{"id":12447,"date":"2026-06-11T16:52:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T12:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/news\/economy\/students-brief-opaz-chairman-duqm-internship\/"},"modified":"2026-06-12T01:42:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T21:42:33","slug":"students-brief-opaz-chairman-duqm-internship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/economy\/students-brief-opaz-chairman-duqm-internship\/","title":{"rendered":"Duqm Internship Program Insights: What Students\u2019 Briefing to OPAZ Chairman Means for Business Growth in Oman"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-shimmer{0%,100%{opacity:0.3;transform:scaleX(0.4)}50%{opacity:1;transform:scaleX(1)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-glow{0%,100%{opacity:0.6}50%{opacity:1}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-badge{from{opacity:0;transform:scale(0.8)}to{opacity:1;transform:scale(1)}}\r\n<\/style><style>\r\n.hitv3sogw{container-type:inline-size;width:100%;max-width:970px;margin:0 auto;box-sizing:border-box}\r\n.hitv3soga{display:flex;flex-direction:row;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;text-decoration:none;color:#fff;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,system-ui,sans-serif;position:relative;overflow:hidden;cursor:pointer;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#111118 0%,#080808 100%);border:1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.08);border-radius:14px;gap:20px;padding:20px 40px;transition:border-color .2s}\r\n.hitv3soga:hover{border-color:#dc262688}\r\n.hitv3sogg1{position:absolute;inset:0;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 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solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitv3sog-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OMAN OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogh\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Websites For <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Omani Businesses.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogs\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Empower your brand with custom digital solutions designed for high conversion and market dominance.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbl\"><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Responsive designs built for growth<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Fast loading with smart automation<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitv3sogbtn\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Build Your Free Website <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>Qais Al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones &#038; Free Zones (OPAZ), recently engaged with 18 students from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) during a breakfast meeting where they presented their internship projects and shared their experiences working within various businesses in Duqm. These students are participants in the inaugural SEZAD-SQU Summer Internship program, with placements across eight organizations operating in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.<\/p>\n<p>The conversation extended beyond the immediate scope of the students&#8217; assignments, highlighting employers\u2019 increasing preference for graduates who possess practical workplace understanding before entering full-time employment. While technical expertise remains essential, qualities such as attentive listening, clear communication, and adaptability to changing plans are highly valued.<\/p>\n<p>Over a two-week period, students are gaining experience with notable organizations including OQ8, ASYAD Drydock, Oman Tank Terminal Company (OTTCO), SIMAK, Port of Duqm, ASYAD Ports, Renaissance Services, and Crowne Plaza Duqm.<\/p>\n<p>Hanan Al Siyabi, Section Head of Tourism Development &#038; Lifestyle at SEZAD and the program organizer, remarked, \u201cWhat stands out is how quickly the students have adapted. They have transitioned from passive observation to making meaningful contributions, asking more insightful questions as they deepen their understanding of their host organizations.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She added, \u201cThis type of hands-on experience offers learning that cannot be replicated in a classroom. Students gain insights into workplace dynamics and employer expectations, building confidence that will benefit them when seeking their first jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Rahma Al Haddbi, a Media student from SQU interning with SEZAD, shared her perspective: \u201cBefore coming to Duqm, I only knew about the projects here through news and social media. Being on-site has provided a clearer understanding. I\u2019ve interacted with professionals across various roles, seen how ideas are transformed into projects, and learned what is expected in a professional setting. This experience will shape my future career outlook.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The internship mirrors worldwide recognition of the importance of bridging education and practical work experience. Research from the OECD emphasizes career readiness as vital in the context of technological shifts transforming labor markets, especially for young people transitioning from higher education to employment. Similarly, the International Labour Organization (ILO) identifies work-based learning as an effective method for building practical skills prior to entering the workforce.<\/p>\n<p>The inaugural SEZAD-SQU Summer Internship, involving 18 undergraduate students from Sultan Qaboos University, runs until June 18.<\/p>\n<p><style>\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-shimmer{0%,100%{opacity:0.3;transform:scaleX(0.4)}50%{opacity:1;transform:scaleX(1)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-glow{0%,100%{opacity:0.6}50%{opacity:1}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-badge{from{opacity:0;transform:scale(0.8)}to{opacity:1;transform:scale(1)}}\r\n<\/style><style>\r\n.hitl8gakw{container-type:inline-size;width:100%;max-width:970px;margin:0 auto;box-sizing:border-box}\r\n.hitl8gaka{display:flex;flex-direction:row;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;text-decoration:none;color:#fff;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,system-ui,sans-serif;position:relative;overflow:hidden;cursor:pointer;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#111118 0%,#080808 100%);border:1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.08);border-radius:14px;gap:20px;padding:20px 40px;transition:border-color .2s}\r\n.hitl8gaka:hover{border-color:#dc262688}\r\n.hitl8gakg1{position:absolute;inset:0;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 0%,rgba(220,38,38,0.35),transparent 65%);pointer-events:none;z-index:0}\r\n.hitl8gakg2{position:absolute;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;height:45%;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 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solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitl8gak-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakh\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Your Website <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Should Sell.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gaks\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Custom-built websites with smart automation & AI-powered features.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbl\"><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>SEO-optimized & lightning fast<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Smart features built for your business<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitl8gakbtn\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Get Free Consultation <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p>Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman&#8217;s Market<\/p>\n<p>The SEZAD-SQU internship initiative within Duqm&#8217;s Special Economic Zone signals a <strong>strategic alignment between academia and industry<\/strong>, enhancing graduate employability through practical workplace experience. For businesses, this creates a pipeline of <strong>work-ready talent capable of adapting to evolving operational demands<\/strong>, while investors and entrepreneurs should view this as an opportunity to leverage skilled human capital for future growth and innovation in the region. Emphasizing such collaborations is <strong>key to sustaining competitive advantage amid Oman&#8217;s broader economic diversification goals.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Qais Al Yousef, Chairman of OPAZ, met 18 Sultan Qaboos University students interning in Duqm\u2019s Special Economic Zone. The summer internship with SEZAD helps students gain workplace skills, contributing to eight organizations, enhancing career readiness beyond technical knowledge.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12448,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[482],"tags":[831,319,4398],"class_list":["post-12447","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-economy","tag-duqm","tag-education","tag-internship"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/3412470.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12447","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12447"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12447\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12449,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12447\/revisions\/12449"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12448"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12447"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12447"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12447"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}