F T Sustainable

‫ﺔ‬

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Development

2030 2

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National committee for achieving ‫ﻖ‬
sustainable development Goals ‫ﻣﺔ‬

D National
First Voluntary
O P Review of
The SultanateC of Oman 2019
United Nations High-Level Political Forum
on Sustainable Development July 2019

Moving Forward
with Confidence
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“Development is not a goal in itself. Rather, it exists for building man, who is its means and maker.
Therefore, development must not stop at the achievement of material wealth and a diversified
economy. It must go beyond that to contribute to the formation of the citizen who is capable of
taking part in the process of progress and comprehensive development. Such goals can be achieved
through the improvement of the citizen’s technical and professional ability, the stimulation of their
creative and scientific capabilities, and the improvement of their diverse skills. All this must be
directed towards serving the country and achieving the happiness of all citizens.”

From the Royal Speech of His Majesty

Sultan Qaboos Bin Said
On the occasion of the Conference on “Oman’s Economy-Vision 2020”, 2 June 1995
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The present report was prepared under the supervision
of the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for

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Planning – the National Committee for the Achievement of
the Sustainable Development Goals,

with the participation of staff from the following entities:

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• General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers
• General Secretariat of the State Council
• General Secretariat of the Shura Council

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• Ministry of Interior
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Ministry of Oil and Gas
• Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE)
• Ministry of Manpower
• Ministry of Health (MoH)
• Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources
• Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

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• Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs
• Ministry of Social Development (MoSD)
• Public Authority for Radio and Television
• General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning (SCP)
• Research Council
• Sultan Qaboos University
• National Defense College
• National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI)
• Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science
• National Youth Committee
• Children First Association
• Association of Early Intervention

with the technical support of the following entities:

• Arab Planning Institute

• United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
• United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)
• United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
• Foreword 6

• Executive Summary 8

• Introduction 12

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• Institutional Mechanisms to Achieve the SDGs 14

• Wide Community Participation: Oman’s Approach towards Achieving the SDGs 18

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• SDGs: In Line with Future National Strategies and Plan 20

• The Main Challenges to Sustainability in Oman and National Policies to Address them 24

• SDG Indicators in Oman 28

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• Central Issues to the Achievement of the SDGs in Oman 32

• SDG1: No Poverty 38

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• SDG2: Zero Hunger 44

• SDG3: Good Health and Well-Being 50

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• SDG4: Quality Education 60

• SDG5: Gender Equality 70

• SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation 80

• SDG7 - Affordable and Clean Energy 86

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• SDG8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth 90

• SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 100

• SDG10- Reducing Inequality 110

• SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities 116

• SDG12: Ensuring Sustainable Patterns of Consumption and Production 122

• SDG13 – Climate Action 126

• SDG14: Life Below Water 132

• SDG15: Life on Land 138

• SDG16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions 146

• SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals 154

• Conclusion 160

• Sustainable Development Goals Indicator Measurement System 162

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C Foreword

6 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Four years have passed since the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable made towards achieving the 2030 SDGs and their targets and ensuring
Development was announced in September 2015. During these four their delivery in accordance with national objectives on a periodic basis.
years, the Sultanate of Oman has resolutely endeavored to honor
its international commitment to achieving these goals by 2030 by In pursuit of the SDGs, the Sultanate has relied upon broad community
integrating the latter into its long-term strategies and short and participation at national and local levels. Panel discussions, workshops,
medium-term plans and programs, whilst relying on the United and dialogue sessions have been held with various development partners
Nations 2030 Agenda as a central pillar. The Oman 2040 Vision and representing the government, the private sector, civil society, youth,

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the 9th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) both underscore the fact that parliamentary and academic entities, and international organizations,
the Sultanate takes the 2030 Agenda seriously and had devised with a view to ensuring community ownership of the development
the necessary policies, initiatives, and programs to ensure the agenda. “All of Oman” is one of the most prominent initiatives adopted

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achievement of desired goals by the internationally agreed deadline. by the Sultanate that aims to heed the priorities and future aspirations
of local communities during the elaboration of the Vision document and
Oman’s determination to achieve the goals and targets set out in the focuses on enabling an active participation of all segments of society in
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development constitutes a natural the sustainable development efforts in Oman.

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extension of the values and principles of sustainability, equality, justice,
peace, engagement, and “leaving no one behind” that have been deeply Oman’s first VNR reflects in an integrated manner the progress made
rooted in Omani society since its inception. This reality is clearly reflected by the country towards achieving the 17 SDGs. It highlights national
in the Basic Statute of the State and the addresses of his Majesty Sultan strategies and plans that were specifically designed to implement

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Qaboos bin Said, which have always been a reference framework these goals, identifies future challenges and plans for the achievement

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to all development plans and programs in the Sultanate. As a result, of the SDGs, and reviews current practices and initiatives contributing
Oman has made remarkable achievements in key economic, social, to the attainment of national sustainable development objectives and
environmental, cultural, and political areas of sustainable development priorities.

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over the past few years, as laid out in detail in the present report.
We are fully aware that we still have challenges ahead and that honoring
In this context and with a view to achieving the Sustainable Development our commitment is contingent upon addressing the numerous and
Goals (SDGs), the Supreme Council for Planning (SCP) established diverse challenges confronting us, which requires combined regional
a national high-level committee called “the National Committee for and international efforts. The Sultanate is tirelessly seeking to reach
the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals”, comprised of this end by leveraging its strong ties at Arab, regional, and international
members from ministries, government bodies, the State and Shura levels.

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Councils; and representatives from the private sector, civil society
organizations (CSOs), and academic institutions. The said committee As Oman submits its first VNR to the High-Level Political Forum
was mandated with a number of functions, most important of which (HLPF), it hopes to highlight its efforts towards achieving the SDGs as
are the follow-up on the process of integrating the SDGs into Oman’s well as the most important initiatives that are deemed potentially useful
five-year development plans and Oman 2040 Vision, the oversight of the to the rest of the world. The Sultanate is confident that the exchange of
elaboration of national reports including the voluntary national reviews expertise and experiences between nations at such a high-level forum
(VNRs), and the follow-up on the development of a comprehensive constitutes a decisive factor in achieving the desired goals according to
dashboard-based system aimed at monitoring indicators of progress the agreed agenda.

 Dr. Ali bin Masoud bin Ali Al-Sunaidy

Minister of Commerce and Industry

Deputy Chairman of the Supreme
Council for Planning

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 7

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C Executive
Summary

8 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Since the early 1970s, the sustainability mindset has been a key tenet Oman 2040 were aligned with the SDGs and their targets according
of the successive visions and five-year plans adopted by the Sultanate to their corresponding sectors in the 2030 Agenda. Such alignment
of Oman. Oman has also been an active partner in all the United Nations ensures that the 2030 SDGs and their targets are embedded in the Oman
and regional fora and deliberations that led to the announcement of 2040 components and are therefore granted the same level of attention
the Sustainable Developments Goads in September 2015. It also took as the goals of the national vision, thus guaranteeing that the necessary

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part as well in the United Nations discussions of document A/69/700 resources are allocated to their implementation in accordance with the
entitled “The road to dignity by 2030: ending poverty, transforming agreed timetable and that the national and international indicators
all lives and protecting the planet.” On the basis of broad community required to measure the progress made towards the SDGs are available.
consultations, Oman’s Supreme Council for Planning (SCP) endorsed

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the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 (SDGs) in The report also reflects on the challenges to sustainability Oman and the
its third meeting in 2015 on 24 June 2015. national policies put into effect to address them. These challenges can be
summarized as follows: regional and international economic variables,
Since then, the Sultanate has been keen on integrating the sustainable particularly global oil price fluctuations and the global economic

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development dimensions and goals in its development plans and downturn, in addition to unstable regional geopolitical conditions that
strategies, at the top of which are the 9th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) adversely affect Oman’s financial situation; employment creation to
and Oman 2040 Vision, in a way that attests to the rigorous seriousness accommodate job seekers and newcomers to the labor market, whose

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with which the Government is implementing the SGDs, allocating numbers are expected to grow significantly and incrementally given

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budgets thereto, and devising programs and policies that ensure the the youthful structure of the Omani population pyramid; accelerating
achievement thereof in the medium and long terms. In the elaboration the economic diversification process so as to reduce the dependence
of its long-term vision and medium-term plan, the Sultanate relied on of the national economy on oil imports and exports while laying

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extensive community participation at national and local levels. Tens down the necessary economic diversification policies, with a view to
of discussion panels, workshops, and dialogue sessions were held taking advantage of the achievements of previous development plans
with various development partners ranging from representatives of in infrastructure areas; and building a private sector that is efficient,
government and private sector to civil society, youth, and international competitive, and capable of making optimal use of Oman’s human and
organizations, with the aim of ensuring community ownership of the natural resources, as a major contributor to economic diversification.
development agenda.
The report sheds light on the efforts deployed by the Sultanate to
A national committee for sustainable development was formed continue monitoring sustainable development indicators. The NCSI

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under the chairmanship of the Supreme Council for Planning oversees the monitoring of SDG indicators in order to compile all
Deputy Chairman, with the membership of representatives from all data and indicators available in Oman and carry out the necessary
development partners, including government officials, academics, planning to ensure their availability on a periodic, regular basis. To
members of the State and Shura Councils, representatives of the that end, it has built a database and a website dedicated to the SDGs
private sector and civil society. The National Committee was tasked and the established working groups tasked with communicating with
with the oversight and follow-up for the preparation of the first VNR. concerned ministries and entities, making the required data available
A technical team composed of national experts, director-generals, and according to the United Nations methodologies. These efforts resulted
selected specialists and consultants was also set up to draft the report, in the computation of 100 SDG indicators, representing approximately
in addition to a working group assigned from the National Center for 41 percent of the total number of indicators to be measured. The NCSI
Statistics and Information (NCSI) to monitor and measure the also ensures a continuous follow-up of sustainable development
sustainable development indicators. indicators with international organizations, reviews Oman’s data posted
on the United Nations website to verify its validity and accuracy, and
After reviewing the institutional framework, coordinates with concerned organizations regarding the amendment
methodology, and method adopted in the VNR and provision of national data for the SDG indicators.
preparation, the outcomes and goals of

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 9

 Executive Summary

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Before covering the progress made towards achieving each of the 17 SDGs separately, the report discusses four central issues to which
the Sultanate pays an increased attention as they constitute key determinants of success in achieving the SDGs, namely the local character
of development, funding efficiency, technological advancement, and data availability.

1 The Local Character

of Development

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believes that achieving the SDGs is contingent upon promoting the role of governorates and local

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communities throughout the development process, starting with the formulation of strategies and

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plans through to the phases of implementation, follow-up, and evaluation. Hence, the 9th Five-
Year Plan (2016-2020) and the previous plans attach paramount importance to governorate development in order to ensure that the development
process achieved balanced outcomes for all citizens across the country and reaches comparable levels of development in all governorates in the areas

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of education, health, social services, job opportunities, infrastructure, and public utilities. The 9th Plan adopts a methodology that is based on data
description and the identification of the needs and requirements of economic, social, environmental, and urban development in each governorate in a
way that produces a complete picture of the situation and priorities in every governorate, which in turn allows for the elaboration of a development and
investment program that is consistent with the said priorities. In this context, Oman 2040 Vision is the most significant and telling initiative in terms
of affirming that decentralization and the promotion of the role of governorates and local communities are among Oman’s key development priorities.
Oman 2040 is one of the most important outreach initiatives devised under the communication and stakeholders’ involvement strategy aiming to
promote a participative approach in the process of preparing and drafting this future vision. It aims to consider the priorities and future aspirations
of local communities in the drafting of the Vision document and to enable all segments of society in the governorates, particularly youth, women, the
private sector, and civil society organizations (CSOs), to actively participate in the sustainable development efforts exerted by the Sultanate.

2 Funding Efficiency

C Funding efficiency is the second issue examined in the present report. The emphasis is laid
on finances presenting one of the largest challenges faced by countries in their pursuit of
development goals. In fact, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
estimates the funding gap that needs to be filled to achieve the SDGs in developing countries at US$2.5 trillion per year. The report also
stresses that the quality of budget allocation is just as important as the availability of funds. The Sultanate embarked recently on a shift
towards the application of program and performance budgets and plans. 13 government bodies are now engaged in this shift towards the
application of program and performance budgets that define direct linkages between national priorities and budgets to be allocated for their
implementation and offer a seamless tool to track performance and ensure accountability. Moreover, the SCP has started to develop a specific
method for plan formulation. This new method does not only entail a review of development projects with government bodies, but also covers
all key initiatives that require budget allocation under the current expenditure. Under this method, initiatives are listed in a tracking system; a
method that enhances the plan’s ability to monitor financial allocations (either current or development-related) in order to achieve the SDGs.

10 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 3 Technological
Advancement

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readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and how the latter can be leveraged to deliver the
SDGs. According to the Readiness of the Future of Production Report 2018 issued by the World
Economic Forum, which measures countries’ readiness to capitalize on the Fourth Industrial

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Revolution opportunities and avert its risks and assess their preparedness for future changes, the Sultanate is ranked 45th out of 100 countries
in terms of drivers of production and 70th in terms of the structure of production components. The present report reviews national strategies
put in place by the Sultanate since 2011 with a view to enhancing its readiness and preparedness to keep abreast of the accelerated advances
in the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. These includethe Digital Oman Strategy, the National Broadband Strategy, the National

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Innovation Strategy, the E-Commerce Strategy, and the National Information and Communications Technology Strategy. The report also

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presents national initiatives launched by the Sultanate that lay a solid foundation for its transformation and readiness for the Fourth Industrial
Revolution, in addition to several examples that demonstrate the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in supporting
efforts to achieve the SDGs.

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Data Availability
The Sultanate is convinced that “what cannot be measured cannot be achieved;” it therefore
follows that the first VNR of Oman sheds light on the issue of the availability of indicators.
From the same perspective, the NCSI established a database encompassing the SDGs and

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their indicators in order to compile all data and indicators that are available in Oman and
undertake planning exercises to ensure their availability on a periodic, regular basis. A website dedicated to Oman’s SDG indicators
was also launched and will serve as a communication platform for all concerned parties at local and international levels.

The VNR then goes on to examine the progress made by the Sultanate towards achieving the 17 SDGs during recent years in light of the most
recent available data and reports. It also highlights major challenges facing the Sultanate on the road towards achieving the SDGs by 2030, as
well as policies, procedures, and plans in place to tackle these challenges and ensure the delivery of the SDGs.

The VNR underscores that the Sultanate of Oman is committed to achieving the SDGs in economic, social, and environmental
dimensions within the agreed deadline and that, despite considerable challenges, it is generally moving in the right direction
towards that end, pursuing an approach based on broad community participation during the design, implementation, and
evaluation of plans, policies, and programs aimed at tackling the aforementioned challenges and achieving the SDGs.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 11

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C Introduction

12 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

The Sultanate of Oman is an Arab Muslim country located in the far marking a milestone in the drafting of the education goal in the
southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It stretches over 310,000 Muscat Declaration which helped define the global education goal and

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km2 with a current population of 4.6 million, 44 percent of which targets, as well as the means to achieve them. On the basis of broad
are expatriates. According to the World Bank classification, Oman community consultations, the SCP endorsed the United Nations
is a high average income country, and it falls under the category of Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 in its third meeting in 2015

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countries with a considerably high human development as per the on 24 June 2015.
United Nations.
Since then, the Omani Government has been keen on incorporating
The sustainability mindset has been a fundamental tenet of the the sustainable development dimensions and goals in its development

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consecutive visions and five-year plans adopted by the Sultanate plans and strategies, at the top of which are the 9th Five-Year Plan
since the onset of the modern Omani renaissance in 1970 under (2016-2020) and Oman 2040 Vision, in a way that attests to the
the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said who strived to great attention paid to the implementation of the SDGs, allocation of
build a state of contemporary institutions on the basis of citizenship, budgets, and elaboration of programs and policies that ensure the

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equality, and the rule of law, while keeping with the zeitgeist through achievement of these goals in the medium and long terms.

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development plans and programs and enhancing living standards by
developing the education, health, and socio-economic sectors. When In order to integrate the SDGs into development plans and strategies,
it comes to foreign policy and international relations, the Sultanate the Sultanate opted for a method based on community participation

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embraces an approach anchored in the values of peace; coexistence; and ownership through discussion panels, workshops, and
tolerance; dialogue; acceptance of others; respect for neighboring dialogue sessions held with the officials concerned with sectoral
countries; non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries; strategies. These activities involved policymakers; academics; the
close collaboration with all nations and peoples; and commitment to Council of Oman; representatives of the private sector, CSOs, youth
the principles of rights, justice, and equality, in accordance with the organizations; and various stakeholders. these methods epitomize
provisions and principles of the United Nations Charter and the rules Oman’s belief in the right of every individual to a decent life allowing
of international law. them to harness their full potential and contribute to the fulfillment

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of socio-economic and environmental requirements to ensure that no
Oman has been an active partner in all regional and United Nations one is left behind.
fora and deliberations that led to the announcement of the SDGs in
September 2015. It also took part in the United Nations discussions Aspiring to a bright future where the SDGs are achieved and based
of document A/69/700 entitled “The road to dignity by 2030: ending on the premise that these rights belong to all, the Sultanate of
poverty, transforming all lives and protecting the planet”. The Oman firmly believes that achieving the SDGs cannot be realized by
Sultanate hosted the 2014 Global Education for All Meeting, which governments alone, but rather requires building strong partnerships
stressed the need for a new education vision for the 21st century, with other parties, including individuals, the private sector, and CSOs.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 13

 Institutional Mechanisms to Achieve the SDGs

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Royal Decree No. 30/2012 promulgated on 26 May 2012 granted the SCP the power to follow up on the achievement of the SDGs. Article 2 of
the SCP Regulations states that the Council shall “set the strategies and policies required for the achievement of sustainable development
in the Sultanate and find the mechanisms that will help implement these strategies and policies with a view to reaching economic diversity

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and the optimal use of available natural and human resources.”

Since the beginning of January 2016, the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda endorsed by world leaders in September
2015 during a historic United Nations summit, officially commenced. The 2030 Agenda includes 17 goals and 169 targets and builds on the

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successes of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that came to an end in 2015.

