74% of Oman Vision 2040 Indicators Show Substantial Progress Toward National Targets

Muscat: The Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit has unveiled its fourth periodic progress report for the years 2024-2025, highlighting that 74 percent of the Vision's performance indicators have achieved measurable progress towards their predetermined objectives. According to Oman News Agency, the report provides a detailed account of the implementation efforts and achievements across various units of the State Administrative Apparatus during the past year (2024) and the first half of the current year (2025). The document underscores substantial progress in achieving the Vision's objectives across several economic and developmental sectors. Dr. Khamis bin Saif Al Jabri, the head of the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, emphasized that the report reflects the government's commitment to transparency and community engagement as core components of the national work system. The report offers a comprehensive assessment of national priority performance within the Vision's framework and pre sents a detailed analysis of indicators measuring progress towards target achievement. Al Jabri highlighted that recent accomplishments demonstrate the sustained commitment of government entities and national sectors to their responsibilities, showcasing the collaborative spirit that forms the foundation of Oman Vision 2040. He noted that integrated cross-sectoral collaboration has been validated as the optimal methodology for achieving the nation's transformational objectives, enhancing Oman's preparedness to navigate global developments and advance confidently towards the future. He also pointed out the impact of international developments on national economies and development strategies, necessitating sophisticated flexibility in strategic management and adaptive response capabilities. He commended government entities for their investments in institutional capacity development aligned with the modernization required to fulfill Vision objectives. These efforts are evident through the implementation of num erous national and strategic programs, projects, and initiatives, supported by coordinated efforts of national priority support teams, specialized technical units within the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, and their counterparts throughout government institutions. Al Jabri emphasized that the continued successful implementation of Oman Vision 2040 requires persistent coordination and integration across all sectors. He noted that current achievements represent initial milestones in the Vision's ongoing journey towards realizing national goals and strategic targets. The report, under the People and Society pillar, documents numerous achievements in education, healthcare, social welfare, protection systems, citizenship development, and national heritage preservation. These components form the foundational framework for enhancing quality of life and citizen empowerment, translating national aspirations into tangible progress toward a prosperous, cohesive, and advanced society. Oman continues to strengthen its integrated educational and research ecosystem, focusing on quality enhancement. The education sector has modernized curricula by adopting international standards in science, English language, and information technology, activated the national school evaluation framework, and advanced digital literacy initiatives. A national framework for technical and vocational education, developed with the private sector, is being implemented to equip Omani youth with technical competencies for future workplace demands. In higher education, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) advanced significantly in global rankings, rising to the 334th position from its previous ranking of 362nd. Its performance metric improved from 31.7 to 42.3 points due to enhanced academic reputation, research quality, and graduate employment outcomes. Additionally, three private institutions gained international accreditation for the first time, signaling the growing global competitiveness of Oman's higher education sector. In innovation and research, Oman advanced five positions in the Global Innovation Index to reach 69th globally. It achieved a 60-position improvement in the patent index, claiming 38th place, and rose to 47th position in the trademarks index. These advancements reflect the maturation of Oman's innovation ecosystem and entrepreneurship environment, alongside strengthened incentives for scientific research and technological development. Omani universities attracted over 3,400 international students through the "Study in Oman" initiative. They approved 475 research projects, funded 61 applied research initiatives valued at over RO 2.5 million, registered 128 patents, and engaged over 5,000 researchers on the "Shuaa" digital platform. Innovation-driven programs, including "Upgrade," the Oman Innovation Festival, and the Cybersecurity Laboratory, have successfully translated research concepts into practical applications and startup enterprises, contributing significantly to the knowledge-based economy. The healthcare sector a chieved improvements in service quality and operational efficiency, marked by the enactment of the Public Health Law, the inauguration of 10 new healthcare facilities, and the enhancement of 21 existing institutions. The sector celebrated the opening of the University Medical City and the Medical City for Military and Security Services and achieved the milestone of Oman's first successful heart transplant from a brain-dead donor. Digital health transformation advanced with virtual clinics and electronic reservation systems, complemented by expanded early screening programs for genetic disorders and the integration of mental