Minister of Labour Meets Salalah Business Leaders: Boosting Private Sector Partnerships for Oman’s Economic Growth
SALALAH: Oman’s Minister of Labour, Dr. Mahad bin Said Baaouin, met with business owners and investors in Salalah on Wednesday to discuss strategies aimed at developing a sustainable labor market and promoting private sector growth in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
The meeting took place at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment, coinciding with the second edition of the Labour Forum. It brought together entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprise (SME) owners, and investors from Dhofar Governorate.
During the session, Dr. Baaouin emphasized the Ministry of Labour’s ongoing efforts to modernize labor market tools, simplify regulations, and enhance support for private sector institutions. He highlighted that the ministry’s employment initiatives, created in collaboration with employers, focus on aligning the skills of Omani jobseekers with market demands through targeted training and innovation-driven projects.
He stated, “The next phase requires accelerating our efforts, integrating public and private sector capabilities, and ensuring stability in the labor market to keep pace with global changes.” He further noted that SMEs, artificial intelligence, and innovation will play pivotal roles in driving economic growth.
Business leaders raised concerns regarding administrative procedures, Omanisation requirements in certain sectors, and the need for greater flexibility in recruitment and workforce development.
The discussions also explored opportunities to expand current projects, attract investment, and strengthen training programs for the national workforce.
Dr. Baaouin highlighted the significance of Dhofar’s rapidly growing private sector, particularly the tourism industry, which is experiencing robust growth during the Khareef season. He also recognized the crucial role of SMEs in job creation and economic diversification at the local level.
The Labour Forum serves as a national platform fostering dialogue among government entities, businesses, and academic institutions. This year’s forum focuses on aligning human capital development, entrepreneurship, and economic diversification with the strategic objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s strategic focus on modernizing the labor market and fostering private sector growth, particularly through SMEs, AI, and innovation, signals significant opportunities for businesses to align with Oman Vision 2040. Entrepreneurs and investors should consider leveraging the expanding tourism sector and workforce development initiatives, while being mindful of evolving Omanisation regulations and administrative flexibility to stay competitive. Smart investors must prioritize collaboration with governmental programs and skill-focused training to capitalize on the market’s modernization and diversification drive.
English 
Arabic 
Persian