After endorsing the 2030 SDGs along with all the other countries in a United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted on 25 September
2015, Oman took a number of measures to uphold its commitment to achieving the SDGs, including the following:

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D OP Y To review “keeping up with the latest changes in international development instruments,
foremost of which is the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” one of five main
pillars underpinning the themes that guided the drafting of the 9th Five-Year Plan (2016-
2020);

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To incorporate the 2030 SDGs into the
sectoral objectives of the 9th Five-Year
Plan (2016-2020)

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To start monitoring the SDG indicators
for the baseline year as of the middle of
2016; and

4 To take the SDGs into consideration

when drafting the goals and strategies of
Oman 2040 Vision.

14 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 Figure (1): Timeline of Oman’s participation in the 2030 Agenda

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A national working
group encompassing
approximately 24 entities,
including public institutions,

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private sector entities,
CSOs, and academic bodies, The SDGs are
works on articulating incorporated into the

2012 and formulating Oman’s

viewpoint on the SDGs 2014
main pillars of the 9th
Five-Year Plan

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Oman takes part in
the United Nations
discussions of document 2013 2015
A/69/700 and the

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deliberations of the

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Cooperation Council for
the Arab States of the
Gulf (GCC)

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The SCP endorses the
SDGs
2016

2017
2018
Oman establishes the
National Committee for
the Achievement of the
SDGs and a technical
working group tasked
with following up the
achievement of the SDGs

2019

Performance
measurement indicators
are developed by the
NCSI

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 15

 Institutional Mechanisms to Achieve the SDGs

In this context, the SCP established the National Committee for the at monitoring the indicators of progress towards the SDGs and their

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Achievement of the SDGs. A high-level committee, it is composed of targets and ensuring their delivery in line with national targets on
members from all ministries, government bodies, and the Council of a regular basis. It was also mandated to supervise the preparation
Oman, representatives from the private sector and CSOs. The National of national reports, including VNRs, in order to follow up on the

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Committee was entrusted with a number of tasks, foremost of which achievement of the SDGs; formulate recommendations regarding
are the follow-up of the integration of the SDGs into the objectives delivery levels, challenges, and ways to address the latter; and to
of Oman’s five-year plans, Oman 2040 Vision and the oversight over submit these recommendations to the SCP and then to the Council
the development of an integrated dashboard-based system aimed of Ministers.

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Figure (2): The institutional and executive framework to achieve the SDGs

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Council of Ministers

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Supreme Council for Planning

Oman 2040 Vision

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‫اﻟﺘﻨﻤﻴﺔ اﻟﻤﺴﺘﺪاﻣﺔ‬

2030 Five-Year Plans

‫اﻟﻠﺠﻨﺔ اﻟﻮﻃﻨﻴﺔ ﻟﺘﺤﻘﻴﻖ‬

‫أﻫﺪاف اﻟﺘﻨﻤﻴﺔ اﻟﻤﺴﺘﺪاﻣﺔ‬

National Committee for the

2030 Agenda for
Achievement of the SDGs Sustainable Development

• Incorporate the SDGs into the objectives

Submit of the five-year plans

recommendations on • Identify the desired objectives and follow up on

the delivery of targets
delivery levels • Monitor indicators on a yearly basis (NCSI)

National Team for the Achievement of the SDGs

16 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

In preparation for Oman’s first VNR,a Figure (3): Executive framework for the
national technical team was established

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comprising experts and director-generals preparation of the first VNR report of Oman
from ministries and government bodies,
representatives of the private sector, the

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Council of Oman, business partners, and
National Committee
CSOs. Along with the NCSI working group, the
team monitors and measures SDG indicators.
‫اﻟﺘﻨﻤﻴﺔ اﻟﻤﺴﺘﺪاﻣﺔ‬

2030 for the Achievement of 4

The SCP organized several workshops for the SDGs

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‫اﻟﻠﺠﻨﺔ اﻟﻮﻃﻨﻴﺔ ﻟﺘﺤﻘﻴﻖ‬
the technical team, the NCSI working group, ‫أﻫﺪاف اﻟﺘﻨﻤﻴﺔ اﻟﻤﺴﺘﺪاﻣﺔ‬

and stakeholders’ representatives in order

to discuss and introduce the mechanism for
preparation of the VNR report, its sections,

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and the importance of national ownership of

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the report. National Technical Team
3
Working groups of multiple stakeholders Secretariat of the National Team
participated in the VNR preparation and

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drafting, the presentation of implemented
initiatives, and the review of challenges and
plans related to the achievement of the SDGs.

figure 3 illustrates the executive framework

for the preparation of the first VNR report 1 Working groups Working Group for the Report 2
of Oman. of ministries and Monitoring and Follow- Review
various stakeholders )up of Indicators (NCSI

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Committee

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 17

 Wide Community Participation as Oman’s Approach towards Achieving the SDGs

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The Sultanate of Oman firmly believes in the importance of broad community participation and ownership for the achievement of the SDGs.
This belief has been demonstrated during the preparation of the 9th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020), the first five-year plan adopted after the
endorsement of SDGs by the SCP. The Plan was enhanced by community participation through numerous panel discussions and workshops

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held with the participation of:

More than 40 panel discussions were

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International
organized with the aim of introducing
experts
participants to the views of the and UN
concerned ministries and bodies on organizations
the Plan’s proposed objectives and
pillars, its sectoral components,
macroeconomic management plans Five workshops were held
and financial policies, the investment to appraise successful

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program, governorate development, international examples
the private sector and economic and apply lessons learned
diversification, employment policies, that are appropriate for the
Omanization and youth programs. Sultanate’s conditions.

Ministries and
government
bodies

18 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 Authorities
responsible
for long-

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term sectoral
strategies

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Dialogue sessions covered Oman’s
promising sectors, namely

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manufacturing, transport and logistic Omani Youth
services, tourism, fisheries, and mining,
in addition to ICTs, education, health,
agriculture, and environment, with
the aim of finding a common ground
between sectoral strategies and the
Sustainable Development Agenda. Omani youth were involved to better understand their

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aspirations and priorities, as well as the initiatives that
can expedite the achievement of the SDGs.

In order to emphasize Oman’s commitment to the 2030

Agenda not only in the medium term but in the long
term too, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said ordered
the elaboration of Oman 2040 Vision, with an objective
forward-looking perspective that serves as a key
guide and reference for the Sultanate in any planning
exercise during the next two decades. Oman 2040
attracted broad community participation including
representatives from the government, the Council of
Oman, the private sector, and CSOs, as well as citizens
of knowledge, experience, and expertise. It has also
built on the launching of a wider community dialogue
in various sectors during various events that engaged
diverse society segments under the “All of Oman”
initiative, discussed at a later stage in this report.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 19

 The SDGs Are in Line with Future National Strategies and Plans

As the blessed renaissance shone its light on the Sultanate in

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1970 under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin
Said, it ushered in the journey of planning for development, as
the Government pursued a clear socio-economic path articulated
in consecutive five-year development plans that revolved around Oman 2040 seeks to

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fundamental long-term objectives, most prominent of which
are the creation of new sources of national income that support elevate the Sultanate to
oil revenues and replace them in the future, a focus on human
resources to enable them to fully assume their role in advancing the position of an advanced

A
the national economy, the continuous building of the components
of a free economy underpinned by private sector activities on the nations by focusing on
basis of free competition, and the attention to water resources
as a vital element indispensable for thriving and uninterrupted three key themes:

R
economic activity and environment preservation.

Y
During the period from 1970-1995, the Sultanate successfully laid
down the foundations of a socio-economic shift and embarked on a
journey towards future horizons, continuous self-sustaining growth,

D OP
and interaction with the outside world. In 1995, the economic future
vision Oman 2020 was developed, setting out a clear and well-defined
path towards the 21st century under which the Omani economy can
shift from an economy that depends on government initiative and

1
spending, oil resources, and an expatriate workforce as the main
drivers of economic activities, to an economy that relies on private
initiatives, a national workforce, and renewable resources in order to
achieve sustainable development. Oman 2020 consisted of four central
The individual

C
themes, each coupled with relevant policies and mechanisms as
follows: development of human resources, economic diversification,
and Society
the private sector, and economic balance and continuous growth.
Shortly after the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development in September 2015, the Sultanate devised
the 9th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) which underscores Oman’s calls for a society whose members are creative and proud of their identity,
determination to keep pace with evolving international development innovative and globally competitive, enjoying a decent life and sustainable
instruments, particularly the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable well-being. This theme covers four national priorities as follows:
Development. The principal aim of the Plan is to deliver a shift away
from an economy that depends on a sole main resource, i.e. oil, • Education, learning, scientific research, and national capabilities, with the
towards a diversified economy to which various promising sectors are following strategic direction: inclusive education and scientific research
contributing, with a view to minimizing the consequences of external that lead to a knowledgeable society and competitive national capabilities.
shocks resulting from oil price fluctuations in the global markets. • Health, with the following strategic direction: a pioneering health system
During the last four years of the 9th Plan, Oman made significant with international standards characterized by decentralization, quality,
progress towards the SDGs. transparency, justice, and accountability.
Subsequently, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said ordered the • Citizenship, identity, heritage, and national culture, with the following
preparation of Oman 2040 Vision, which was meant to discern strategic direction: a society proud of its identity and culture and
the socio-economic reality and chart an objective forward-looking committed to its citizenship, and an integrated and institutional
course that would serve as a fundamental guide and reference to community-based partnership scheme that reinforces national identity,
the Sultanate in any planning exercise during the following two citizenship, and social cohesion.
decades. • Well-being and social protection, with the following strategic direction: a
decent and sustainable life for all and a society based on a set of goals, at
the forefront of which is a society enjoying insurance coverage through an
efficient, sustainable, and just social safety network.
20 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019
 2
Economy and
Development

T
It calls for a productive and diversified economy characterized by a
3

F
competitive structure; founded on innovation, the integration of roles, and
equal opportunities; driven by the private sector; and delivering inclusive
and sustainable development. This theme includes six national priorities as Governance and
follows: Institutional
Performance

A
• Economic leadership and management, with the following strategic
direction: a dynamic economic leadership with renewed competencies
operating within an integrated institutional framework towards a set of
goals, particularly the creation of a reference entity for the economy that is

R
empowered to achieve the goals of economic development and social justice.

Y
• Economic diversification and fiscal sustainability, with the following strategic
direction: a diversified and sustainable economy that embraces knowledge
and innovation, operates within integrated and competitive frameworks,
keeps abreast of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and achieves fiscal

D OP
sustainability. This direction is realized through six goals, foremost of which
is to identity leading sectors driving economic diversification and supporting
sectors, to be reviewed every five years.
• Labor market and employment, with the following strategic direction:
a dynamic labor market with sectorial targets that attracts talent and is
responsive to demographic, economic, knowledge, and technological
changes. This direction is realized through four goals, most notably a calls for a country that enjoys an accountable apparatus, integrated
labor market with highly skilled and productive workforce and a positive governance, efficient oversight, and a swift judiciary, to be achieved
work culture that attracts talents and skilled workers in line with clear and through three national priorities as follows:

C
standardized recruitment policies.
• Private sector, investment, and international cooperation, with the following • Legislative, judicial, and oversight system, with the following
strategic direction: an empowered private sector that drives a competitive strategic direction: a participatory legislative system; an
and globally integrated economy. This direction is realized through seven independent, specialized, and swift judiciary; and an efficient and
goals, most prominently a competitive business environment capable of transparent oversight. This direction is realized through seven
attracting investments in which the government assumes a regulatory goals, foremost of which are flexible legislations, an independent
role coupled with successful, efficient, and seamless management and an legislative authority with full powers, a comprehensive oversight
empowered and competitive private sector that leads the economy and system that protects national assets and observes the principles of
observes both economic and social dimensions. accountability, and a society that enjoys legal awareness and actively
• Development of sustainable governorates and cities, with the following participates in legislation and oversight.
strategic direction: comprehensive geographical development according to • Partnership and integration of roles, with the following strategic
a decentralized approach that develops a limited number of urban centers direction: a balanced partnership and an efficient regulatory role
and ensures an optimal and sustainable use of lands. This direction is realized of the government. This direction is realized through three goals,
through six goals, foremost of which are a balanced and just development notably a balance and sustainable partnership and integrated roles
that enhances the competitive and comparative advantages of governorates between stakeholders including public and private sectors, civil
and urban areas, empowered communities involved in setting their socio- society, and individuals in order to ensure effective institutional
economic priorities and operating within a framework of administrative and performance and an efficient regulatory framework that motivates
economic decentralization, and an efficient settlement hierarchy system to CSOs.
guide urban development. • Governance of the administrative apparatus, resources and projects,
• Natural resources and environmental sustainability, with the following with the following strategic direction: a flexible, innovative, and
strategic direction: balanced and optimal use of natural resources to ensure future-shaping administrative apparatus that is based on the
their sustainability in support of energy security and the national economy. principles of good governance. This direction is realized through
This direction is realized through six goals, notably food and water security six goals, particularly a public sector that is effective in planning,
that is based on renewable resources and advanced technologies; optimal regulation, monitoring, and evaluation, structured sector-wise, and
capitalization on Oman’s strategic location and biodiversity; and a protected future looking; clear competitive standards for leadership positions in
environment that balances environmental, socio-economic, and labor the public sector and its subsidiaries; and institutional transparency
requirements according to sustainable development rules. and disclosure that guarantee the right to access information.
First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 21
 Oman 2040 defines national priorities through different sets of strategic goals, as indicated in Figure (4) below:
Environmental
and national
resources

Figure (4): Oman’s National Priorities

Education, Development
learning, of sustainable

Our National

T
scientific research, governorates
and national and cities
capabilities

Priorities The Private

F
sector,
investment, and
Health international
cooperation

A
Citizenship,
identity, The Labor
heritage, market and
and national employment
culture

R Y
Economic
Well-being diversification and
and social fiscal sustainability

D OP
protection

Economic
leadership and
management

C Governance of
the administrative
apparatus,
resources, and
projects
The
Partnership
and
integration of
roles
The
Legislative,
judicial, and
oversight
system

As demonstrated above, Oman 2040 national priorities are aligned with the SDGs.
Table (1) illustrates the consistency and coherence between the SDGs and the strategic directions of Oman 2040.

22 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 Table (1): Consistency and coherence between the SDGs and Oman 2040 strategic directions

Links with the SDGs

Oman 2040 Strategic Directions

T
Direct Links Indirect Links

F
1. Inclusive education, sustainable learning, and scientific research
that leads to a knowledgeable society and competitive national
capabilities

A
2. A pioneering healthcare system with international standards

R
3. A society proud of its identity and culture and committed to its
citizenship

D OP Y
4. A decent and sustainable life for all

5. A dynamic economic leadership with renewed competencies

operating within an integrated institutional framework

6. A diversified and sustainable economy that embraces knowledge

and innovation, operates within integrated frameworks, attains
an accomplished competitiveness, keeps abreast of industrial

C
revolutions, and achieves fiscal sustainability

7. A dynamic labor market that attracts talent and is responsive to

demographic, economic, knowledge, and technological changes

8. An empowered private sector that drives a competitive and

globally integrated economy

9. Geographically comprehensive development according to a

decentralized approach that develops a limited number of urban
centers and ensures an optimal and sustainable use of lands

10. Effective, balanced, and flexible ecosystems in order to protect

the environment and ensure the sustainability of its resources in
support of the national economy

11. A participatory legislative system; an independent, specialized,

and swift judiciary; and an efficient and transparent oversight

12. A flexible, innovative, and future-shaping administrative

apparatus that is based on the principles of good governance

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 23

 The Main Challenges to Sustainability in Oman and National Policies to Address them

T
1.Challenges to Sustainability

F
The major challenges confronting
the achievement of the SDGs in
Oman can be summarized as
follows:

Regional and
international

R A Y
D OP
economic Employment

2
changes creation for job
seekers

1
C
One of the toughest challenges ahead is creating job opportunities to accommodate job seekers
and newcomers to the labor market for which numbers are expected to grow significantly and
incrementally considering the youthful structure of the Omani population pyramid. According
to the data from mid-2017, those who are aged less than 18 years represent 52 percent of
the Omani population. The steady increase in the rate of female participation in economic
These encompass chiefly volatility in global activity should also be factored in. It is therefore necessary to redress the current labor
oil prices and the global economic downturn, market conditions in terms of needs and outputs of education and training systems as well
in addition to unstable regional geopolitical as other aspects related to labor law, wages, incentives, and the role of the private sector in
conditions that adversely affect Oman’s employment. It is also indispensable to encourage and support small and medium enterprises
financial situation and require therefore (SMEs), concomitantly with the execution of mega projects yielding high economic returns
caution and appropriate countermeasures that that contribute to job creation. There is consensus that the issue of employment of Omani
guarantee fiscal sustainability and a stable nationals, especially youth, is the most serious challenge facing policymakers. The problematic
macroeconomic environment, as well as an issue of employment in Oman does not lie in the lack of demand for workforce (as it is the case
accelerated diversification process. in economies with high population density). In fact, the growth rate of the Omani economy
creates job opportunities exceeding by far the national workforce supply. In 2017, only 19.2
percent of the total workforce in the Sultanate were Omani nationals, of whom of the vast
majority, 84.3 percent, worked in the government and public sector, compared with only 13.7
percent in the private sector. Hence, the real challenge in the labor market is to educate Omani
graduates to work in the private sector or opt for self-employment and entrepreneurship,
particularly in SMEs. In this context, royal orders have been issued in February 2019 by His
Majesty the Sultan to set up the National Center for Employment as the entity in charge of
employment affairs and the creation of job opportunities for Omani nationals.