health services into primary care delivery. Social welfare and protection systems were strengthened through the expansion of social housing programs, including the "Iskan" initiative that facilitated financing for over 61,000 families, reducing waiting periods to under six months. Over 200 new housing units valued at over RO 14 million were allocated, and social protection coverage now in cludes all categories of employment contracts, with mandatory registration for self-employed workers. Additional pension benefits were disbursed to over 76,000 eligible citizens, complemented by youth empowerment programs such as the National Youth Strategy and the "Sanad" volunteer program. Oman advanced nine positions in the Social Progress Index, ranking 59th globally and fourth among GCC states. Cultural development and national identity preservation achievements include the inauguration of the Oman Cultural Complex and the Oman Encyclopedia for Youth. The historical manuscript "Al-Nuniyah Al-Kubra" was included in UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme, and the "Shabab Oman" sailing training vessel program was recognized for peace and sustainable cultural dialogue through inscription on UNESCO's Register of Good Safeguarding Practices for Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024. By May 2025, Oman secured the inclusion of 17 cultural elements in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, alongside five world heritage site designations. Oman's global cultural presence has been further elevated through the Oman Gallery exhibition at Russia's Hermitage Museum and the Best Design award at the 2025 London Design Biennale, showcasing creative expression's integration into socioeconomic development while strengthening national identity. Oman's economic diversification strategy continues to enhance the contribution of non-hydrocarbon sectors to national GDP while strengthening resilience against global market fluctuations. During 2024, non-oil sectors accounted for 72.8% of economic output compared to 30.9% from hydrocarbon activities, with manufacturing recording 8.3% growth and agriculture and fisheries expanding by 2.8%. The current account achieved a surplus of 1.83% for the third consecutive year, substantially exceeding the -7% target, reflecting Oman's strengthened financial capacity and growing foreign reserves. Public expenditure increased to 29.5% of GDP, while non-oil revenues stabilize d at 8.53% with an annual growth rate of 6.8% throughout the 2021-2024 period. Public debt decreased to RO 14.4 billion, representing 35.5% of GDP and reinforcing fiscal sustainability. Private sector investment rose to 17% of GDP with an 8.4% annual growth rate, while foreign direct investment increased by 18% to reach RO 30.1 billion, accounting for 11.1% of GDP and surpassing the Vision's annual target of 7%. Oman maintained its 58th position globally in the 2025 Economic Freedom Index. Oman continues to build a diversified, technology-driven knowledge economy, achieving credit rating improvements through prudent debt management and establishing the RO 2 billion "Future Fund Oman" to finance promising projects in future economic sectors. Development and operation agreements for the first phase of the Al Rawdah Economic Zone in Al Buraimi Governorate have been finalized, while the Oman Building Code has been implemented to enhance energy efficiency in construction. More than 25 economic initiatives have b een launched, including programs for repurposing mining industry byproducts, localizing solar panel manufacturing, and reassessing mineral resource potential in Musandam Governorate. Private sector engagement has been strengthened through the establishment of the National Negotiation Team and the creation of the specialized Investment and Commerce Court. Cumulative investment across economic zones, free zones, and industrial estates has reached approximately RO 20.9 billion, while the clean energy portfolio has expanded to include eight green hydrogen projects. Entrepreneurship support mechanisms include dedicated programs for startups and small-to-medium enterprises, streamlined regulatory processes through the "Invest Oman Lounge," and the Rapid Intervention Window, which resolved 63 investor requests by mid-2025. Enhanced governance standards for family businesses ensure their long-term sustainability and contribution to economic development. Five integrated economic clusters have been established to su pport industrial diversification, while the Royal Decree establishing the Promising Companies Market has been issued. The second phase of the "Nazdahir" program has been launched to strengthen the national business environment, private sector development, and international trade. The newly established National Foresight Office has introduced 29 leadership development programs and initiatives to build national capacity for managing economic transformation and achieving institutional integration. Sustainable urban development projects include the Urban Planning Law, Detailed Planning Guidelines, and the Urban Observatory monitoring system, complemented by strategic road network expansions and delegated administrative authorities to governorate-level directors. Community engagement has been enhanced through the "All Oman" initiative, benefiting approximately 4,185 citizens since its launch by the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit last year. Labour market modernization includes updated legislative frameworks and the activation of digital platforms such as "Marsad," "Khuta," and the "Freelance Work Platform," supported by comprehensive youth training and qualification programs. These initiatives have increased skilled employment in the private sector to 56.6%, achieved 2.2% labor productivity growth, and raised the Oman