Oman’s Ministry of Economy has reported major progress on the Tenth Five-Year Development Plan (2021–2025), aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Development funding has reached approximately $28.6 billion, a 72% increase from the original $16.6 billion, driven by new infrastructure and economic diversification initiatives across public services and social sectors.
The ministry confirmed that 95% of the plan’s 412 strategic programs are already underway, covering 14 national priorities and all four Vision 2040 pillars.
In youth development, all three programs have been implemented, focusing on governance, engagement, and skills. In health, all six initiatives are active, including hospital projects, expanded coverage, and digital transformation. Education and scientific capacity have seen 65 out of 70 programs launched, ranging from governance reforms to innovation promotion. In citizenship and culture, 43 of 45 programs are operational, featuring tourism data systems, talent training, and cultural events. Social welfare is progressing through 25 of 26 programs, with efforts in housing support, inclusion, and sports promotion.
Under the economy and development pillar, 152 programs are underway, with 98% implementation. These span urban services, land development, decentralised management, and private sector support. All 17 initiatives focused on private investment and international cooperation are active, covering SME growth, loan guarantees, and oil and gas cost optimization.
ICT development is fully activated through 20 programs, including the national digital economy strategy, smart city networks, and digital skills training. The flagship Makeen initiative has trained over 8,200 Omanis across 126 sessions, laying groundwork for future technology hubs.
Economic leadership priorities are progressing in all six programs, covering public finance management, asset registries, economic coordination, and legislative reforms.
In economic diversification and financial sustainability, 60 of 62 programs are underway, including support for Fourth Industrial Revolution start-ups, expansion of national data centers, efficiency in public institutions, and enhanced local value in transport and IT.
Other efforts target modernizing mining legislation, launching digital mining platforms, and increasing SME participation in energy and mining.
In labor and employment, 17 of 18 programs are active, addressing policy reform, Omanisation, training, and entrepreneurship.
Within environmental sustainability, 95% of 56 programs are progressing, such as biodiversity management, updated environmental laws, pesticide regulation, and palm productivity.
Governance and institutional performance include 54 programs, 87% of which are in execution, covering anti-corruption, public fund protection, resource governance, and civil aviation security. Public administration reforms have seen 34 of 40 programs launched, focusing on compliance, innovation, e-government, and infrastructure.
Key infrastructure milestones include Sultan Haitham City (Phase 1 at 80% completion), road projects such as the Adam–Thumrait dualisation (32%), Darbat tunnel (90%), and Sultan Qaboos Street dualisation (81%).
Health projects are advancing, with Salalah’s Sultan Qaboos Hospital at 58%, Madha Hospital at 86%, and Suwaiq Hospital at 77%. The Infectious Diseases Lab is nearly complete at 91%. Sixty-nine schools are under construction, averaging 50% completion.
In agriculture, date palm weevil eradication has reached 80%, locust control 90%, and animal disease surveillance 95%. Fishing port upgrades are progressing, including Daba Port (86%) and Kumzar Port (45%).
Major projects nearing completion include the Oman Botanical Garden (95%), municipal upgrades in Dhofar tourist areas (95%), and housing assistance programs now 92% complete.
These efforts collectively underscore Oman’s commitment to balanced, sustainable growth across all regions and sectors as part of Vision 2040.
Source: The Arab Weekly