24 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 T
Accelerating

F
economic
diversification

3
R A Y
Building an

D OP4
effective and
It is crucial to accelerate the process of
economic diversification to reduce the competitive
national economy’s dependence on oil private sector
both at revenues and exports levels, and
mitigate the consequences of external
shocks resulting from oil price volatility
in the global markets. This challenge

C
necessitates a revision of previous
economic diversification policies and an
adjustment in the course of such policies
in order to capitalize on the gains of It is essential to support and incentivize the private
previous development plans in the areas sector, boost its ability to compete and make optimal use
of infrastructure, logistical services, and of Oman’s human and natural resources, and contribute
newly developed ports, airports, and to the process of economic diversification by shifting
transportation services; and maximize focus away from conventional sectors (construction
the use of available natural resources, and services) towards investment in promising and
while taking advantage of Oman’s productive economic sectors. Notwithstanding all new
unique geographic location:a waterfront legislative and regulatory frameworks and the improved
overlooking emerging economies in investment climate, the role of the private sector in the
East Asia and a gateway to East African economic process still falls short of expectations. It
countries and identifying promising is thus necessary to rethink current stimulus policies
economic sectors that have a competitive targeting the private sector with regard to economic,
advantage to capitalize on these factors. legal, and legislative aspects related to investment, labor,
This trend is reinforced by a unanimous and wages regulations with a view to promoting the ease
agreement around the diversification of doing business.
of growth drivers as the optimal option
to guarantee a stable environment
conducive of sustainable growth.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 25

 Main Challenges to Sustainability in Oman and National Policies to Address them

T
2. National Policies to
Address Challenges

A F
R Y
Socio-economic

D OP
growth stimulus
Policies

1
C
The aforementioned challenges served as
guidelines to chart the developmental path
of Oman’s development plans, as they gave
momentum to the shift from an economy based
on a single commodity, i.e. oil, towards a diverse
economy to which other promising sectors
contribute. With a view to expediting this shift,
the 9th Five-Year Plan focuses on the following
objectives and pillars:

• Sustainability of economic growth in a

changing world,
• Economic diversification and expansion of
production base, and
• Creation of productive and rewarding job
opportunities for citizens.

26 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 T
Policies aimed at

F
ensuring fiscal
sustainability

A 3
R Y
Oman pursues a fiscal policy tailored to rationalize

D2 OP
Policies public expenditure, increase non-oil revenues,
aimed at
developing the control and rationalize current expenditure, and
private sector catalyze infrastructure and strategic projects
and improving in order to spur growth and boost economic
the business
environment and diversification levels.
investment
climate The adopted fiscal policies also aim at achieving

C
a set of targets and priorities, at the forefront of
which are ensuring fiscal sustainability to support
the national economy in attaining targeted growth
rates, implementing economic diversification
programs, enabling the private sector to play a
Promoting the role of the private sector is one of larger role in the economic process, and providing
the main pillars of the 9th Plan. An array of policies, job opportunities. Measures taken to achieve fiscal
programs, and trends have been brought into effect, sustainability include:
including enhancing the business environment and
investment climate, improving Oman’s ranking in • Reordering spending priorities to align them
international indices, promoting investment between with available financial resources and yield
the public and private sectors, and activating targeted socio-economic revenues,
the privatization program and SME development
schemes. • Maintaining deficit at an acceptable level and
reducing public debt,

• Improving the structure of public revenues by

raising the contribution of non-oil revenues in
order to reduce oil dependency, and

• Reducing further the breakeven point of oil

price under the general budget.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 27

 SDG Indicators of Oman

Statistical agencies around the world endeavor to collect, tabulate, ministries and bodies and provide required data in accordance with United

T
and calculate indicators measuring the achievement of the SDGs. The Nations methodologies. The NCSI ensures a continuous follow-up on the
National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI) monitors the SDG SDG indicators with international organizations, reviews Oman’s data
indicators of Oman. It has in fact set up a database and launched a website posted on the United Nations website to verify their validity and accuracy,

F
in March 2019 in order to disseminate and provide access to available and coordinates with concerned organizations regarding the amendment
data and indicators related to the Sultanate. In the framework of planning and provision of national data on SDG indicators.
to ensure the availability of these indicators on a periodic, regular basis, it The following table illustrates the situation in terms of availability of
has formed a working group mandated to communicate with concerned measured indicators.

A
Table (2): Availability of SDG indicators in Oman

R Y
Available Total Number of Available Percentage of Target Percentage of Indicator
Goal Targets
Targets Indicators Indicators Availability (%) Availability (%)

1 7 4 14 5 57 % 36 %

D OP
2 8 3 13 4 38 % 31 %

3 13 12 27 24 92 % 89 %

4 10 7 11 8 70 % 73 %

5 9 8 14 11 89 % 79 %

C
6 8 5 11 7 63 % 64 %

7 5 1 6 2 20 % 33 %

8 12 5 17 5 42 % 29 %

9 8 4 12 7 50 % 58 %

10 10 2 11 2 20 % 18 %

11 10 1 15 1 10 % 7 %

12 11 1 13 1 9 % 8 %

13 5 1 8 2 20 % 25 %

14 10 3 10 3 30 % 30 %

15 12 5 14 6 42 % 43 %

16 12 3 23 4 25 % 17 %

17 19 7 25 8 37 % 32 %

169 72 244 100 43 % 41 %

28 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 Percentage of indicator availability by SDG

F T
R A Y
D OP
C
First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 29
 Challenges and Mechanisms to Overcome Them

The process of measuring SDG indicators is confronted with several challenges that require combined efforts not only at the local level but

T
also at the international level, if they are to be overcome. Chief among these are the multitude of topics tackled by the SDGs which necessitate
enormous efforts and close collaboration between stakeholders, ministries, and private sector entities; the degree of detail in SDG indicators;
and incomplete methodologies, not to mention financial challenges stemming from the need to conduct field surveys for a considerable

F
number of indicators and the large budgets associated with them.

Mechanisms and Tools to Address Challenges:

A
The Sultanate of Oman places great emphasis on making necessary data and indicators available to monitor the efforts aimed at achieving
the SDGs, considering the multitude of topics tackled by the SDGs that necessitate enormous efforts and constructive collaboration between
stakeholders, ministries, and private sector entities. It also devotes considerable attention to providing indicators with the required details
and ensuring an uninterrupted flow of data. To that end, it is imperative to build statistical capabilities and provide financial resources to

R
carry out field surveys. To overcome these challenges, Oman coordinates its actions and collaborates with various international and regional

Y
organizations to exchange expertise, promote its working group capabilities, complete the system of indicators that supports development
planning purposes, and measure progress towards the SDGs.

D OP
1 2 3

C
Enhancing the knowledge Developing national capabilities Providing and disseminating
of SDGs with regard to SDG indicators sustainable development indicators

Raising awareness about and Holding specialized workshops In response to growing requests
introducing the SDGs and their to promote capabilities related to related to the SDGs from multiple
indicators to governmental, academic, the methods of computation of national entities and international
and private institutions and CSOs, in sustainable development indicators organizations, the Sultanate
addition to presenting working papers and participating effectively in regional developed, in partnership with the
in various national and regional fora, and international activities intended United Nations Human Settlements
embracing innovative initiatives that for the exchange of knowledge and Program (UN Habitat) in Muscat,
disseminate knowledge about SDGs expertise in statistical areas. the content of the SDG website
among all society segments and and continued issuing a series of
make it readily available, and sharing publications, monitoring the 17
Oman’s experience in monitoring SDG SDGs.
indicators at regional and international
meetings.

30 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Future Plans to Monitor SDG Indicators

Bridging gaps in data and methodologies related to indicators requires full cooperation with concerned government bodies and agencies in

T
order to obtain accurate and reliable data and indicators. The future plan to complete the monitoring of SDG indicators is underpinned by the
following core areas:

A F 2 3 4

Management of
the sustainable
development
information system
R
D OP
Under this core area, a
Y Field surveys and
opinion polls

The methodology used

Dissemination of
and access to data
and indicators

Ensuring access to knowledge

Building statistical
capacities

The lack of methodologies

C
comprehensive electronically to measure some of the of and raising awareness and gaps in data regarding
interconnected statistical SDG indicators requires about SDGs are important some SDG indicators
information system is opinion polls and field areas that entail considerable represent a challenge that
developed by building on surveys to be conducted in efforts and cooperation needs to be tackled by
the census project and order to collect necessary with concerned entities, building and promoting
the Oman Government data for measurement. To ministries, and private sector the statistical capacities of
Network Initiative. Through that end, the computation organizations. That said, the the NCIS working group. In
this system, indicators requirements of SDG focus right now is on enabling this context, coordination
and statistical reports indicators relying on field the recently launched website and cooperation is
can be disseminated in sources were included in to serve as a communication ongoing with regional and
accordance with international household and economic platform with stakeholders international organizations
frameworks and standards. surveys to be carried out at national and international to exchange expertise
The system is already by the NCSI after 2020, levels. It provides SDG data and enhance the working
in operation and Oman in addition to the outputs and indicators in a way that group competencies with a
E-Census 2020 is currently and results of the ongoing secures the quality and view to overcoming these
underway. Household Expenditure and continuity of the service and challenges and bring to
Income Survey that can be consecrates it as a mechanism completion the system
useful in the calculation of that supports monitoring and of indicators that helps
several indicators. reporting requirements of measure progress made
SDG indicators. towards achieving the SDGs.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 31

 Central Issues to the Achievement of the SDGs in Oman

The Sultanate attaches great importance to several issues deemed as key determinants of the country’s success in achieving the SDGs.

F T
Central Issues to the Achievement of the SDGs

R A Y
D OP
Local Funding Technological Data
Character of
Sustainability Efficiency Advancement Availability

C
The basic directions of the Sultanate regarding these issues are explained below.

Sustainable development is an essentially local issue

Oman firmly believes that achieving the SDGs in the areas of health, social services, job creation,
depends largely on promoting the role of infrastructure development, and public utilities.
governorates and local communities throughout
the sustainable development phases, starting with Development plans The Plan follows a methodology that is based on data
the elaboration of strategies and plans through description and an accurate identification of the needs
paid great attention
the various phases of execution, follow-up, and and requirements of economic, social, environmental,
evaluation. Hence, the 9th Five-Year Plan (2016- to the development and urban development in each governorate, in a way
2020) pays particular attention to the development of governorates and that depicts a complete picture of the situation and
of governorates in order to deliver a balanced priorities in every governorate. Such methodology
local communities
development and just distribution of development allows for the elaboration of a development and
benefits among citizens across the country, including investment program that is consistent with the said
the attainment of comparable levels of development priorities.

32 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 The figure below outlines mechanisms adopted by the 9th Plan to select and implement development projects at the governorate level.

Figure (5): Mechanism for the selection and implementation of development projects at the
governorate level

T
1 2 3 4

F
Scope of Sectoral development Priorities of project

A
Data description of Identification of implementation
indicators at the
Work the governorate
governorate level
actual needs and investment
channeling

R Y
Needs of citizens
Identifying a list
Carrying out a

D OP
of basic data and
comparison with Needs reported by
indicators Prioritizing
Oman’s indicators the Shura Council
projects by linking
members
Implementation Identifying development
Carrying out an
comparative indicators and types
Mechanism international Needs reported
and competitive of needs and requests
comparison by ministries and
advantages that with various types of
governors

C
reflect investment projects
Targeting
and development
development levels Other needs (media/
opportunities
social networks/…)

Setting up a list
Establishing a
Identifying Developing a list of of projects to be
Objective data description of
development gaps needs included in the Five-
governorates
Year Plan

“All of Oman” is an outreach initiative devised under the communication and stakeholders’ involvement strategy with the aim of promoting
a participatory approach in the process of preparing and drafting Oman 2040 Vision and expanding the scope of community participation by
involving all groups of society in the said process. The initiative seeks to ensure that the priorities and future aspirations of local communities
are taken into account during the elaboration of the Vision and provide different society segments in the governorates, especially youth,
women, the private sector, and the civil society, with an opportunity to actively engage in the sustainable development efforts exerted in Oman.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 33

 The All of Oman initiative started off in Governance and Institutional
March 2018 from Al Buraymi Governorate Performance, in addition to a youth
and toured in total five governorates; it The “All of Oman” initiative consisted session held in collaboration with the
targeted governors, walis, representatives of holding a one-day meeting in each Youth Vision Foundation.
of government bodies, members of

T
governorate attended by 200-300
State and Shura Councils, members targeted men and women, during Moreover, a new mechanism was initiated to
of municipal councils, CSOs, heads of which the general context of Oman guarantee the participation of all segments
sports clubs, teaching and academic staff, 2040 is presented. This meeting is of society through social media platforms.

F
Omani women’s associations, the youth, followed by a dialogue session led by Under Phase 1, participants were introduced
school and higher education students, natives of the concerned governorate to the Vision, its themes, pillars, and phases;
businessmen, disabled persons, and other with the participation of representatives its committees and their functions; and
segments of society. of Oman 2040 committees. Then a the objectives of communication initiatives

A
All of Oman was implemented and organized workshop on the future directions of targeting different social components and
to encompass all the themes, pillars, Oman 2040 is organized covering the groups. Phase 2 involved a general meeting
and fundamental issues of Oman 2040 in following themes: the Individual and held with the participation of citizens from the
order to ensure that local communities are Society, Economy and Development, concerned governorate and representatives

R
involved in the drafting of this future vision of the Vision committees and office to listen

Y
and Governance and Institutional
according to the following outline: Performance. Under these themes, the to the views, suggestions, and aspirations of
• Phase 1: Reviewing the general context outcomes of specialized workshops attendees. Different civil society components,
of the Vision and the aim of the meeting. including entrepreneurs, youth, women,

D OP
that involved around 200 experienced
• Phase 2: Panel discussion facilitated by and competent Omanis representing people with special needs, and academics,
a native of the concerned governorate, all society segments were presented took part to Phase 3, which consisted of
with the participation of representatives and the views and suggestions of locals workshops on future directions. A number
of the Vision committees and experts regarding those themes were gathered of sessions were also dedicated to gaining a
from the Vision office. in community brainstorming sessions better understanding of the views of Omani
• Phase 3: Workshop on the future aiming at exchanging ideas and devising youth regarding Oman’s future and future
directions of Oman 2040, including three a vision that captured the ambitions and skills and technologies, in addition to the

C
main themes, namely the Individual and aims of all groups of society. holding of the Best Youth Initiative competition
Society, Economy and Development, which furthers the Vision and its main issues.

34 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

The Issue of Funding Efficiency

T
The Sultanate endeavors to implement an integrated set of tools that can give momentum to the sustainable development drive
with a view to advancing action towards delivering and tracking the implementation of the SDGs. The essential tools used in this
regard are as follows:

A F
Program and Performance Budget
Convinced that the quality of budget allocation is in no way less important that the provision of funds, the Sultanate initiated the

R
pilot application of program and performance budgets, shifting from item-based budgets to program budgets, whereby the official

Y
in charge of an administrative unit tasked with implementing a particular program is responsible and held accountable for the
performance of this program. Each program shall be mandated to assume a responsibility in connection with strategic objectives
falling under the competence of the concerned government body. All these objectives are translated into an operational work

D OP
plan in line with the strategic plan of the same body. Funding is then allocated to each body based on priorities set forth in its
programs. The application of program and performance budget establishes a direct link between national priorities and budgets to
be allocated to their implementation and represents a seamless tool of performance tracking and accountability. A multi-phased
measurement system was also developed, enabling smooth and timely tracking and thus turning this tool into a sort of early
warning system in support of opportune decision-making and intervention.

C
Public Projects Selection Criteria

A set of criteria was developed for the selection of government projects and projects implemented in partnership with the private
sector in a way that instates SDGs and their linkages with the Five-Year Plan objectives as fundamental for approving the provision
of allocations to projects funded by the general budget upon the proposal of government bodies. The new framework of project
selection will be worked out with a degree of detail that allows tracking deliverables put forward during the approval stage and to
learn, in order to strengthen interlinkages between government projects and fiscal efforts exerted by the Omani Government on one
hand and the achievement of the SDGs on the other hand.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 35

 The Issue of Technological Advancement and Oman’s
Readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

T
The Word Economic Forum published “The Readiness of the Future information security strategies and policies benefiting both public and
of Production Report 2018” that measures countries’ readiness to private entities. It also offers preliminary technical advice and produces

F
capitalize on the Fourth Industrial Revolution opportunities and avert technical reports to help administrators of networks, systems, and
its risks and their preparedness for future changes. The Sultanate applications in both the public and private sectors protect their websites
was ranked 45th out of 100 countries in terms of drivers of production against security risks. OCERT was awarded the prize of the World Summit
and 70th in terms of the structure of production components. Since on the Information Society (WSIS) under Action Line C5 pertaining to

A
2011, Oman has put into effect a number of national strategies to building confidence and security in the use of ICTs.
enhance its readiness and preparedness to keep
abreast of accelerated advances in fourth revolution In 2016, Oman launched the Oman Technology
technologies. Fund (OTF), which focuses on investment in

R
emerging enterprises and innovative ideas

Y
These strategies are the Digital Oman Strategy, The National Youth Program in the IT sector in Oman and the region. The
the National Broadband Strategy, the National for Skills Development was Fund’s structure relies on partnerships with
Innovation Strategy, the E-Commerce Strategy, instituted with the aim of international leading companies renowned for

D OP
and the National Information and Communications equipping the youth and their audacious IT investments.
Technology Strategy. juveniles, designated as
targeted beneficiaries, with Its work consists mainly of identifying
Oman embarked on its ambitious journey towards the fourth revolution skills pioneering ideas in the ICT sector and
inducing a quantum shift to a knowledgeable society and building Oman’s digital entrepreneurs that have ideas and projects with
by launching the Digital Oman Strategy. This strategy capacities and competencies high-growth potential and developing these
aims at activating information and communications enterprises, while giving them the opportunity

C
technologies (ICTs) to promote government to gain a global footprint by capitalizing on the
services, enrich the business sector, and enable individuals to conduct advanced capabilities of its international investment partners.
transactions digitally. It also seeks to set up an integrated infrastructure
that provides excellent government e-services to citizens and Oman also devotes particular attention to major changes that
businesses in the Sultanate, build knowledge-based industries, and loomed on the horizon as quantum leaps started to occur under
create ample and diverse job opportunities for Omani nationals. the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including artificial intelligence
(AI), blockchains, the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, and
In seeking to advance and keep pace with global accelerated changes enhanced reality. It has consequently put in place a number of
in the communications sector that serves as an essential cornerstone initiatives to implement artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other
of development and attract foreign investments given their pivotal role emerging technologies.
in various commercial and industrial areas, the Sultanate has founded
Oman Broadband Company with the mandate of building an integrated The Sultanate is fully aware of the importance of developing human
national broadband network that meets the needs of the country. cadres through a training that is attuned to future challenges and
requirements. Required skills vary with economic changes and
Oman National Computer Emergency Readiness Team (OCERT) is depending on labor market needs. That is why Oman it is keen on
an Omani digital initiative that epitomizes a turning point in security arming the youth with skills that are indispensable for the use of
incidents in the Sultanate. Inaugurated in April 2010, it is tasked with new emerging technologies. In this vein, the National Youth Program
providing a secure cyber environment to every user of any government for Skills Development was instituted with the aim of equipping the
or private website. youth and juveniles, designated as targeted beneficiaries, with the
fourth revolution skills and building Omani digital capacities and
OCERT strives to build trust in the use of government services and devise competencies.

