{"id":4638,"date":"2025-09-21T15:46:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-21T11:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/economy\/icv-masar-smes-oman-talent\/"},"modified":"2025-09-22T04:22:24","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T00:22:24","slug":"icv-masar-smes-oman-talent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/economy\/icv-masar-smes-oman-talent\/","title":{"rendered":"ICV, Masar, and SMEs: Key Drivers Shaping Oman&#8217;s Industrial Talent and Business Growth"},"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% 0%,rgba(220,38,38,0.35),transparent 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.hitv3sogbl{display:flex;align-self:center;text-align:left}\r\n  .hitv3sogbtn{width:100%;justify-content:center;padding:12px 20px}\r\n}\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Wide: >= 600px (leaderboard style) \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n@container (min-width:600px){\r\n  .hitv3soga{min-height:90px}\r\n}\r\n<\/style><!-- HiT Land Banner \u2014 Container Query Responsive -->\r\n<div class=\"hitv3sogw\">\r\n<a class=\"hitv3soga\" href=\"https:\/\/hit.land\/services\/web-app-development\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-fadein 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0s;\">\r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogg1\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-glow 3s ease-in-out infinite;\"><\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogg2\"><\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"hitv3soggl\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-shimmer 3s ease-in-out infinite;\"><\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogc\">\r\n    \r\n    <div style=\"display:inline-flex;align-self:flex-start;align-items:center;gap:6px;background:rgba(255,255,255,0.08);border:1px 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>MUSCAT, Sept 21 \u2013 A senior Omani industry leader has presented a comprehensive plan aimed at accelerating workforce development and reinforcing local supply chains, drawing on nearly 30 years of experience that began in 1995 with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).<\/p>\n<p>Sulaiman bin Hamed al Suleimani, Manager of Contracts at Arabian Industries Projects, emphasized the national importance of nurturing SMEs and local community contractors during the 1990s. \u201cWe approached SME and Local Community Contractor development not just as an economic objective, but as a national duty,\u201d he stated. \u201cWe guided emerging contractors on compliance, quality, and execution aligned with international standards\u2014this work has shaped my lifelong commitment to local content and value creation.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In an interview with the Observer, Al Suleimani reflected on his leadership evolution from direct oversight to empowering others with transparency and integrity. He stressed the current focus on cultivating leadership among the younger generation.<\/p>\n<p>Addressing job creation, Al Suleimani highlighted programs designed to bridge the gap between education and industry through structured on-the-job training, certification with national institutions, and internships offering clear pathways to employment. He underscored that In-Country Value (ICV) clauses must result in genuine career opportunities for Omanis, not merely statistics. \u201cICV only matters if it creates real opportunities for Omanis\u2014not just numbers on a page.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>To tackle ongoing challenges such as skills mismatches, limited industrial exposure, and employee retention, contract-level requirements, in-house practical training, and mentorship initiatives have been implemented. \u201cWe continuously engage with youth to understand their aspirations and tailor our programs accordingly,\u201d Al Suleimani said.<\/p>\n<p>He highlighted Masar as a flagship initiative that unites upskilling and reskilling efforts with national priorities. \u201cUnder Masar, hundreds of Omanis have trained in mechanical, electrical, and HSE roles, with many already contributing to key industrial projects under PDO contracts.\u201d The ICV component of Masar is advancing Omani talent into supervisory and managerial positions.<\/p>\n<p>Procurement reform has also been a noteworthy ICV achievement, integrating Omani SMEs into multi-year contracts paired with training and technical support. This approach not only met ICV targets but also bolstered the local supply chain and created sustainable jobs within these SMEs.<\/p>\n<p>Looking forward, Al Suleimani emphasized the vital role of the private sector. \u201cMerely complying with directives is insufficient. Leading companies are developing localisation strategies centered on quality, career progression, and innovation. Talent development must be considered a core business priority.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He noted the positive economic impact already evident through greater diversification, stronger resilience, and a multiplier effect on households and local ecosystems. \u201cBy equipping Omanis and empowering SMEs, we reduce dependence on oil revenues and foreign expertise while enhancing national pride.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Al Suleimani envisions Oman as a regional hub for sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing, grounded in green technologies, hydrogen, and circular economy principles. \u201cThis future is only achievable if our youth are prepared to lead it\u2014with future-ready skills and mindsets.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>To young Omanis, he offers clear advice: \u201cBelieve in your potential and take ownership of your journey. Be proactive, remain curious, and keep learning. You are not only workers\u2014you are the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders of Oman\u2019s next chapter.\u201d<\/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 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.hitl8gakbl{display:flex;align-self:center;text-align:left}\r\n  .hitl8gakbtn{width:100%;justify-content:center;padding:12px 20px}\r\n}\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Wide: >= 600px (leaderboard style) \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n@container (min-width:600px){\r\n  .hitl8gaka{min-height:90px}\r\n}\r\n<\/style><!-- HiT Land Banner \u2014 Container Query Responsive -->\r\n<div class=\"hitl8gakw\">\r\n<a class=\"hitl8gaka\" href=\"https:\/\/hit.land\/services\/web-app-development\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-fadein 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0s;\">\r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakg1\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-glow 3s ease-in-out infinite;\"><\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakg2\"><\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakgl\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-shimmer 3s ease-in-out infinite;\"><\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakc\">\r\n    \r\n    <div style=\"display:inline-flex;align-self:flex-start;align-items:center;gap:6px;background:rgba(255,255,255,0.08);border:1px 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>This blueprint signals <strong>a strategic shift towards empowering local talent and SMEs<\/strong>, embedding workforce development and local content creation as national imperatives, not just compliance checkboxes. For businesses and investors, <strong>prioritizing quality skill-building, innovation, and sustainable supply chains<\/strong> will unlock new opportunities, reduce oil dependency, and enhance resilience in Oman&#8217;s evolving economy. Smart entrepreneurs should now align with initiatives like Masar and ICV, focusing on <strong>long-term talent development and localisation strategies<\/strong> to lead Oman\u2019s green and advanced manufacturing future.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A senior Omani industry leader outlines a blueprint to boost workforce development and local supply chains, emphasizing youth empowerment, practical training, and real career opportunities. He envisions Oman as a regional hub in sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4639,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[482],"tags":[1754,161,180],"class_list":["post-4638","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-economy","tag-local-industry","tag-oman","tag-workforce-development"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3135102.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4638","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\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4638"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4638\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4640,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4638\/revisions\/4640"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4639"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4638"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4638"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4638"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}