with association representatives to discuss key challenges faced by industrialists and seek solutions to improve the business environment. The discussions centered on enhancing the competitiveness of Omani products in both local and international markets.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaborative initiatives aimed at improving factory efficiency, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, bolstering local content, and promoting innovation and advanced technologies.
The association reiterated its commitment to supporting the sector through technical studies, training programs, and fostering communication between investors and pertinent entities.
Al Maamari reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to engaging directly with investors and integrating their feedback into policy development, with the objective of increasing the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The recent cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce and the Omani Industrialists Association is set to streamline professional accreditation, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for businesses. This initiative creates significant opportunities for investors by aligning workforce qualifications with market needs, thereby boosting industrial competitiveness. Smart entrepreneurs should now consider leveraging these improvements to tap into a more skilled labor pool and explore innovations that align with national industrial strategies.