36 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 A number of national initiatives were launched in order to lay down a solid foundation for the
transformation and readiness to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Notable among these are:
• G-Cloud: This central platform of integration provides shared and the Internet of Things. Thanks to this data, a company can

T
infrastructure to government entities, including servers, networks, identify productive wells and take the appropriate decisions in well
storage, and applications; and supports the exchange of data management, which allow it to save time and effort and enhance its
between government e-services outlets. efficiency and productivity.

F
• Oman Government Network: This is a national telecommunications • The Oman Research and Education Network (OMREN): OMREN
network that strives to enhance the level of services provided by provides high-bandwidth connectivity and efficiency services
government entities by facilitating communication and coordination among research and education institutions to foster collaboration
between them in order to ensure integrated government e-services. among them in the provision of research and education services,

A
• The National Digital Certification Center (NDCC): Set up in 2013, such as online virtual libraries, virtual laboratories, telemedicine,
it aims at ensuring confidence in electronic transactions and a grid computing, cloud computing, high-performance computing,
unified access to all government e-services; it offers an electronic and video conferencing.
signature service as well. • The Oman Eco-Friendly House Competition: this aims to develop

R
• The Smart City Platform: This participatory knowledge platform Omani designs of eco-friendly houses characterized by low

Y
encourages smart city initiatives in Oman. It seeks to disseminate energy and water consumption and using renewable energy, in
best practices related to smart cities through seminars and partnership with academic institutions, government bodies, and
workshops, support research and innovation in smart cities, and the private sector. Data on performance efficiency is collected from

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build partnerships with stakeholders to execute smart city projects. these dwellings through sensors and stored on a unified website.
• Nibras Project of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO): It is The Research Council, in collaboration with the Knowledge
an electronic platform internally developed by PDO in order to and Technology Transfer Office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is
collect, categorize, and present data about oil wells (10,000 oil currently preparing for a new competition that covers the use of 3D
wells) in an exceptional way using techniques of big data analysis printing technology for buildings.

C
The Issue of Availability of Sustainable Development Data and Indicators

Data availability is a crucial factor in measuring progress 2020 E-Census for

made towards the SDG achievement. The SDGs not only tackle Population, Housing
a wide range of topics, but also require detailed data and and Establishments.
statistics on targets associated with most of the goals that The methodology The 2020 E-Census for
are often not available. this lack of availability constitutes a adopted in this census Population, Housing and
major hindrance to the monitoring of the SDGs, not to mention relies on data collection Establishments is an
that providing high-quality data entails the availability of and indicator production effective mechanism to
sophisticated statistical systems and capabilities. in real time, provided meet the requirements
The Sultanate pays great attention to the provision of that data connectivity of tracking progress
necessary data and indicators for the follow-up of SDG and integration is towards the SDGs.
achievement. In this context, the NCSI assumes a pivotal role ensured among
in monitoring the SDGs and their targets. government databases
and administrative records. The 2020 E-Census is expected
It is worth noting that Oman is currently preparing for the to provide data that meet the SDG computation requirements.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 37

 Sustainable Development Goals

01 F T
R A Y
D OP
C No Poverty

38 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

T
SDG1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere

F
• Poverty indicators contained in the SDGs do not apply to Oman, since

A
Public expenditure on basic
the country is way ahead of that stage. According to the Household services (education, health, and
Expenditure and Income Survey data emanating from the findings of social protection) as a proportion
of the total public expenditure

R
the first quarter of 2018/2019 survey, the percentage of people living
between 2014 and 2017

Y
on US$1.9 purchasing power parity (PPP) per day is zero.

• An integrated system of social protection allows for the improvement

25.1

D OP
of living conditions, especially for the neediest (widows; orphans;
the elderly; divorced, unmarried, and abandoned females; families of 21.9
prisoners; incapacitated individuals; and disabled persons).

• The Social Action Strategy 2016-2025 in underpinned by three

principles: social integration, equity, and empowerment. It aims to

C
lay down a system of social protection that is effective, efficient, and
sustainable; and contribute to the socio-economic empowerment,
through a complementarity partnership between the public, private,
and civil sectors.
2017 2014

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 39

 SDG1:
No Poverty

T
Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG1

F
Since the onset of the blessed renaissance, the directives of his Such insurance protection is extended to cover Omanis working in

A
Majesty the Sultan have been strongly emphasizing the need to public and private institutions outside of the Sultanate. Aside from
focus on plans and programs that enhance the living conditions these social insurance systems, the Government has put in place other
of Omani citizens. These directives paved the way for significant programs that secure the right of all individuals to a proper level of
progress towards achieving most of the Millennium Development justice and equity, particularly those in need. These programs include

R
Goals (MDGs) at the time and enabled the Sultanate to move schemes against poverty aiming at enhancing living conditions such

Y
forward steadily and confidently towards achieving the SDGs, as the Social Security Program that supports persons with difficult
thanks to a clear vision and a steadfast political social situations, namely widows; orphans;
will to defeat the fundamental causes of poverty divorced, unmarried, and abandoned females;

D OP
through various programs that successfully incapacitated individuals; elderly; and families of
tackled them. As a result, Oman is ranked prisoners.
today among high-level income countries Ranked 48 out of
th
and incarnates an inspiring model of focus on The Social Security Program disburses monthly
investment in human capital and infrastructure of 189 countries in cash assistance pursuant to the Social Security
the knowledge development necessary to deliver 2018, Oman is placed Law of 1984 and its amendments, which stipulate
socio-economic sustainability. the allocation of monthly salaries to households
in the category of

C
and individuals in case of absence of a person to
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) countries with high support them or a source of adequate income. In
puts Oman in the high human development category human development addition to monthly cash assistance, beneficiary
(0.8-1.0), with a Human Development Index (HDI) households and individuals are eligible to
value of 0.821 in 2018 on a scale of 0 to 1, which other benefits, including academic grants and
positions it 5th among Arab countries and 48th out of scholarships in Oman and abroad, housing and
189 countries globally. financial assistance in the case of emergencies
and disasters, and exemption from public utility charges.
In light of these facts and developments, it becomes evident that
the Sultanate has moved above the international poverty line, and is Housing programs have also been developed by the Sultanate in order
therefore not subject to the SDG poverty indicators as it is now far to ensure adequate housing to society members, by building housing
beyond that phase. In fact, the percentage of the population living units for persons with limited income and providing them with housing
on US$1.9 PPP per day is zero. assistance and concessional housing loans. The primary aim is to ensure
that these persons have access to decent livelihoods and appropriate
The social protection scheme in Oman encompasses an array of housing in proximity to their villages to enable them to carry out their
programs and policies such as retirement and social insurance socio-economic activities and contribute to the development of local
systems that are tailored to fit every sector in the country including communities. The governmental service units in collaboration with
the private sector. both private and civil sectors build housing units and provide housing
assistance and housing loans and they ensure houses maintenance
These systems provide primarily protection against aging, disability and rehabilitation services for the beneficiaries of the social security,
(including work injuries), and death, together with other benefits. persons with disabilities, elderlies and low- income individuals.

40 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 T
Challenges and Future Plans to Achieve the 2030 Agenda

F
Challenges:

A
The process of enhancing social welfare and the social protection witness a significant increase of around 2.4 million between 2011
system in Oman both face several challenges addressed by multiple and 2040, reaching 5.7 million on a medium fertility rate variant. In
policies that lay down a set of relevant measures and procedures. this context, it is noteworthy that the Omani society is young and
Principal among these challenges is the sustainability of retirement approaching what is called “the demographic window” expected to

R
systems. Retirement and social insurance systems aim at be reached by 2040, as the percentage of Omanis aged less than

Y
protecting the insured against aging, disability, and death. However, 15 years is projected to decrease from 35 percent in 2010 to 27.4
the generosity of these systems allows early retirement, posing a percent in 2040 and the percentage of working-age population is
major challenge to their sustainability and exposing them to the risk expected grow to account for two thirds of the

D OP
of accrual deficits if the situation remains unchanged. The Sultanate total population by the same year. Such change
is also bracing for major demographic and socio-economic will affect family structure, internal migration,
changes expected during coming decades. The 2040 population rural-to-urban shift, social mobility, and the
projections indicate that the Omani population is expected to rise in the number of older persons.

C
Future Plans:

The Social Action Strategy 2016-2025 was devised by the Three guiding principles underpin the Social Action strategy:
Ministry of Social Development in order to address the challenges • Social integration;
explained above. It brings a change in the prevailing perception • Equity; and
of cash assistance as a hindrance to economic growth to one • Empowerment.
that views cash assistance as a catalyst of growth, by reducing
inequalities and alleviating destitution. The Strategy works towards putting in place an effective, competent,
and sustainable scheme of social protection that contributes
The Strategy perceives cash assistance provided for social to socio-economic empowerment, through a complementarity
protection and development purposes as a principal direct partnership between the public, private, and civil sectors.
contributor to economic growth. In this spirit, it focuses on
enhancing channels that affect economic growth by supporting Oman 2040 Vision lays down the necessary tenets and directions
the labor market and increasing the involvement of women, to build a comprehensive system of social protection linked with
youth, and other categories that face difficulties, preventing their the macro-economy, while bringing about social integration and
contribution to the national economy. contributing to social stability. To that end, it instituted “The Individual
and Society” as one of its main themes.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 41

 SDG1:
No Poverty

T
Major
‫جاءت‬ Initiatives
‫اإلشارة إليه‬ to Achieve
‫التحديات التي تم‬ ‫لمواجه‬: SDG1

F
1-The Unified System for the Extension of Insurance Protection:

R A
Through the GCC scheme, Oman strived to adopt the Unified

Y
System for the Extension of Insurance Protection for GCC
nationals working in other GCC countries. In addition to

D OP
promoting the systems and procedures of social protection
at the national level, ensuring equality between all Omanis in
Oman and other GCC countries, and setting minimum social
protection standards that guarantee a decent and secure life,
the Unified System contributes to the creation of a common
GCC market by encouraging GCC nationals to work in and

C
move between GCC countries.

These efforts successfully led to a decision by the GCC Supreme

Council to launch the actual implementation of the system. By
the end of 2018, 6,823 users from the public and private sectors
were registered in the Unified System, which contributed to the
stability of workers and the protection of their retirement rights.

42 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 F T
2-Social Insurance System for Self-Employed Omanis and Their Equivalents

R A
In its efforts to encourage liberal and conventional professionals, the

Y
Sultanate was faced with a number of challenges, not the least of
them is how to widen the coverage of insurance protection to these

D OP
professionals in order to urge them to engage and invest in these
professions. With a view to tackling this challenge, Royal Decree No. 44
of 2013 was enacted to grant insurance protection to the self-employed
working, inter alia, in handcrafts, fishing, agriculture, driving, public
services, and home-based businesses against the risks of aging,
disability, and death. The system offers several insurance
benefits that help the self-employed enjoy stability by allowing

C
them to exercise their profession with rigor and steadiness.

This system heeds the economic

background of the insured
businessperson or self-employed,
by affording them the option of
choosing among multiple modalities
of reimbursement in accordance with
their monthly wage, the first category of
income ranging from OMR 225 to 250.

By the end of 2018, 9,845 workers were

registered under this system, compared
to 274 beneficiaries during the same
period of time.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 43

 Sustainable Development Goals

02 F T
R A Y
D OP
C Zero Hunger

44 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

T
SDG2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition
and promote sustainable agriculture

F
• The Sultanate has developed a comprehensive food security strategy (2020-2040)

A
Prevalence of stunting (height for
that sets forth a number of objectives seeking generally to enhance Oman’s food age value to be less than two
security system in terms of production, import, storage, and distribution, through standard deviations of the WHO
Child Growth Standards median)

R
three key themes: food demand, local food production, and securing imports.
among children under 5 years of

Y
• The 2040 Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy in Oman aims age between 2014 and 2017

to promote agricultural sector sustainability, increase economic revenues, create

D OP
job opportunities for nationals, support rural communities, and limit structural 14.1
imbalances in the agricultural sector.

• Oman’s strategies have been successful in controlling malnutrition diseases 11.4

among children. The percentage of overweight among children under 5 years of
age was reduced from 23.6 percent in 1995 to 3.1 percent in 2017 and wasting

C
has also declined from 13 percent to 9.3 percent, while stunting dropped from
22.9 percent to 11.4 percent during the same period.
2014 2017

23.6 % 1995 13 % 1995 22.9 % 1995

3.1 % 2017 9.3 % 2017 11.4 % 2017

Overweight Wasting Stunting

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 45

 SDG2:
Zero Hunger

T
Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG2

F
The Sultanate devotes utmost attention to the issue of food capitalizing on the potential of individuals and households,
security and food supply and has developed a wide array of engaging them in the development process, and empowering

A
plans and programs focused on the security and sustainability and enabling them to become productive and self-dependent.
of food supply for nationals and expatriates. These programs sought to turn social security households into
self-dependent ones; invest in their capabilities; and support
In this context, the local production value of the agriculture them at administrative, technical, and financial levels in the

R
and fisheries sector contributed a share of 49 percent to the management of SMEs. As a result, a positive impact was

Y
total value of food supply available for noticed among social security households in
consumption in 2018, up from 36 percent in terms of ensuring food availability.
2011. This is a significant figure, especially

D OP
when considered on the backdrop of Government strategies were also successful
continued population growth coupled with in controlling malnutrition diseases among
improved consumption patterns. The overall In 2018, locally produced children. The percentage of overweight among
self-sufficiency in local food products food items accounted children under 5 years of age was reduced
compared with their imported counterparts from 23.6 percent in 1995 to 3.1 percent in
stood at 79 percent in 2018, while the for 58 percent of the 2017, and wasting has also declined from 13
percentage of locally produced food items total goods available for percent to 9.3 percent while stunting dropped

C
of the total goods available for consumption from 22.9 percent to 11.4 percent during the
was at 58 percent during the same year.
consumption same period.
These figures are expected to rise with the
start of the actual production in investment Moreover, Oman is striving to maintain its
projects currently underway. agricultural acreage in order to preserve agricultural lands
and allow workers in the agricultural sector to settle down in
The success of the Sultanate in this regard was reflected in their villages, which contributes to the sustainability of this
the 2018 Report of the Global Food Insecurity Index issued sector, promotes its productivity and role in achieving food
annually in conformity with international standards, including security, and protects the Omani environment from change
on food availability, access to food, stability of food supply, and deterioration.
and food safety and quality. Out of 113 countries, Oman came
in the 29th position; thus, it can be argued that the initiatives In the same vein, the Government is currently executing
implemented to improve the conditions of limited-income construction projects of protection walls for farms located
persons have played a positive role in this regard. In fact, a on the banks of wadis to prevent their deterioration due to
number of new programs were launched with the aim of precipitations and wadi floodwaters.

46 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 F T
Furthermore, the Government is implementing a set of
procedures and projects intended to regulate the use of
The Government is currently carrying out various programs
and projects to promote date palm crops (strategic crops in

A
agricultural land. In this context, the Regulations on the use Oman). These projects focus on the production and marketing
of agricultural land were issued with the aim of regulating the of Omani dates - as it is the case in the Program for the
use of agricultural land and preserving them. multiplication, dissemination, and distribution of tissue-
culture date palm seedlings - with the aim of renewing farms

R
The government opts to encourage its citizens to produce of perennial palm trees suffering from declining productivity

Y
and invest in agriculture and livestock fields and low-quality species.
by providing them with lands to establish
economically viable projects. Many programs In terms of productivity enhancement,

D OP
and projects were also dedicated to sustainable a number of guidance programs are
consumption and production, including specifically dedicated to palm agriculture
agricultural pests and technical employment The Sultanate is and intended to introduce farmers to the
for production operations, with a view to ranked 29th out of 113 importance of palm quality control in order
preserving agricultural products, reducing to secure good economic returns by using
damage caused by pests, and ensuring optimal
countries on the Global appropriate modern equipment such as
employment and sustainability of available Food Security Index drying rooms, presses, and packaging

C
agricultural resources. Efforts have also been machines; substituting excellent types
directed towards improving and updating of dessert dates; and embracing modern
relevant laws and executive regulations that scientific methods that boost palm
organize agricultural development action and productivity. As for marketing-focused
maintain the sustainability of agricultural production and food efforts, these include the execution of the project for the
safety. development of date packing units, in addition to promoting
date marketing and export outlets and encouraging date
Prominent among these laws are: exhibitions such as the Omani Dates Festival.

• The Law on Pesticides and its implementing regulations; In parallel, a special focus is placed on conducting research on
• The Law on Seeds, Grains, and Plants; palm trees and direct and indirect food processing industries,
• The Law on the Handling and Registration of Fertilizers; such as the production of jam, molasses, sugar syrup, vinegar,
• The Law of Agricultural Quarantine; and and other products, as well as studies on palm-based non-food
• The Agriculture Regulation Law. products and industries similar to wood and forage production
from palm leaves and stems.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 47

 SDG2:
Zero Hunger

T
Challenges and Future Plans to Achieve the 2030 Agenda

F
Challenges:

A
By limiting the quantity of food available for human consumption, agricultural pests as
well as animal-borne diseases and epidemics have an adverse effect on food provision,
not to mention the scarcity of water due to Oman’s location in a semi-desert area with low

R
precipitation.

