Oman’s RO 2.109 Billion Budget Boost: What It Means for Human Development and Business Growth
Muscat: Recognizing the pivotal role of education in human development and empowerment, the Omani government has allocated approximately RO 2.109 billion in the 2026 State Budget to support expenses in both school and higher education sectors.
According to the 2026 State Budget Guide, the 10th Five-Year Development Plan has made significant strides following the priorities set for developmental projects over the past five years. The education sector has been a key focus, with notable achievements including the completion and handover of 49 government schools across various governorates. Extensive maintenance and renovation were carried out, alongside the addition of classrooms, lecture halls, and laboratories in existing government schools. Investments were also made in upgrading computer equipment, replacing outdated air conditioning units, and renewing school furniture. Construction is ongoing for 64 new government schools across different governorates, with 22 schools slated for completion in 2026 and the remaining 42 expected to be completed this year.
In the higher education realm, significant projects over the past five years include renovation and maintenance of classrooms and specialized laboratories at Sultan Qaboos University, as well as similar upgrades across branches of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences. Additionally, construction is set to begin on a new College of Law building at Sultan Qaboos University, alongside the establishment of a new branch of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Musandam Governorate.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik continues to prioritize education, with one of the 2026 State Budget’s core objectives being the advancement of education, training, scientific research, and innovation. Sayyid Dr. Munthir bin Hilal al Busaidy, Head of the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit at the Ministry of Economy, commended the vision’s ambitious goal to raise research investment to 2% of GDP. This target is being pursued through national initiatives that have already increased the number of researchers, research centers, and scientific incubators.
The education sector remains a vital engine of Oman’s economic development by nurturing human capital and equipping the workforce with skills aligned to market needs. Efforts emphasize digital education, scientific research, future skills development, and curriculum updates to support the knowledge economy, thereby fostering economic diversification and strengthening the Sultanate’s global competitiveness.
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The Omani government’s robust investment of RO 2.109 billion in education in 2026 signals a strategic commitment to human capital development and economic diversification. Businesses should view this as an opportunity to align with the expanding education infrastructure and emerging knowledge economy, particularly in digital education and scientific research. Smart investors and entrepreneurs must consider partnerships in educational technology, research incubation, and skill development sectors to capitalize on Oman’s ambition to boost innovation and competitiveness.
