A nation’s digital transformation is often defined by its infrastructure, its investments, and its groundbreaking projects. We’ve explored these in the first two parts of our series. But the most critical component of this journey is not technology—it’s the people who drive it.

Oman’s leadership understands that to build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy, the focus must shift from simply digitizing processes to cultivating a skilled, agile, and future-ready workforce.

This final installment delves into how Oman is strategically investing in its human capital, from empowering a new generation of leaders to integrating cutting-edge technologies into its education system.

Educating for the Digital Age

The foundation of a future-ready workforce begins in the classroom. Oman’s education system has a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The approach is not centered on memorization but on hands-on learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving, encouraging students to engage in activities like building robots and designing apps. An inspiring aspect of this effort is the emphasis on inclusivity, particularly in encouraging girls to pursue STEM fields and leadership roles.   

A key strategy is fostering public-private partnerships to align educational programs with real-world industry needs. This collaboration has evolved from planning to active, large-scale deployment, most notably in the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education. The Ministry of Education, in a partnership with Microsoft, is deploying 4,000 Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses across public schools. This initiative positions Oman among the first countries in the region to implement AI copilots at scale in its education system, empowering teachers with intelligent tools and providing students with interactive, personalized learning experiences. 

This action is a profound step beyond mere planning, demonstrating a concrete commitment to preparing the next generation for an AI-powered world. Beyond government initiatives, grassroots innovation is also thriving, as evidenced by the launch of “Almify,” an AI-powered educational platform developed by an Omani innovator to provide personalized learning plans for all students, including those with disabilities. 

Leading the Change: The “Irtiqa” Program

While technology and education are vital, the government recognized the need to develop a new generation of leaders capable of spearheading this transformation from within.

The launch of the “Irtiqa” (ascension) program marks a profound strategic shift.  “Irtiqa” is designed to groom a new generation of leaders who can drive digital transition, foster innovation, and achieve excellence in government services. 

This program builds on the success of its predecessor, the “Tahawul” (Transformation) program, which successfully focused on digitizing government processes between 2021 and 2025. The launch of “Irtiqa” signals a maturation of this strategy, shifting the focus to developing the people who will sustain the digital society for the long term. 

A Quantifiable Success: The “Tahawul” Program

The government’s commitment to digitalization is most tangibly demonstrated through the achievements of the “Tahawul” program. From its launch in 2021 through the first half of 2025, the program achieved an overall performance rate of 80%, a significant increase from 73% in 2024. The program’s success is defined by specific, measurable achievements, including the simplification of procedures for 96% of targeted government services and the digitization of 74% of priority services.

The most powerful indicator of success is public adoption. The volume of digital government transactions surged to over 26.9 million between January and November 2024, a major leap from 9.4 million in the entirety of 2023. This momentum continued into 2025, with over 11.4 million digital transactions processed between January and May alone. This surge is not merely a statistical achievement; it is a clear indicator that investments in digital infrastructure and user-friendly portals are genuinely changing citizen behavior and enhancing public sector efficiency.

The success of “Tahawul” is perhaps best exemplified at the local level. The Muscat Governorate was ranked in the “Advanced Tier” for digital transformation within the program. This milestone was achieved through the successful streamlining and digitization of 24 essential municipal services, from building permit issuance to lease contract authentication, eliminating the need for physical visits to municipal offices.

Oman’s Crafted Digital Future

Oman’s digital journey is far more than a technological upgrade; it is a holistic, people-centric national strategy.

By systematically investing in education and leadership development, the Sultanate is ensuring that its citizens are not just users of technology but creators and innovators. The quantifiable success of the “Tahawul” program proves that these investments are paying off, creating a more efficient, accessible, and transparent government.

This final piece of the puzzle—the strategic focus on human capital—completes the picture of a nation that is not just building a digital future, but actively crafting one.