Future Plans:

D OP Y
To address these challenges, the Sultanate devised a number of long-term strategies including:

C
• The 2040 Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy in Oman: This seeks to promote the agricultural sector
sustainability, increase economic revenues, create job opportunities for nationals, support rural communities, and limit structural
imbalances in the agricultural sector.

• The Long-Term Fisheries Strategy: It aims at increasing

fisheries production, promoting the sector’s efficiency in a
sustainable manner, and improving the exploitation of fish
stocks, in addition to boosting private sector investment
and attracting foreign investment in fish industries and
aquaculture projects.

• The Food Security Strategy (2020-2040): It sets forth

a set of objectives seeking generally to enhance Oman’s
food security system in terms of production, import,
storage, and distribution. It focuses on three key themes,
namely food demand, local food production, and securing
imports.

48 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 T
Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG2

F
The One Million Date Palm Project

A
This project is a model of success in achieving the SDGs at unconventional water resources, enhancing the soil, using best
the environmental, social, economic, and health levels. Palm agricultural practices, applying remote farms management,

R
agriculture plays a crucial role in managing natural resources and developing disease control and vaccination techniques. The

Y
and enhancing soil texture and fertility. Palm plantations execution of this project entailed collaboration between farm
help protect soil against erosion, combat desertification, and owners, SMEs, factories, labor service agencies, commercial
improve local climate through evaporation and humidification. agents, and local communities, under the supervision of the

D OP
They also play a positive role in enriching biodiversity and Diwan of Royal Court. Under this project, 11 farms were set up in
ecological balance. This project offered a full opportunity to six governorates across the Sultanate. They embrace the latest
find sustainable solutions and alternatives to the challenges agricultural techniques and artificial intelligence applications to
of nature and the lack of human and financial resources, by boost production. The Project production is expected to reach 96
capitalizing on traditional knowledge, innovating solutions and thousand tons of dates by 2034, in addition to 49 thousand tons
mechanisms based on the latest techniques of irrigation and of byproducts.

C
First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 49
 Sustainable Development Goals

03 F T
R A Y
D OP
C
Good
Health and
Well-Being

50 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

T
SDG3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being
for all at all ages

F
• The Sultanate has made great strides in the area of health development,

A
Under-five mortality rate
which was demonstrated by a significant improvement in the overall health of (number of deaths per 1,000 live
the Omani society. In particular, death rates dropped remarkably over the past births) between 2016 and 2017

R
years, especially among infants and children under 5 years of age, which led

Y
to a rise in average life expectancy at birth. 11.7 11.4
• The health system also laid down a host of procedures to control communicable

D OP
diseases and succeeded consequently in eradicating a great number of them
and driving the incidence of the others to endemic levels. It also took necessary 2016 2017
measures to tackle the epidemic shift to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)
with a view to controlling them and their complications.

• The Sultanate witnessed a considerable decrease in deaths resulting from

C
road traffic accidents, as it has set a priority to half road traffic fatalities and Mortality caused by road
injuries by 2020. traffic injuries between 2014
and 2017
• Putting in place a pioneering health system in line with international standards
is one of the main strategic directions of Oman 2040 towards which all actors 20.4
from the public, private, and civil sectors are working jointly in order to set up
an expanded system that provides universal and just health care across the 14.04
Sultanate. Such action is in complete harmony with the way forward for the
Omani health system laid down by the Health Vision 2050, whose primary
focus is to ensure quality care and sustainable health for all.
2014 2017

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 51

 SDG3: Good
Health and
Well-Being

T
Oman is on the way to Achieving the Targets of SDG3

F
Oman has made tremendous headway in the area of health monitoring system that monitors and curbs the spread of communicable
development, which was reflected positively in the main health diseases and ensures optimal preparedness and alertness to counter the
indicators. The health system provides a follow-up of women during risks of global diseases considering potential epidemic transmission of

A
pregnancy and up to six months after delivery in order to monitor their diseases on a global scale. The measures taken by the health system to
health condition, address risk factors, and ensure that the mother and combat communicable diseases eradicated many of them, including polio,
the fetus are in good health. In fact, 73.3 percent of pregnant women diphtheria, and tetanus, and brought the incidence of the others to endemic
were registered during the first trimester of their levels. Malaria had remained one of the biggest issues

R
pregnancy in 2017, while less than 1 percent of confronting the Sultanate until the Malaria Eradication

Y
those who delivered were not subject to any Program was launched in 1991, which paved the way
monitoring during the postnatal period because for Oman to become a success story in this area.
they were not registered on the pregnancy care According to WHO, In fact, registered malaria cases plummeted from

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record. Statistics indicate that the percentage of Oman achieved a around 33,000 in 1990 to almost 1,000 cases in 2017,
pregnant women who visited antenatal care (ANC) while the incidence rate reached 0.41 per 100,000
clinics at least 4 times during their pregnancy universal health population. A decline was also registered in the
stood at 73.3 percent in 2017, while the number coverage of 75 incidence of tuberculosis (all types combined) to 5.8
of new female outpatients of birth spacing clinics per 100,000 population in 2017, down from 11 in 2010.
grew by 15.6 percent from 18,000 women to over percent in 2017
21,000 in 2017. As a result of this growing interest The incidence rate of Hepatitis B is extremely low

C
in birth spacing methods, the number of women in the Sultanate, as it did not exceed 0.72 cases per
who spaced their deliveries by three or more years rose from 35.2 100,000 population in 2017. Data indicates that no more than 150 cases
percent in 2010 to 40.1 percent in 2017. Moreover, the needs of 38 of HIV (AIDS) were registered among Omanis in 2017.
percent of married women were met in terms of modern birth spacing
methods. As for the rate of mortality caused by heart and cardiovascular diseases,
cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases among those aged
The Government also sought to reduce the birth rate among adolescent between 30 and 70 years, it registered a decrease from 142.9 per 100,000
females by focusing on enabling adolescent girls to pursue education and population in 2016 to 138.7 in 2017. Suicide is a rare phenomenon in the
managed to induce an increase in the average age at first marriage to 26.1 Sultanate where 2.7 individuals per million population committed suicide
years among females in 2008, in contrast with 20.7 in 1993. Government in 2017, which reflects the remarkable level of stability in medical and
efforts also resulted as well in a decline in the adolescent birth rate from social conditions in the country.
14.5 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19 years in 2015 to 12.5 in 2017.
Moreover, the Sultanate witnessed a remarkable decline in road traffic
On the other hand, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) decreased from deaths, as the road traffic death rate dropped by more than a half from
26.4 per 100,000 live births in 2010 to 20.2 in 2017. Similarly, the child 31.4 per 100,000 population in 2012 to 14.1 in 2107.
mortality rate and infant and newborn (aged less than one month)
mortality rate dropped to 9.5 and 6.3 per 1,000 live births respectively. The World Health Organization (WHO) calculates the Universal Health
As for children under the age of five, they also registered a decline in Coverage (UHC) index based on 16 tracer indicators selected for four
mortality rate to 11.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2017, in contrast with service coverage categories, namely reproductive, maternal, newborn
21.7 in 2000. and child health; infectious diseases; noncommunicable diseases; and
service capacity and access. As shown in the figure below, UHC index in
On the other hand, the health system is equipped with an epidemic Oman was equal to 75 percent in 2017.

52 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 Figure (6): UHC indicators

Percentage of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) whose family

1 Birth spacing planning needs were met using modern methods 38 %

T
Reproductive health Percentage of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) with a live birth in a given time
77 %
newborn and child health
Reproductive, maternal,

period that received antenatal care four or more times

Child immunization Percentage of children who received the tetanus vaccine (third dose) 99 %

F
Healthy practices related to child
pneumonia
Percentage of children under the age of five who received treatment for severe pneumonia 92 %

A
2 Tuberculosis (TB) treatment Percentage of TB cases detected and cured 46 %

R Y
HIV Treatment Percentage of people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART)  82 %
Infectious
diseases

Not

D OP
Malaria prevention Percentage of population in malaria-endemic areas treated with insecticides applicable

Improved water and sanitation Average coverage of households with access to improved water and sanitation 99.9 %

Treatment of
3 Prevalence of raised blood pressure among adults age >=18 years regardless of treatment 59.7 %

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cardiovascular disease

Management of diabetes Normal fasting glucose levels among adults age >=25 years 5.5
Noncommunicable

91 %
diseases

Tobacco control Adults age >=15 years not smoking tobacco in last 30 days

Not
Cervical cancer screening Percentage of cervical cancer screening among women aged 30-40 applicable

4 Hospital access Number of beds per capita with a threshold of 18 beds per 10,000 population 83.6 %

Health worker density Health professionals per capita (w/threshold): physicians, psychiatrists, and surgeons 100 %
Service capacity
and access

International Health Regulations core capacity index, which is a percentage of attributes of

Health security
13 core capacities that have been attained at a specific point in time
95 %

Not
Access to essential medicines Proportion of health facilities where essential medicines are available applicable

UHC: 75%
First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 53
 SDG3: Good
Health and
Well-Being

T
Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG3

F
The Sultanate endeavors, through its health plans, to substantially percent of women are smokers, in contrast with 15.1 percent for men.
reduce the number of deaths caused by exposure to dangerous
chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution. In 2017, the rate of Owing to a developed health system and a scrupulous attention to child

A
mortality resulting from household and ambient air pollution in Oman health by the Government (represented by the MoH), vaccines were made
was at 11.2 per 100,000 population, in contrast with 0.04 for mortality available nationwide and particularly to children, which ensured a 100
attributable to unsafe water and sanitation, while percent immunization coverage against childhood
no cases of accidental poisoning were registered diseases since 2010 to date. According to 2017 data,

R
during the same year. a set of affordable essential medicines is available on

Y
a sustainable basis at 100 percent of health facilities
Oman is determined to uphold its commitment to For every 10,000 in Oman.
promote the implementation of the WHO Framework population, there are:

D OP
Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in all Medical manpower statistics reveal that, in 2017, there
countries. According to the 2009 WHO Report on • 20.1 physicians, were 20.1 physicians, 43.7 nurses, 3 dentists, and 5.4
Tobacco Control, it has the lowest number of male • 43.7 nurses, pharmacists per 10,000 population. As for the capacity
and female smokers above 15 years of age among • 3 dentists, and to implement International Health Regulations (IHR) and
the Arab countries. The findings of the Oman National • 5.4 pharmacists preparedness for medical emergencies, it is expressed
Noncommunicable Diseases and their Risk Factors as a percentage of attributes of 13 core capacities that
Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in have been attained at a specific point in time.

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2017, report that the prevalence of smoking in the
Sultanate does not exceed 8 percent (6 percent among Omanis compared The table below illustrates the IHR core capacities and preparedness for
with 13.4 percent for non-Omanis). From a gender perspective, only 0.4 medical emergencies in Oman.

54 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 T
Table (3): IHR core capacities and preparedness for medical emergencies in Oman

F
Percentage of core capacities attained (per year)

A
Core Capacity
2015 2016 2017

R
National legislation, policy, and financing 100 100 100

Y
Coordination and national focal point communications 100 100 100

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Surveillance 100 100 90

Response 100 100 100

Preparedness 100 100 100

C
Risk communication 100 100 100

Human resources 100 100 100

Laboratory 100 100 100

Points of entry 69 86 80

Zoonotic events 100 100 100

Food safety 100 100 100

Chemical events 100 92 69

Radio nuclear emergencies 54 54 31

Average of Core Capacities 94 95 90

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 55

 SDG3: Good
Health and
Well-Being

T
Challenges and Future Plans to Achieve the 2030 Agenda

F
Challenges:

A
In light of the continuous rise in the cost of diagnosis technologies, treatment, and health services operations,
and demographic and epidemiological evolution and changes, the size of healthcare spending poses a major

R
challenge to the Sultanate, as government spending represents around 90 percent of total healthcare

Y
spending, imposing a heavy burden on fiscal sustainability. The shift in the epidemiological map is another
challenge associated with the predominance of noncommunicable and chronic diseases which have become

D OP
prolonged with increased longevity and involve high diagnosis and treatment costs.

Oman is also faced with the demographic challenge of ageing, which is partly responsible for illness, disability,
death, and multiple diseases, particularly life-threatening chronic ones. According to statistical data, the elderly
(those aged 60 and above) constitute today around 6 percent of the total population, a figure that is projected to
rise in the next years as high-quality healthcare services will improve further. Population projections expect this

C
figure to reach 9.8 and 13 percent in 2040 and 2050 respectively, which will place a heavy burden emanating from
the need to cater for these persons, let alone the daunting challenges of injuries and disabilities exacerbated
by the lack of data on disabled people, such as data on demographic aspects, types of disability, and health
condition. The 2010 Census reports a disability prevalence of 32 persons per 1,000 population in Omani society.
Congenital malformations and hereditary diseases are among the leading causes of loss of health. Congenital
malformations are a leading cause of infant mortality (around 21.3 percent), while 12.3 percent of fetus deaths
are also attributed to the same factor. According to the 2010 Census, congenital malformations account for 31.4
percent of the total number of persons with disabilities in Oman. On the other hand, the Omani geographical
nature adds to the challenge of deploying the health system, with a surface area of 309,500 km2 of diverse terrain
of which mountains represent 15 percent compared with around 82 percent of desertic areas. The population
is therefore concentrated on the coastal strip that amounts to 3 percent of the total surface area of Oman,
while the rest of the population is scattered across its vast territory where almost 94 percent
of human settlements do not exceed 1,000 inhabitants and constitute in total 15 percent of the
total population, further adding to the administrative and financial burdens associated with the
provision of healthcare services.

56 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Future Plans:

F T
The Sultanate tackled these challenges by adopting a number of plans and strategies as follows:

The National Policy and Multi-sectoral Plan for Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2016-2025 was translated

A
into a national plan in line with the framework for action to implement the United Nations Political Declaration on Noncommunicable
Diseases; improve access to early detection of NCDs; provide appropriate technologies, medicines, diagnosis, and treatment; draw
up NCD registries allowing the monitoring of these diseases; and activate and implement the WHO Framework Convention on
Tobacco Control. The Sultanate also strives to support and enhance geriatric healthcare services at primary healthcare institutions

R
and is currently building a register of older persons suffering from chronic diseases to ensure their follow-up and rehabilitative

Y
care. Home-based healthcare services are offered to the elderly and other persons that cannot reach heath institutions. Efforts are
also directed at raising public awareness about enhancing community participation by and care towards the elderly.
Furthermore, considerable efforts are being exerted by concerned authorities to inventory persons with disabilities and collect

D OP
important data, inter alia on demographic aspects, disability type, and medical condition, to help the Sultanate adopt measures
to overcome current difficulties. A premarital medical examination service was initiated for young persons intending to marry in
order to identify if they carry or suffer from any genetic disease and give choices and alternatives to prospective couples allowing
them to plan a healthy family. This examination helps curb the transmission of recessive hereditary diseases to children, such as
sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, and protect children from hereditary diseases and other congenital malformations.
The Sultanate is currently in the process of devising future development plans, epitomized in Oman 2040 vision and the
future vision of the healthcare system “Health Vision 2050”.

C
Oman 2040:
The Sultanate is engaged in drafting an enhancement and development vision for the period 2020-2040. Oman 2040 Vision
revolves around three main themes, namely the Individual and Society, Economy and Development, and Governance and
Institutional Performance. The Individual and Society theme is underpinned by three pillars, primarily the promotion of social
welfare, a fundamental principle to attain equality and justice between all society members in access to healthcare so as to
enable them to work and develop their community. As such, it is in harmony with the principles of the SDGs.

Health Vision 2050:

“Health Vision 2050” scrutinizes the future of the health system. It encompassed a huge amount of information and analysis on
the health situation based on seven fundamental pillars of the health system, in addition to partnership with sectors concerned
with health. It has given rise to 28 visions and 142 strategic measures aimed at improving health sector performance in the future.
The formulation of Health Vision 2050 went hand in hand with the development of a health atlas that covers forecasts, future
population projections, and future needs in terms of health services and medical equipment, in addition to forecasts of the amount
of use for these services and the health human cadres required to develop the healthcare system at national and governorate levels.
The said projections, forecasts, and needs are displayed in maps through a geographic health information system illustrating the
evolution of needs over the years preceeding 2050. All the visions and information presented in Health Vision 2050, as well as in its
relevant working papers and strategic studies and the health atlas, lay down the foundation that guides the elaboration of five-year
plans for health development. The MoH revises Health Vision 2050 on a regular basis to assess the validity of proposed visions and
strategies, subsequently build on new evidence to evaluate and update it, and achieve the SDGs

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 57

 SDG3: Good
Health and
Well-Being

T
Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG3

F
1-Oman’s Efforts in the Muscat Campaign to Eradicate Egyptian

A
Zebra Mosquitoes
After the detection of local cases of dengue fever in a province mosquitoes contributed

R
(wilaya) in Muscat Governorate, an entomological and to the protection of

Y
epidemiological investigation was carried out and revealed a society against serious
breeding site for Egyptian zebra mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti diseases transmitted
mosquitoes). Subsequently, a full entomological investigation was by these mosquitoes,

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conducted to identify the geographic spread of these mosquitoes. such as yellow fever,
Based on the data and locations reported in this investigation, a dengue fever, zika
campaign was planned and executed to eradicate the mosquitoes virus, and chikungunya.
and render the environment non-conducive to their breeding. The campaign helped
The said campaign relied on community mobilization and the reinforce the concept of
promotion of community action and inter-sectoral cooperation. community collaboration
The campaign resorted to environmental correction and integrated and integration between

C
control methods to eradicate Egyptian zebra mosquitoes in the all sectors concerned with public health. It was also an
adult stage. opportunity to bolster up the system of entomological
Efforts aimed at the eradication of the Egyptian zebra investigation of disease vectors.

