His Majesty presides over Cabinet meeting
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers at Al Mamoura Palace in Salalah.
The session discussed key national and international topics, focusing on the continued improvement of Oman's financial performance, employment initiatives, and the development of social and educational initiatives.
His Majesty also addressed tourism growth in Dhofar, Government service enhancements and the importance of protecting society from harmful ideologies. He stressed the importance of maintaining cooperation with other countries for mutual benefit.
His Majesty began by praising God for the blessings on Oman and its people, praying for continued prosperity and health.
His Majesty expressed satisfaction with Oman's improved financial performance. He noted the reduction in public debt and the positive results that enhance confidence in the local economy, creating an attractive environment that supports the growth of various economic sectors.
Reviewing progress on the issue of employment, the Cabinet reaffirmed that job creation is a top national priority. The recently approved Government initiatives will, with God's will, create more job opportunities for citizens. To support these efforts, the Cabinet approved an additional 50 million Omani rials for employment programmes in the private sector. Furthermore, 1.2% of purchases from the oil and gas sector, government units, and Oman Investment Authority affiliated companies will also contribute to this initiative.
His Majesty also praised efforts in the social and educational sectors, directing the allocation of 72 million Omani rials to fund the Family Support Benefit programme under the Social Protection Fund.
His Majesty extended congratulations to students at the start of the new academic year, praying for a year filled with diligence and success. He commended the efforts of teachers and academics in preparing for the year, emphasising their key role in building a generation grounded in knowledge, values and good morals.
In response to increasing student numbers in some rapidly growing regions, the Cabinet approved an additional 40 million Omani rials within the current five-year plan to accelerate the construction of new schools.
To enhance Oman's ranking in the Government AI Readiness Index by adopting and localising AI technologies and regulations and to boost productivity and increase the number of tech startups developing local solutions, the Cabinet approved the National AI and Advanced Digital Technologies Programme.
His Majesty praised the success of Dhofar's Khareef season which saw an increase in the number of visitors to one million by the end of August. He praised the efforts made by the relevant authorities, stressing the importance of continuing to study the aspirations of tourists and developing events and services to ensure a further increase in visitor numbers in coming seasons.
After commending the performance of Government institutions and their efforts to address key national priorities and improve services, His Majesty stressed the importance of developing mechanisms to measure the satisfaction of service users, to simplify procedures and to enhance the quality of services. His Majesty directed the Cabinet and relevant authorities to launch an electronic platform next year for receiving complaints and suggestions regarding Government services.
Given Oman's deep-rooted social unity and its longstanding rejection of extremism, the Cabinet emphasised the importance of protecting society from harmful influences. It highlighted the crucial role of the family in raising children with sound values and helping them to avoid dangerous ideas.
His Majesty commended the military and security forces for their efficiency in dealing with incidents that attempt to undermine security, directing all state bodies to remain vigilant and to address such issues promptly.
Reviewing regional and international issues, His Majesty discussed Oman's bilateral relations with several friendly and brotherly nations. He affirmed Oman's commitment to continuously seek cooperation with all countries to ensure mutual benefit and prosperity.
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Majesty directed all state institutions to continue improving their work expressing his wishes for continued success and prosperity for the nation and its loyal people.
This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.