Omani Women Breaking Barriers: New Trends in Non-Traditional Sectors and What It Means for Your Business in Oman
Muscat – The increasing presence of young Omani women in non-traditional sectors is no longer an exception or merely a symbol of social equality. It has become a well-established national trajectory, supported by strategic plans that prioritize a knowledge-based economy, innovation, advanced technologies, and sustainability.
Young Omani women are excelling in specialized fields such as energy and minerals, cybersecurity, chemical engineering, artificial intelligence, and medical equipment engineering. In these sectors, women are not only participants in implementation but also key figures in planning, decision-making, and developing future-oriented solutions.
Several young Omani professionals share how their work actively supports the national economy and contributes to shaping the future.
Zainab bint Ali al Saadi, Director of the Health, Safety, and Environment Department at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, highlights that specialized training in the energy and minerals sector, combined with expertise in health, safety, and environment, has built a robust knowledge and professional foundation. This foundation enables a clear understanding of the sector’s regulatory and operational demands and equips her with the skills needed to operate effectively in one of the most challenging work environments.
She emphasized the importance of practical, hands-on training in translating theoretical knowledge into effective, conscious application, enhancing the ability to manage risks while adhering to safety and sustainability standards. Her choice of this unconventional career path is driven by its strategic importance to the national economy and its crucial role in comprehensive development, as well as her commitment to advancing a sector where health, safety, and environmental stewardship are essential for responsible performance and sustainability.
Iman bint Mohammed bin Khamis al Rawahi, Director of the Electronic Information Security Department in Muscat Governorate, explains that her career in cybersecurity was built on a strong foundation of scientific knowledge and technical skills. Starting with a deep understanding of information technology—including operating systems, networks, databases, programming, and systems analysis—she developed the expertise necessary to comprehend modern digital architectures and cyber threat dynamics. This knowledge is vital amid the rapid digital transformation experienced by institutions today to effectively mitigate cyber risks.
Engineer Ibtisam bint Khamis al Halwani, Head of the Chemicals Management Department at the Environment Authority, details the comprehensive scientific and applied knowledge that underpins her career in chemical engineering. Her expertise spans mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and applied chemistry, including inorganic, organic, and analytical chemistry. She also draws upon principles of thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, reactor design, and process control to convert raw materials into economically valuable products while improving industrial processes with environmental and economic efficiency across sectors like petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, fertilizers, and dyes.
Biomedical engineer Hajar bint Nasser al Shandoudi highlights the innovative nature of biomedical engineering, which redefines traditional engineering roles by integrating medical knowledge with modern digital sciences. Unlike conventional engineering, which focuses largely on design and production, biomedical engineering requires expertise in biophysics, biology, anatomy, and data analysis software to develop precise and safe medical devices that significantly impact human health.
She points out that biomedical engineering is crucial in developing medical devices, enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic efficiency, and ensuring device reliability. Modern equipment such as MRI machines and ventilators depend on the integration of mechanical and electronic components with intelligent software to analyze medical data in real time and monitor performance accurately. Biomedical engineers also design intelligent maintenance systems and optimize operating parameters to guarantee sustained performance and patient safety.
This growing involvement of young Omani women in pivotal technical fields reflects a strategic commitment to advancing the country’s knowledge economy and sustainable development goals.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The rising prominence of young Omani women in advanced, non-traditional sectors such as energy, cybersecurity, chemical, and biomedical engineering marks a strategic shift toward a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy in Oman. For businesses, this presents a unique opportunity to harness diverse talent driving sustainable development and technological advancement. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should consider supporting initiatives that empower female professionals in these fields, as this trend fosters future-ready industries with enhanced innovation, safety, and economic value.