2-The E-Health Application “Al-Shifa System”

The pioneering status of Oman in the area of e-health has national electronic health files was prioritized in Oman’s strategic
been evidenced by numerous international recognitions. “Al- plans. Every patient has an integrated electronic medical record
Shifa System” is one of the most important health programs (EMR) that includes all visits paid to any health institution under
implemented in the Sultanate and has been awarded several one number. As a result, the continuity of treatment and integrity
local and international prizes. By providing a secure platform to of data are secured without the need to run tests or laboratory,
store all data pertaining to patients and their medical history, radiology, and other diagnostic procedures that have already
it has been instrumental in improving health services. Various been carried out. This in turn shortens the period of time needed
electronic programs that facilitate the tasks of health workers to gather detailed knowledge about medical cases and reduces
originated from “Al-Shifa System”. financial costs by avoiding repetition of tests or procedures.
Due to the geographic scope of Omani health facilities, setting up

58 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 F T
3-National Campaign for Immunization Against Measles

A
This is a nationwide campaign that covered all the Omani governorates implementation of a national campaign
and targeted the age group of 20-25. It has been conducted after a of immunization with measles vaccine

R
study of measles in all age groups carried out across the Sultanate targeting specific age groups. The

Y
between 2015 and 2016 pointed to an immunity gap accumulated campaign achieved 93 percent success in
over the years among those aged between 20 to 25 years. Based on preventing local transmission of measles
the findings’ analysis, the technical committee recommended the for more than 18 months.

D OP
4-The National Road Safety Program
As in many other countries, high rates of road traffic deaths are success in this program. Moreover, a research program was founded
registered in the Sultanate, leading to serious socio-economic in collaboration with several institutions inside and outside Oman to
consequences. Urged by royal directives from His Majesty Sultan help achieve Target 6 of SDG3 aimed at halving the number of global

C
Qaboos bin Said who has relentlessly underscored in his addresses deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2020. And it is in
the importance of concerted efforts and collaboration in tackling this same vein that the National Strategy to Reduce Road Accidents
this serious phenomenon, joint national efforts were initiated and was devised.
translated into an integrated package of measures that included The aforementioned results led to a decrease in fatalities by 44
comprehensive awareness raising and practical steps taken by percent from 1,139 in 2012 to 637 in 2018. The 2019 statistical data
diverse public and private entities under the supervision of the until 21 May 2019 also reports a considerable decline of 30 percent
Royal Oman Police (ROP), in addition to technical measures and the in road traffic accidents compared to the same period of the previous
enactment of necessary relevant legislations. Broad community year from 825 to 350, as well as a drop of 26 percent in deaths from
participation also played a crucial and fundamental role in delivering 169 to 59 and 12 percent in injuries from 941 to 132.

5-The Central Birth and Death Registry

The Central Birth and Death Registry (CBDR) system that is are completed before extracting the needed certificate from the
electronically connected to the ROP Directorate General of Civil Directorate General of Civil Status. The CBDR also accommodates
Status is a remarkable achievement in the area of health technology automatic reading of medical data available in Al-Shifa System and
in Oman. The CBDR facilitates the processes of reporting and can electronically retrieve demographic data related to the parents
registration of any case of death or birth through a health facility from the ROP National Civil Registration system in a way that
where the case occurred. At the said facility reporting procedures enhances the quality of inserted data.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 59

 Sustainable Development Goals

04 F T
R A Y
D OP
C Quality
Education

60 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

T
SDG4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and
promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

F
• The Sultanate considers education as the key to all dimensions

A
of sustainable development, as quality education leads to greater Equality Index
prosperity and abundance, improved health, more gender equality, Ratio of female to male enrollment in:
women’s empowerment, and the promotion of equality in society.

R Y
• Education is a right for all guaranteed by the Basic Statute of the State,
and gender equality and quality education are among the fundamental Primary High

D OP
principles guiding educational work in Oman. Middle school
school
school
• The Sultanate ranks 19th out of 126 countries in the proportion of GDP 0.995 0.997
expenditure on education according to the 2018 Global Innovation Index. 0.980

• Education is part of the strategic directions of Oman 2040 Vision,

which emphasizes inclusive education, lifelong learning, and scientific

C
research that leads to a knowledgeable society and competitive national
talents. 2016  /  2017

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 61

 SDG4:
Quality
Education

T
Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG4

F
The Government of Oman considers education as the key to all The Government endeavors to provide the necessary financial resources
dimensions of sustainable development, as quality education leads for the education sector. In 2017, expenditure on education as a percentage
to greater prosperity and abundance, improved health, more gender of the GDP was at 6.6 percent and at 15.5 percent as a percentage of total

A
equality, women’s empowerment, and the promotion of equality in public expenditure.
society. It has therefore devoted considerable attention to educational
standards and quality in order to enhance the efficiency of human According to the 2018 Global Innovation Index, Oman was ranked 19th out
resources and enable them to contribute to national development. Since of 126 countries in the proportion of GDP expenditure on education.

R
the beginning of the Sultanate’s Renaissance, educational plans were

Y
directed towards the spread and universalization The average number of schooling years increased from
of education, as well as its improvement in line 8.1 years in 2016 to 9.5 years in 2018, and the indicator
with Oman’s five-year development plans. The of expected years of schooling (EYS) rose from 13.7 in

D OP
Philosophy of Education document, regarded as a 2016 to 13.9 in 2018.
principal driver and main reference for educational
policymaking and planning in the Sultanate, The Sultanate regards Education in Oman is a right for all guaranteed by the
emphasized the importance of education for education as the key Basic Statute of the State, and gender equality and
sustainable development in the eighth of its 16 quality education are among the fundamental guiding
principles.
to all dimensions of principles in educational work.
sustainable development,

C
In 2012, the Sultanate embarked on a new phase by expenditure on education The Government provides free education for all
establishing the Education Council as the umbrella amounting to 6.6 percent boys and girls in the Sultanate throughout general
under which educational policies are developed and education, from Grades 1 to 12, knowing that education
direct, support, and follow up on the performance
of GDP and 15.5 percent is mandatory until Grade 10 under the Child Law No.
of educational institutions in line with national of total public expenditure 22/2014.
development plans and programs, in a way that
meets the requirements of sustainable development. School education caters for basic educational needs
The Council developed the National Strategy for in terms of information, knowledge, and skills. It
Education 2040 to serve as a guide for all policies and also promotes values and orientations that enable
plans aimed at developing the Omani education sector learners to continue their education and training
as part of future five-year development plans. The vision of the Strategy is in accordance with their preferences, aptitudes, and abilities, which
to equip human resources with the skills needed for work and life, thus education aims to develop in order to enable learners to meet current
enabling them to be productive in the world of knowledge economy, keep challenges and circumstances and brace for the future in the context
pace with changing realities, preserve their national identity and intrinsic of societal development. In the academic year 2017/2018, the overall
values, and contribute to the advancement of human civilization. enrollment rate in the last grade of primary education was 102.5
percent, while the overall enrollment rate in the last grade of lower
During the period 12-14 May 2014, the Sultanate of Oman hosted the secondary school was 104.0 percent.
Global Education for All Meeting which called for a new education vision
for the 21st century, marking a milestone in the formulation of the Muscat In order to measure learning outcomes, the Ministry of Education (MoE)
Agreement educational goal, which in turn helped define the global conducts annual national examinations to assess the performance of
educational goal and targets, as well as the means to achieve them. Grade 4 and 10 students. The Sultanate also took part in The Trends
in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) in the years

62 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

2007, 2011, and 2015. education. Statistics show that the total literacy rate among persons aged

T
15 years and above was at 96.3 percent in 2018, achieved by the adoption of
In 2015, the percentage of fourth graders performing at or above proficient a variety of unconventional formal and informal programs and by building
level in mathematics stood at 65 and 56 percent for girls and boys on international experiences in this field. With the aim of providing equal

F
respectively. On the other hand, in the Progress in International Reading opportunities for all, the Sultanate also applies the adult education system
Literacy Study (PIRLS), proficiency percentages were at 68 percent for girls which runs parallel to the formal education system from Grade 7 to Grade
and 50 percent for boys. 12 and targets learners liberated from illiteracy or persons who completed
Grade 6 in formal education and then dropped out of school for various

A
The Sultanate attached great importance to early childhood development reasons, provided that their age exceeds the legal age for formal schooling.
across sectors including developmental, social, health, education, cultural
and other aspects, as it strongly believes in the importance of investing School infrastructure is a key element of any effective learning
in this segment of society. National plans, policies, and strategies were environment and contributes to the improvement of learning outcomes. In

R
formulated to improve the quality of services provided in this field. And accordance with Target 4.a concerning education facilities and the learning

Y
in view of the importance of providing children with environment, all the schools in Oman have access to
quality early childhood development and care, laws electricity (100 percent), the Internet for pedagogical
and legislations were enacted to encourage the purposes (91 percent), computers for pedagogical

D OP
establishment of child-upbringing institutions. purposes (100 percent), basic drinking water (100
Oman ranks first among percent), and sanitation facilities (100 percent).
The Sultanate is working to expand early
126 countries in the
childhood education and boost participation rates. Teacher competence is also a crucial factor that affects
The enrollment rate in early childhood education was proportion of graduates the quality of student learning. Therefore, the MoE
at 50.2 percent for the academic year 2016/2017, in engineering and adopted national standards for teacher selection for
whereas the participation rate in organized learning scientific disciplines quality assurance purposes, as part of the National

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(one year before the age of enrollment in formal Strategy for Education 2040. The Ministry also provided
according to the 2018
education) was at 75.6 percent in 2017. up to 100 percent qualified teachers in accordance with
Global Innovation Report national standards. Additionally, it has established the
The MoE has initiated the opening of preschool Specialized Center for Vocational Training for Teachers
classes in primary education schools in remote with a view to providing high quality on-the-job training
governorates with no private schools in order to provide some type aimed at improving teacher qualifications in scientific disciplines and
of preschool education that contributes to a smooth and efficient employing appropriate teaching methods. The Ministry devised as well
transition of children between the different stages of education, the Omani National Framework for the Teaching Profession intended to
knowing that early childhood education programs in the Sultanate form qualified teaching staff that perform their tasks in keeping with the
are provided by the private sector. Childcare institutions affiliated to standards of the teaching profession. And as part of its efforts to ensure an
the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) also play a major role in appropriate learning environment, it established the Teaching Excellence
providing pre-school education through Child Growth Houses and Child Award granted every two years to distinguished teachers. It is worth noting
Corners distributed throughout Oman’s governorates. that, according to the 2018 Global Competitiveness Report issued by the
World Economic Forum, the Sultanate ranked 14th out of 140 countries in
As of the end of 2018, there were 295 nurseries, 11 Child Growth the average pupil-teacher ratio with 11 pupils per teacher, whereas the
Houses and 84 Child Corners spread across the governorates of national statistics for the academic year 2017/2018 place this ratio at 10.3
Oman. Furthermore, in cooperation with relevant bodies, the MoSD pupils per teacher.
implemented a number of programs and projects in the early childhood
field, most notably the Guide to National Standards for the Nurseries, The Sultanate also placed utmost emphasis on higher education, in
considered a vital development project in the area of child rights. view of its role in developing human resources and providing them with
the necessary knowledge and skills which represent key inputs to the
The Sultanate also attached great importance to literacy and adult economic, social, and environmental development process desired by the

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 63

 SDG4:
Quality
Education

T
Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG4

F
Sultanate. The higher education system in Oman consists of 61 institutions, decided to change the names of vocational training centers to vocational
of which 33 are government institutions and 28 are private, spread across colleges that offer four education and training pathways.
Oman’s governorates and wilayats, according to the statistics for the

A
academic year 2018/2019. In 2018, the number of trainees enrolled in these vocational colleges reached
5,088, of which 46.8 percent were females. There are also private training
The Government provides free higher education to students enrolled in institutions providing vocational training and practical skills services and
government higher education institutions, while also offering nearly 9,000 programs. Their number amounted to 359 institutions in 2017.

R
internal scholarships for students to study in private higher education

Y
institutions. The education policy in Oman aims to As for higher academic education, universities
ensure competition for entry into higher education and colleges offer various areas of specialization
for all students, both males and females, who meet and educational qualifications and contribute to

D OP
the admission requirements among holders of the the achievement of the SDGs through practical
General Education Diploma or equivalent. According to Oman’s educational and educational services, as well as scientific
statistics for the academic year 2015/2016, the overall research, consultancy, and community participation.
higher education enrollment rate was 50.5 percent, 64 policies aim to raise a Furthermore, higher education institutions
percent of students were females and 39 percent of generation that is aware of included the concepts of sustainable development
them were males. The 2018 Global Competitiveness in their programs and activities through scientific
sustainable development
Report issued by the World Economic Forum placed competitions and student activities, most notable of
themes and objectives

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Oman’s higher education and training under the Skills which was the Oman Eco-House Design Competition,
pillar in the 36th position out of 140. And according organized in 2011 by the Research Council, during
to the 2018 Global Innovation Report, Oman topped which academic institutions were invited to provide
all 126 countries in the proportion of graduates in perspectives and conceptions for the design of fully
engineering and scientific disciplines. efficient sustainable houses in order to raise the awareness of Omani
society about the need for sustainable green buildings and find innovative
In the field of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), ways to use renewable energy sources in dwellings.
the TVET system in the Sultanate works towards high quality vocational
outputs that meet the market qualitative and quantitative requirements Under its external scholarship policy, the Government has set up an
and are able to perform vocational tasks under modern technological external scholarship program for General Education Diploma holders
circumstances that simulate the technological advancement in public and wishing to pursue undergraduate studies in international universities.
private sector institutions. This system also works on instilling competitive Between the academic years 2011/2012 and 2018/2019, the number
concepts and business entrepreneurship to achieve both the quantitative of female and male students granted scholarships amounted to 9,324
and qualitative objectives of TVET by involving students in national, regional studying in 14 countries, of which nearly 40 percent are females. A portion
and international competitions, namely the 3rd Oman Skills Competition, of the scholarships was reserved for students with disabilities. On the other
the Innovation Award, the Hackathon Award for technical and vocational hand, the Sultanate receives students from different countries who enroll
faculties’ students for 2018 For the academic year 2015/2016, 26 percent in higher education institutions, and the number of non-Omani higher
of the overall number of higher education students in the Sultanate were education students in the Sultanate was at 4,015 students in the academic
enrolled in technical education. Oman also was ranked 26th in terms of the year 2015/2016.
quality of vocational training in the 2018 Global Competitiveness Report.
Regarding the quality of education, the Oman Academic Accreditation
And as part of the development of the TVET system, the Education Council Authority has developed a system that includes standards and procedures

64 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

for quality audit as well as institutional and program accreditation for Citizenship Education. The College cooperated with UNESCO-APCEIU to

T
higher education institutions, in addition to procedures for recognizing develop the course in accordance with the Omani context regarding the
foreign higher education academic programs offered in Oman. It also subject of citizenship and national identity. In addition, the Oman National
engaged in developing and updating the Oman Qualifications Framework. Commission for Education, Culture a n d Science or g anized in 2018, in

F
cooperation with UNESCO-APCEIU, the Regional Seminar on integrating
With the aim of imparting skills for work and employment or entrepreneurial Global citizenship education in teacher training in the Arab countries.
activities, the National Training Fund was established in 2018 (Royal Decree
48/2016), in order to bridge the gap between the needs of the private sector The Sultanate believes in the impor t ance of cult u ral and scientific

A
and national projects for talents and experts and labor market supply, and cooperation with all the countries i n the world t hrough education, as it
fund training programs aligned with the national vision and priority sectors. contributes to achieving prosperity, economic growth, and environmental
Oman also launched the National Youth Program for Skills Development in sustainability. Under this approach falls the Omani Program for Cultural
May 2018. and Scientific Cooperation, which offers a number of scholarships every

R
year to students from brotherly and friendly countries to study in public and

Y
The Sultanate has long been working to integrate private higher education institutions in the Sultanate,
education for sustainable development and noting that the number of scholarships granted during
citizenship into all its educational policies in order the period 2010-2018 amounts to 451 distributed

D OP
to raise a generation that is aware of sustainable among 37 countries.
development themes and objectives. Oman’s
educational system also focused on achieving Believing in the principle Believing in the principle that no one should be left
educational outputs imbued with and aware of that no one should be left behind, school education in Oman has achieved gender
the concepts of tolerance and respect for others, behind, school education equality, scoring 0.99 on the Gender Equality Index in
the values of goodness and volunteerism, citizen 2017. People with disabilities were not overlooked by
education and its goals, and the concepts of human in Oman has achieved the education sector in the Sultanate, and the MoE is

C
and child rights. In this regard, the MoE developed gender equality continuously providing support to special education
curricula and textbooks to provide students with schools and programs, including students with
the knowledge, skills, and values ​​that will help disabilities (motor, visual, auditory, and mental) as well
them grasp and understand the concepts of social, as students with special needs (learning difficulties
economic, and environmental sustainability, in addition to integrating the program, and speech and communication disorders program). The Ministry
principles and concepts of sustainable development into teacher education also implemented the program for the integration of students with special
programs. The establishment of a Citizenship Department in the Ministry needs in general education schools since the academic year 2005/2006.
consolidated the values of citizenship by promoting the infusion of school
curricula with the values of citizenship as well as shared universal values. At the higher education level, the Ministry of Higher Education allocates
Regarding balancing national identity and global citizenship, the Sultanate 50 internal scholarships every year for students of this category to study
implemented the national program Values and Responsibility Shape Our in private universities and colleges, and has offered to them 50 external
Identity, targeting children and youngsters aged 6 to 24 years through a scholarships in the academic year 2013/2014. The Ministry also seeks to
set of programs and projects aimed at fostering a sense of belonging, empower and qualify children of social security households in order to
preserving identity, and owning responsibility. develop and grow their potential, and subsequently build their self-reliance.

