Overview
The education sector in Oman employs ~65,000 (teaching and admin) workers with an Omanisation rate of ~85% in public schools. Workforce development is a critical enabler of Vision 2040 objectives, requiring targeted interventions in skills training, career pathway development, and nationalisation policies tailored to sector-specific needs.
Key Indicators
| Indicator | Current | 2040 Target |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Employment | ~65,000 (teaching and admin) | See 2040 targets |
| Omanisation Rate | ~85% in public schools | See 2040 targets |
| Key Employers | MOE, MOHE, SQU, GUtech, University of Ni… | Expanding |
Analysis
Workforce composition in Oman’s education sector reflects both historical development patterns and emerging skill requirements. The current Omanisation rate of ~85% in public schools indicates strong progress toward nationalisation targets. Key employers including MOE, MOHE, SQU, GUtech, University of Nizwa, Oman Medical College, OAAA are implementing structured training programmes. However, skills gaps persist in technical specialisations, middle management, and digital competencies. The sector must balance rapid Omanisation with maintaining operational excellence and international competitiveness.
Challenges
Skills mismatch between education outputs and sector requirements remains the primary workforce challenge. Skills mismatch between graduates and labour market needs, low STEM enrolment (~18 percent of tertiary students), quality assurance gaps in private institutions, limited research output (0.3 percent of GCC total), and teacher retention in remote governorates. Additionally, retaining Omani talent in the face of competition from government and higher-paying sectors requires innovative compensation and career development frameworks.
Opportunities
Structured apprenticeship programmes, industry-academia partnerships, and TVET alignment with sector needs can accelerate workforce readiness. EdTech platforms for blended learning, international branch campus partnerships, TVET expansion aligned with manufacturing and logistics needs, research commercialisation through SQU Innovation Park, and lifelong learning programmes for workforce reskilling.
Vision 2040 Targets
Place two universities in QS top 200; raise STEM enrolment to 35 percent; achieve 95 percent secondary completion rate; triple research output; establish Oman as a regional education hub attracting 50,000 international students.