In the latest UNESCO report, Oman was listed as one of the major partners In this context, the Ministry grants annually 2,138 scholarships to children
engaged in the Global Program of Ac t ion on Education for Sustainable of social security and low-income households who did not meet the
Development. The Sultanate was the f irst Arab country to cooperate admission requirements of public higher education institutions to pursue
with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Centre for Education for International their studies in private universities and colleges. Vocational colleges also
Understanding (APCEIU) in promoting the values ​​of global citizenship. offer training and qualification opportunities for people with disabilities,
Furthermore, in 2018, the College of Education in Sultan Qaboos University according to their physical abilities, mental aptitude, talents, capabilities,
launched, with the support of the same center, an elective course on Global and preferences.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 65

 SDG4:
Quality
Education

T
Challenges and Future Plans to Achieve the 2030 Agenda

F
Challenges:

A
Relying on the government as the main source of funds is probably the most prominent challenge facing
the education sector. The requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its impact on the future of

R Y
jobs and the skills required in the labor market are also among the main challenges at hand.
It is estimated that 65 percent of primary school children will be employed in jobs that do not

D OP
yet exist. Oman’s education system needs therefore to be upgraded, developed, and prepared
to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Future Plans:

Education is one of the strategic

directions of Oman 2040 Vision
which emphasizes inclusive
education, lifelong learning,
and scientific research that
leads to a knowledge society
and competitive national
talents. The National Strategy
C
for Education 2040 includes
the same determinants and
directions.

66 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 T
Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG4

F
1 – The Sultan Qaboos Award for Sustainable Development in

A
the School Environment:

R
The Sultan Qaboos Award for Sustainable Development community to advance the reality of school and

Y
in the School Environment is based on the vision community environment, and foster a culture of initiative
of an “initiating, innovative, and sustainable school by implementing projects and innovating sustainable
community”. solutions while investing available resources through an

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effective community partnership in three key themes:
This award aims at spreading and fostering the culture
of sustainable development in the school and local • The environmental and health theme
community; promoting the values ​​o f sustainable • The socio-cultural theme
development among members of the school community • The economic theme
and developing their attitudes towards related issues
in the school and local environment; enhancing the

C
skills of the members of the school community and The support that this national project received from
developing their competencies to achieve the goals of parents’ councils, public and private institutions, the
education for sustainable development; strengthening private sector, and individuals was instrumental to its
the students’ national identity and instilling the values​​ success.
of good citizenship in them in order to prepare them to
contribute effectively to the country’s development and
construction process; building all aspects of students’
personalities and equipping them with 21 st century
skills to handle issues and challenges positively;
developing their leadership and dialogue skills and
diversifying their creative abilities; and encouraging
school administrations and the school community to
apply best practices in education and create sustainable
projects that further teaching and learning programs.

The Sultan Qaboos Award for Sustainable Development

in the School Environment stimulates the school

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 67

 SDG4:
Quality
Education

T
Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG4

F
2 – The Education Indicators System Project:

A
The Educational Indicators System is one of the most teacher performance as well as overall monitoring of the

R
advanced digital services developed recently by the school performance and the Sultanate’s educational system

Y
MoE as part of its ongoing commitment to digital as a whole. Furthermore, the Education Indicators System
transformation and the use of technology to improve produces data on the quality of learning environments and
education. accurately determines the schools and students in need

D OP
of further care, as well as high-performing schools, which
The Educational Indicators System is linked to the large contributes to the channeling and management of human
databases of the Oman Education Portal, which provides and material resources with high efficiency.
detailed numerical data on the performance of schools,
teachers, and students over a period of more than 10 years.

With an efficient high-speed display of cumulative data on

C
all components of the educational system accompanied
by graphs, this intelligent electronic system helps decision
makers to extrapolate and follow up on the level of
performance in the different areas of work in the Ministry.

It also enables school administrations, teachers, and

various oversight bodies to use facts and scientific evidence
provided by the System to improve performance and reveal
the strengths and development priorities of the education
system.

Another important aspect of this system is its use of

pedagogical indicators to analyze the situation and build
future plans accordingly, in addition to following up on
school educational performance. It has an exceptional ability
to schematize and examine the evolution of attainment
and student performance, throughout the academic years
in various subjects. It also provides detailed monitoring of

68 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 F T
3 – The National Youth Program for Skills Development:

A
The Sultanate is aware of the increasing importance of Omani youth selected among ten thousand applicants through

R
technology as one of the main development drivers in an elimination process based on evaluations, this track

Y
societies and an essential input to development. It has consisted of two stages. First, participants were trained and
therefore adopted a strategy to equip Omani youth with the equipped with the skills qualifying them for a Nano Degree.
capabilities and skills that enable them to keep pace with Then in the second stage, the top 100 candidates are shortlisted

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the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In this context, the National as part of the Programs practical component under which their
Youth Program for Skills Development was launched with ideas are transformed into operational projects.
the aim of providing Omani youth with the skills of the
future. Careful consideration was given to the selection of This Program is the first of its kind and has prompted a national
participants in two tracks: trend that puts the focus on the skills of the future and the
preparation of youth and youngsters to meet labor market
First Track: It involved training 150 participants aged 15 to 17 requirements. It will also generate investable projects that bring

C
years in programming, digital media, computational thinking, social and economic value to the Sultanate by creating new jobs.
robotics and digital citizenship. It is worth mentioning that work is underway to increase the
number of Program beneficiaries by making it accessible to a
Second Track: Held with the participation of one thousand wider segment of the population via online learning platforms.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 69

 Sustainable Development Goals

05 F T
R A Y
D OP
C Gender
Equality

70 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

T
SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

F
• The Basic Statute of the State provides for gender equality whereby it states:

A
“All citizens are equal before the law and share the same public rights and
Percentage of women
duties. There shall be no discrimination among them on the ground of gender, in Administrative
origin, color, language, religion, sect, domicile, or social status.” positions between

R
2015 and 2017

Y
• The Sultanate of Oman is committed to a number of international conventions
and treaties pertaining to human rights, such as the Convention on the 2017
Rights of the Child (CRC) and the optional protocols thereto, the International 2015

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Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD),
the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against
Women (CEDAW), and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
(CRPD).
• The Sultanate is achieving significant progress regarding women’s Deputy Minister or 5.8
Equivalent (Incl. Chair/
empowerment, which was reflected in the "elimination of all forms of Head of Entity) 5.4

C
discrimination against women and girls," particularly in educational and
employment spheres. Ambassador
7.1
• Omani women occupy leadership public-sector positions in ministries as 6.1
well as diplomatic bodies abroad. They also occupy high and medium level
7.5
administrative positions in Government departments. Moreover, the Sultanate General Director or
consecrated in 1994 women’s right to vote and run for elections, thus becoming Equivalent 7.5
the first Gulf country to do so.
5.6
Advisor
• All national blueprints and strategies on development, the most recent of 8
which was Oman 2040 Vision, have focused on empowering women and
promoting their role, by creating a favorable environment for them 9.6
Head of Department
in the economic and social spheres, fostering their participation 9.4
in the decision-making process and bolstering institutional
capacities on gender analysis. 13.8
Head of Division
12.7

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 71

 SDG5:
Gender
Equality

T
Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG5

F
The Sultanate of Oman has strived to provide equal opportunities for Committee during panel discussions held in Geneva for the
women across all fields. It continues to exert efforts to improve the tangible progress achieved towards the advancement of women
reality of Omani women, particularly in terms of economic, political, in Oman.

A
social, and public participation. In this context, policies, programs, • The Sultanate has ensured that every woman receives a piece
and laws pertaining to women were reviewed in order to have them of land as a grant from the State and that Article 12 of the
developed and their blueprints improved, in accordance with the Omani Passport Law be amended. Moreover, Royal Decree No.
social, economic, and professional changes taking place. To achieve 55/2010 regarding the prevention of marriage was issued and

R
SDG5, the Sultanate relies on several starting points, predominantly the Civil Service Law was amended to include world-class work

Y
the Basic Statute of the State, the speeches of His standards whereby justice and equal opportunities
Majesty, international conventions pertaining to underpin any employment process.
human rights, Oman Vision 2040 and the Social • The Sultanate ensured access to equal

D OP
Action Strategy (2016-2025). opportunities in employment, appointment,
promotion, job security, and service conditions and
As a result, the Sultanate has made substantial Women’s access to benefits, in addition to securing the right to receive
progress in achieving gender equality throughout education and employment training and rehabilitation in both the private and
the past four decades, thus leading to the opportunities on an equal public sectors.
“elimination of all forms of discrimination against • The celebration of Omani Women’s Day
women and girls”. The Sultanate has also footing with men has on October 17th of every year was the fruit of

C
achieved gender equality in education, whereby contributed to an increase recommendations raised by the Omani Women’s
the total enrollment of females between grades 7 in their participation in seminar and endorsed by His Majesty Sultan
and 9 reached 101 percent for the academic year Qaboos bin Said. The day is dedicated to celebrating
2016/2017. The percentage of illiteracy among civil service jobs, reaching the many accomplishments of women, shedding
females also witnessed a significant drop from a percentage of 47 percent light on their role in achieving development, and
12.6 percent in 2013 to 6.3 percent in 2018. for females compared to promoting their continuous initiatives. Omani
Women’s Day is an occasion to look into studies
Oman’s key achievements in gender equality 53 percent for males on women’s rights; hold events that bring together
over the past period can be highlighted as scientific experts to promote the contribution of
follows: women to political, economic, and social life; and
honor pioneering women in development action.
• The Sultanate of Oman became a party to the Convention on • The Sultanate granted women with disabilities equal rights
the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women in accessing job opportunities and education and receiving
(CEDAW) by virtue of Royal Decree No. 42/2005; then Royal healthcare services. The percentage of women with disabilities
Decree No. 3/2019 was issued ratifying the amendment of working in the private sector in 2017 amounted to 11 percent
paragraph 1 of Article 20 of the Convention and lifting the of Omani employees with disabilities. The Social Security Law
Sultanate’s reservation to paragraph 4 of Article 15 regarding the also grants persons with disabilities from both genders, without
freedom of movement and residence. discrimination, the right to a social security salary.
• The Sultanate continued to draft the preliminary report and
periodical report, which encompasses both the second and
third follow-up reports on the implementation of CEDAW. These The Sultanate of Oman has pledged to protect women from all
reports were the subject of praise and acclaim from the CEDAW forms of violence (including sexual violence, abuse within the

72 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

laws and legislations.

F T
family, and sexual harassment at the workplace), through several followed by the Dar Al-Wifaq Centre for the protection of women,
including those who are victims of human trafficking. The
Centre provides temporary housing for women and offers them

A
The Sultanate of Oman has always been keen on moving forward a plethora of social and psychological programs, in addition to
on this path through a set of policies and initiatives, as follows: legal counseling. The Centre also helps bring criminals to justice,
meet the needs of victims, and solve their problems; and it has
• The Sultanate has issued the Penal Code, which explicitly implemented 34 awareness raising programs in 2018.

R
focuses on the protection of women from all forms of physical • The Sultanate established a free protection hotline (1100)

Y
and psychological violence. dedicated to receiving reports and complaints round
• The Sultanate has guaranteed legal the clock. The line is operated by specialized and
protection to women subjected to any well-trained national personnel; and received cases

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form of violence through a number of are redirected depending on their requirements.
legal procedures and measures. Personal • The Sultanate established the toll-free
status court cases are referred to a speedy The Sultanate of Oman has line for family counselling, which represents a
trial and are dealt with in full privacy and central component for providing psychological and
confidentiality whenever they are brought
pledged to protect women social guidance to members of society. Individuals
before an Omani court. from all forms of violence seeking counseling for post-marital problems can
• The Sultanate has established several (including sexual violence, access marriage counseling services which have

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mechanisms to protect women and girls, been free of charge since their launch in 2009.
particularly the National Committee for
abuse within the family,
Family Affairs, the CEDAW Implementation and sexual harassment On another hand, Omani laws and legislations
Follow-up Committee, the National at the workplace), by prohibit all harmful practices related to child
Committee for Human Rights, the National marriage, early marriage, forced marriage, and
Committee for Combating Human
means of several laws and genital mutilation. They have also specified the
Trafficking, the National Committee of legislations legal age of marriage, despite early marriages
Disabled Persons Welfare, and the CRC not being a widespread phenomenon in the
Implementation Follow-up Committee. Omani society. The average age at first marriage
• According to the Law Combating Trafficking was estimated at 28 for males and 26 for females
in Persons, it is prohibited to carry out any form of human in 2010. The most remarkable milestones achieved in this context
trafficking; and individuals found guilty of perpetrating such are as follows:
offence shall be punished by law. Similarly, the National
Committee for Combating Human Trafficking has set a nationwide • The Omani Child Law entered into effect by virtue of Royal Decree
blueprint to raise society’s awareness on the subject and protect No. 22/2014 which ensures that children are protected against
citizens and residents from human trafficking. The Committee harmful traditional practices, the promotion of such practices,
also established a hotline dedicated to receiving complaints and and the assistance therein.
reports on human trafficking cases. • The Omani Child Law consecrates children’s right to protection
• Oman’s Cybercrime Law punishes actions that involve misusing from violence, exploitation, and abuse, and to a humane and
information technology and using it as a means to abuse women decent treatment that preserves their dignity, reputation, and
and girls. honor. The State also guarantees that all children enjoy the said
• In 2012, the Family Protection Department was established, right by all means possible, through the prohibition of any act of

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 73

 SDG5:
Gender
Equality

T
Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG5

F
kidnapping, rape, and engagement in any sexual activity, among founded to support business projects of young Omani men and
others. women, with the percentage of female beneficiaries reaching
• Article 7 of the Omani Personal Status Law stipulates: “Eligibility 28.4 percent.

A
for marriage is achieved if the person in question is mentally • The Sultanate has strived to help families uphold their
sound and has completed 18 years of responsibilities in raising children. It also sought to
age.” This article applies to both genders. promote the values of shared family and livelihood
Therefore, it is the notary public’s right to responsibilities within households. Several programs

R
refuse a request for a marriage certification were implemented to achieve these aspirations

Y
if one or both spouses are below the age including Tamasok (Solidarity) program which aims
The Sultanate’s policies paid
of 18 and refer the case to the competent to inform prospective and newlywed couples on the
special attention to family
court of law. values of a healthy conjugal relationship and child

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development programs, in
upbringing. As such, by the end of the first quarter of
addition to programs seeking to
2019, the program had reached around 35,000 male
empower women and develop
The Sultanate’s policies paid particular and female beneficiaries.
their capacities by supporting and
attention to family development programs, • The Tamkeen program aims to tap into the potential
promoting the role of families
in addition to programs seeking to empower of individuals and families, involve them in the
and providing them with training
women and develop their capacities by development process, and transform households
across different fields. The
supporting and promoting the role of families living off social security into productive ones that
programs also sought to promote

C
and providing them with training across contribute to the growth of national economy.
and empower the role of women
different fields. These programs also sought It is worth noting that Oman’s political leadership
and integrate them in development
to promote and empower the role of women and government have fostered the participation of
activities and projects while taking
and integrate them in development activities women on all levels. Many policies and programs
into consideration their family
and projects, while taking into consideration were aimed at promoting Omani women’s
circumstances.
their family circumstances through the participation in social, economic, and political life
following: and empowering them to build their leadership and
decision-making skills. As a result, Omani women
• The increased participation of women in volunteering serves were able to access employment across all spheres.
as an indicator of women’s current situation and their status in
society. In this regard, the creation of Omani women associations Omani women contribute to all aspects of social, economic, and
is considered one of the main components of volunteerism, political life through the following:
with the number of women associations reaching 65 with 8,021 • In line with the provisions of Basic Statute of the State, the Shura
female members by the end of 2018. Council Elections Law does not discriminate between men and
• The Ministerial Decree No. 4/2011 issued by the Ministry of women in its terms of candidature. Women have thus the right
Commerce and Industry granted women permission to carry to vote and run as candidates for the Shura Council on an equal
out commercial activities from home and laid out the specific footing with men.
business activities that women can engage in at-home. • Women’s representation in diplomatic circles also witnessed
• The Public Authority for SME Development (Riyada) was significant growth over the past few years. In fact, Omani
established with the aim of supporting entrepreneurship and women were appointed to key diplomatic positions, including
reinforcing the role of SMEs in providing diversified and renewable ambassadors and representatives of the Sultanate at UN
job opportunities for both genders. Likewise, Al-Raffd fund was agencies, among others.

74 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

•

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The executive plan of the Social Action Strategy (2016 – 2025)

social, economic, and political life. It also seeks to build women’s

age at primary healthcare centers and hospitals.
aspires to empower women and allow them more participation in • The MoH provides services in early detection of breast cancer for
women who are at risk of developing it.

A
leadership and decision-making skills, as well as their ability to • Birth spacing methods are also provided in specialized clinics
take part, inter alia, in Municipal and Shura Council elections, in across all governorates in the Sultanate.
partnership with CSOs.
• The number of women entrepreneurs committees at the Oman

R
Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the governorate level Omani laws and legislations do not discriminate between men

Y
amounted to 8 committees with 98 female business owners. All and women in terms of the economic rights granted to citizens.
committees are chaired by women, including In fact, women enjoy the same rights as men
three members of the Chamber’s boards of in terms of access to economic resources and

D OP
directors. ownership of agricultural lands. A number of
• In 2017, the percentage of female Omani accomplishments achieved on this front can be
employees in the civil service sector reached The Public Authority highlighted as follows:
48.1 percent while the percentage of female for SME Development
employees working in the private sector was • The Personal Status Law preserves
(Riyada) was established
estimated at 24.4 percent of total employees. women’s rights to inheritance, will, and alimony.
with the aim of supporting
• Omani women occupy leadership positions It also prohibits any attempts to exploit their
entrepreneurship and

C
across all fields of work. As a matter of personal funds and grants them the liberty to use
fact, out of the overall number of employees reinforcing the role of SMEs the said funds as they deem fit.
in high-level, medium-level, and direct in providing diversified and • The Code of Civil Procedure states that
administrative jobs in the civil service sector, renewable job opportunities men and women are equally eligible to carry out
the percentage of women at high-level for both genders all civilian transactions, including the right to
administrative positions rose from 10 percent access bank loans and mortgages.
in 2012 to 21 percent in 2017. Data also points • The Commercial Law regulates the right
out that women take part in all occupational of persons to conduct business activities without
groups in the private sector, with 25.7 percent of public directors any discrimination on the basis of gender.
and business managers in 2017 being females. • The percentage of female owners of agricultural lands amounted
• The healthcare system in the Sultanate of Oman will encompass to 10 percent of the total number of agricultural landowners in
until the year 2040 a plethora of programs and projects focusing 2017, in addition to cases of joint ownership where agricultural
on lifetime health of women, with three main objectives: lands are shared by co-owners from both genders.
eradicating maternal and infant mortality, improving the quality
of healthcare services and creating a favorable environment for
mother and child health. The Public Authority for Craft Industries contributes to achieving
• The Omani Child Law stipulates the need for all government comprehensive development across the Sultanate, by developing and
bodies to take all necessary preventive and therapeutic measures growing the craft industry sector for those who work in it and seeking
and procedures to provide adequate prenatal and postnatal to provide all available resources and capacities needed to support
healthcare services for mothers. these industries on marketing, financial, and administrative levels. As
• The Sultanate also implemented the national program for the a result, the percentage of craftswomen increased to 88 percent of
provision of healthcare services to women in post-reproductive the total number of artisans in 2017.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 75

 SDG5:
Gender
Equality

T
Challenges and Future Plans to Achieve the 2030 Agenda

F
Challenges:

A
Despite Oman’s principal interest in promoting and boosting the active participation of women in

R
the development and progress of society, their rate of participation in political life still requires

Y
more support.
Similarly, the absence of legal awareness among women regarding their rights as guaranteed

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by national laws and legislations represents a key challenge in this regard, which prompted
the Sultanate to adopt several measures to raise awareness among women about these rights.
Women’s participation in the labor market also remains weak, particularly in the private
sector, given the lack of facilitations that would help women strike a balance between their
job and their role towards their children and family. This includes the scarcity of nurseries

C
and daycare centers for children of working mothers in the workplace.

Future Plans:

The Sultanate of Oman has a number of national plans and strategies for development,
including Oman 2040 Vision which strives, among other things, to empower women and
promote their role by creating a favorable environment for them in the economic and social
spheres, fostering their participation in decision-making positions, and bolstering gender-
based institutional capacities.

76 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 T
Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG5

F
1-Omani Women’s Associations:

A
Given the relative recency of the concept of women’s participation of associations. On an official level, CSOs in the Sultanate saw

R
in the Sultanate of Oman following the blessed Renaissance, the light in the early 1970s with the establishment of women’s

Y
which had hitherto been limited to conventional involvement in associations in 1972, in particularly the founding of the Omani
some family-related issues, it was of paramount importance to Woman’s Association in Muscat.
come up with organized forms of women’s participation in social

D OP
Women’s associations have brought together some of the deepest
and volunteering actions. This gave way to the idea of establishing
and most renowned success stories ever to be witnessed in the
Omani women associations across Oman’s governorates as a
history of the modern Omani woman. In fact, these associations
means to achieve social development. As a result, the Sultanate
have marked the starting point for many distinguished female
witnessed quantitative expansion and qualitative improvement
figures fronting both the private and public sectors. Volunteers
in the provision of social, rehabilitative, and welfare services,
also play a crucial role in empowering women by taking part in
which put the country on the right track to achieve sustainable
various trainings designed to facilitate women's access to job

C
development. Civil society organizations and associations,
opportunities and raise awareness among women and society
particularly those targeting Omani women, received Oman’s
as a whole through the implementation of a host of projects on
focus and support. Hence, they were able to use schools to carry
health, education, society, and self-empowerment.
out their activities, which consisted at first of literacy campaigns
for Omani women before moving into permanent quarters and Omani women’s associations are considered civil society
securing yearly financial support from the Government. As a organizations of a voluntary nature and independent administration
matter of fact, the MoSD provides CSOs with financial, technical, managed by civil society itself. They strive to empower women,
and capacity-building support. build their capacities and skills across various fields, and provide
them with opportunities to exchange information, particularly
Promulgated in 1996, the Basic Statute of the State is considered
in topics of interest. Omani women’s associations are spread
the basis of all legislations in the Sultanate. In particular, it
across all governorates and provinces in the Sultanate and have
consecrates under Article 33 the freedom of forming societies as
witnessed an increase from 56 associations in 2012 to 65 by the
a constitutional right for all.
end of 2018.
Moreover, the Civil Associations Law promulgated by Royal
Omani women’s associations have contributed to raising women’s
Decree No. 14/2000 and the civil association formation system
awareness regarding their participation in parliamentary and
promulgated by Ministerial Decree No. 150/2000 have regulated
municipal elections and their access to decision-making positions.
the process of notification as well as supervision of the work

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 77

 SDG5:
Gender
Equality

T
Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG5

F
2- Community Knowledge Centers for Women

A
This project comes in line with the royal directives of His Majesty this regard, and with the intention to achieve digital literacy, the ITA
Sultan Qaboos bin Said who ordered to hold the Omani Woman’s implemented several training programs of which 70 percent were

R Y
Symposium and underlined the critical role that Omani women destined for women.
have in building civilizations and contributing to sustainable
Also, more than 6,200 specialized training opportunities have
development.

D OP
been provided across different IT areas, including programs for
In the context of this royal approach, the Information Technology children and homemakers, workshops on information security, and
Authority (ITA) strived to cooperate with all concerned institutions awareness-raising activities concerning digital citizenship.
for the purpose of establishing Community Knowledge Centers
A total of 20 Community Knowledge Centers are now spread across
for Women across all governorates to train women in the area of
a number of Omani governorates and regions, including 10 that are
information technology (IT) and enable them to participate actively in
dedicated to women.
Oman’s digital society. These Centers are considered a fundamental

C
cornerstone on which the Community IT Training Program is built.
The Program contributes to developing and promoting the capacities
and skills of Omani citizens to use digital transactions and interact
with government e-services, as well as creating opportunities for
citizens to reach more substantial prospects in the IT area.
This direction falls under the efforts exerted by ITA, in partnership with
different governmental, private, and civil entities, to train all groups
of society in the IT area. This, in turn, provides training opportunities
for citizens and enables them to learn about the IT sector, familiarize
themselves with computers, and use the Internet for information, as
well as utilize and benefit from government e-services.
Community Knowledge Centers provide Internet services that grant
women access to the Internet as well as a number of educational
programs. They also allow women to benefit from continuous
training programs tailored to different levels and age groups. In

78 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

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3- Volunteering: Individual Initiative by the Honorable Ms. Zahra Al-Aufia:

A
While education is considered a collective responsibility shared salaries of the women assisting her. Zahra carried on with work,
by society organizations and the government, volunteering is trying to strike a balance between preparing and selling meals and

R Y
a central pillar of social solidarity in the Omani society where teaching children and their mothers until she was able, with the
CSOs, individuals, the Government, and the private sector come help of Allah, to open one school and then another. She ended up
together to build an integrated and cooperative society in order establishing 22 schools in 22 countryside villages and deservedly

D OP
to promote and develop rural communities in need of further winning the Sultan Qaboos Award for Volunteering.
efforts for advancement. As such, the Sultan Qaboos Award for
Volunteering capitalizes on the efforts of CSOs as critical partners
Volunteering comes as an encouragement for organizations and
to contribute to the development process and achieve the SDGs,
individuals to make serious contributions in this area.
especially in rural and mountainous areas.
After her children reached adulthood, homemaker Zahra Al-Aufia
found herself having too much spare time on her hands that could

C
be spent in giving and serving her community. She had realized that
her countryside community needed support in the areas of education
and that women, girls, and children needed assistance, particularly
in writing and reading. Therefore, she started teaching 20 children
living nearby how to read and write as well as the Holy Quran. She
provided for them by allocating a part of her household expenses
for their needs. As the number of beneficiaries increased, Zahra had
to look for another place to accommodate the growing number of
children. She needed help to follow-up on them and their mothers
who wished to participate in the learning process; but where would
she get the money to open a school and pay the salaries of the girls
helping her? So, Zahra started a cooking project, selling Omani
meals to students and teachers in neighboring public schools, then
investing the earnings into opening new schools where she would
teach children the Holy Quran, writing, and reading and pay the

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 79

 Sustainable Development Goals

06 F T
R A Y
D OP
C Clean
Water and
Sanitation

80 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

T
SDG6: Ensure availability and sustainable management
of water and sanitation for all

F
• Water resources are an issue of major importance in the Sultanate,

A
with 98.7 percent of the population benefiting from safe drinking water
services.

R
• Sanitation and hygiene services cover over 98 percent of the population in

Y
98.7
cities and 97 percent in rural areas, as of 2018.
94.9
• Water management and increased water use efficiency are among the

D OP
priorities of Oman 2040. The Sultanate also aims through the National
Tertiary-treated Wastewater Reuse Strategy 2040 to expand the
development of wastewater treatment plants and extend sewage network
lines at a cost of up to US$7 billion, averaging US$381 million per year.
2014 2016
• Oman joined the Ramsar Convention in 2012, and through its

C
implementation mechanisms, it seeks to promote the application of best Proportion of the population
benefiting from safe
practices in the conservation of wetlands, rational use, prevention or drinking water services
reduction of wetlands degradation, and restoration of degraded wetlands; between 2014 and 2016
the use of effective and sustainable means to increase groundwater and
surface water storage; and the implementation of programs to improve
water quality, preserve agriculture and fishing, and protect biodiversity.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 81

 SDG6:
Clean Water
and Sanitation

T
Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG6

F
Great attention was devoted to water resources in the Sultanate since In view of the current water shortage pressure estimated at about
the start of the modern Renaissance in the early 1970s, considering 128 percent, the Sultanate seeks to ensure sustainable freshwater

A
the country’s dependence on groundwater and rain, mainly due to availability and supply by 2030 by balancing supply and demand and
its geographical location and climate. Oman has made significant expanding the use of non-conventional water resources (treated
progress in this regard, with 98.7 percent of the population benefiting wastewater) currently used to replenish some coastal aquifers.
from safe drinking water services in 2016. Desalinated water accounts Furthermore, by implementing water demand management (WDM)

R
for over 86 percent of the total drinking water needs and is considered policies and changing cropping patterns and traditional irrigation

Y
one of the strategic options to meet drinking water systems, Oman aims to increase current water use
requirements. Desalinated water production efficiency, estimated at around US$47/m3 in 2018,
increased from 196 million cubic meters in 2011 with a focus on the agriculture sector, which is the

D OP
to 311 million cubic meters by the end of 2018. largest water-consumer, accounting for 83 percent
Other sources of drinking water, such as wells, of total uses.
contribute by approximately 14 percent.
The Sultanate seeks According to the United Nations questionnaire on
Sanitation and hygiene services cover more to ensure sustainable integrated water resources management (IWRM)
than 98 percent of the population in urban areas implementation, the indicator placed the current
and 97 percent in rural areas, and as of 2018, 68 freshwater availability degree of IWRM implementation in Oman at 38
and supply by 2030

C
wastewater treatment plants were established, percent. The Sultanate has made great progress
producing around 94 million m3/year of tertiary- in terms of enabling the institutional environment,
treated wastewater, about 61 percent of which is national policies, legislation, and regulations, as
being used in agriculture, aesthetic afforestation, well as national monitoring systems and funding. It
refrigeration, and injection of coastal aquifers. joined the Ramsar Convention in 2012, and through
Through the National Strategy for the Use of Tertiary-treated its implementation mechanisms, it seeks to develop a common vision
Wastewater 2040, Oman seeks to expand the construction of sewage between government bodies and civil society for wetland preservation
treatment plants and extend sewage network lines at a cost of US$7 and management, and strives to promote the application of best
billion, averaging US$381 million per year. practices in the conservation of wetlands, rational use, prevention
or reduction of wetlands degradation, and restoration of degraded
Since 2014, wastewater has been collected and treated, which wetlands; the use of effective and sustainable means to increase
contributes significantly to reducing groundwater pollution and groundwater and surface water storage; and the implementation of
increasing the level of recycling and reuse as a growing non-traditional programs to improve water quality, preserve agriculture and fishing,
water source potentially totaling more than 1 million m3/day, which can and protect biodiversity.
be used to address water scarcity by 2040. Water quality monitoring
programs constitute a principal cornerstone of water resources Oman has also put into effect specific outreach, education, and
assessment and management, and the Sultanate has come a long way public awareness programs to involve main stakeholder groups, and
in this regard. It has implemented water basins monitoring programs adopt strategic and operational tools to fully implement the Ramsar
at a coverage rate of 75 percent through periodical measurements of Convention through actions taken at local and national levels, as well
monitoring points and the storage of results in a core database. as continued international cooperation in this field.

82 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 T
Challenges and Future Plans to Achieve the 2030 Agenda

F
Challenges:

A
The water sector faces many challenges, foremost among which are limited natural water resources, due
to the country’s location in the zone of arid and semi-arid lands and its reliance on annual rainfall for the
replenishment of its limited water resources. This represents a challenge in terms of balancing water uses,
renewable resources, and the preservation of water resources from depletion and pollution, in addition to

R
the salinity and degradation of groundwater quality in coastal areas (Al Batinah and Salalah coastal areas).

Future Plans:

D OP Y
To address these challenges, the Sultanate adopted water management and enhanced water use efficiency among the priorities of Oman 2040
to achieve national priorities and the SDGs.

C
According to the 2040 Water Sector Master Plan, the Public Authority for Water is working in coordination with the Oman Power and Water
Procurement Company (OPWP) to advance the implementation of desalination projects by developing plans to expand existing desalination plants
and establish new plants, through private sector involvement in investment, in order to meet the growing demand for water. Seawater desalination
plants are large-scale projects which contribute significantly to enhancing Oman’s water security.

The Sultanate seeks to improve its various systems and activities; increase water supply reliability; boost operational efficiency; further upgrade
services; and implement strategies to develop and enhance human resources,
subscriber services, health, safety and the environment, information technology,
water quality, and project management. Moreover, a strategy was prepared
to manage water loss, which brought losses down from 43.4 percent in 2010
to 23 percent in 2018. Contingency strategy and plans were also elaborated in
collaboration with other stakeholders in the country.

It is hoped that the total quantity of treated water utilized will amount to around
244 million m3 and 338 million m3 by 2030 and 2040 respectively. The National
Wastewater Reuse Strategy also encompasses mechanisms and programs
related to the utilization of this renewable resource in the replenishment of
underground reservoirs, and for industrial and agricultural uses in order to
increase water use efficiency in the Sultanate.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 83

 SDG6:
Clean Water
and Sanitation

T
Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG6

F
1-The Wadi Dayqah Dam Project:

A
Despite all its efforts, the Sultanate, just as all arid and groundwater reserves as needed. The Wadi Dayqah Dam has
semi-arid lands, suffers from a shortage of water resources, become a tourist destination attracting hundreds of thousands of
especially during drought years. In this context, the Wadi tourists every year. In 2017, it received around 150,578 visitors,

R
Dayqah Dam project was planned to alleviate water scarcity averaging 12,548 visitors per month.

Y
and protect the largest possible number of villages and cities
from the dangers posed by floodwaters, hence ensuring The dam’s water is used for agriculture and tourism purposes,
sustainability in the provision of significant quantities of water, as well as for public supply, and it feeds limited conventional

D OP
and encouraging investment in development projects safe water resources. The dam will contribute to the development
from extreme climatic conditions. In pursuit of these aims, the of agriculture in the wilaya of Qurayyat due to the availability of
first phase of the Wadi Dayqah Dam project was implemented. a cost-effective, sustainable, and quality water supply, which
will increase agricultural economic return, thus leading to the
This project benefits residents in areas downstream from development of this sector in the Sultanate. The development of
the dam in the villages of Dagmar and Hail Al Ghaf, as well as agriculture will lead to agricultural products diversification and
development projects supplied with water provided by the dam build a new generation of farmers who use modern irrigation

C
(35 million cubic meters) in the agricultural and tourism sectors, techniques, turning agriculture into a stable and profitable source
and the drinking water supply in the Muscat Governorate. of income. The dam will also reduce the impact of droughts.

Since its construction, the dam provided a constant supply The Wadi Dayqah Dam will sustainably supply water for drinking
of irrigation water to the aflaj (water channels) of Al Mazare (desalinated water being too costly) as well as for domestic use
village. It also contributed to the replenishment of downstream in sufficient quantities and of guaranteed quality to some of the
wilayats and villages of Muscat Governorate. This will help meet
the growing demand for potable water owing to steady population
growth, in addition to improving living conditions and eliminating
diseases related to water quality, as well as easing pressure
on desalination plants and coastal aquifers, thus alleviating the
problem of seawater intrusion threatening coastal farmlands.

Another advantage of this dam lies in flood-risk reduction and the

preservation of citizens’ properties and existing infrastructure,
in addition to encouraging investment in the region through the
execution of residential and industrial development projects in
downstream areas.

84 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 F T
2-The Cloud Seeding Project:

A
Cloud seeding is a sustainable method that provides The Project team faced great difficulties during the establishment

R
freshwater in certain geographical and climatic conditions. of stations and installation of ion emitters on mountaintops.

Y
And since Oman seeks to develop its water resources and The lack of infrastructure in station locations, characterized
enhance its water security to address the problems of drought by rough mountain terrain, required the use of helicopters for
and water scarcity, it has started, over the course of the past field surveys and then for the transfer of equipment and devices

D OP
five years, to implement the Cloud Seeding Project through a to the selected locations. In cases where helicopters were not
one-of-a-kind ionization technology in the Gulf Region. The available, the technical team proceeded on foot, particularly
Project team installed 12 cloud seeding stations equipped when performing the regular systems maintenance and when
with ion emitters on the tops of mountains in the Western and performing monthly reading and maintenance of the 221 rain
Eastern Hajar ranges and in Dhofar Governorate, in addition gauges deployed in the various impact areas.
to 221 rain gauges installed in various regions impacted by
the process. The Project’s final results over the past five years were evaluated

C
by Australia’s Wollongong University, based on rainfall data in
The ion emission technology is based on the use of the ionization impact areas, as well as morning and evening weather balloon
property to increase rainfall through the process of coalescence data supplied by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation and the
of negatively charged ions, released by ion emitters and carried Project’s weather stations. According to the evaluation, the
by rising air currents to the location of formation of middle- average rainfall increase rate was estimated at 18.8 percent
altitude altocumulus with airborne dust and moisture particles. with a degree of accuracy exceeding 99.99 percent.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 85

 Sustainable Development Goals

07 F T
R A Y
D OP
C Affordable
and Clean
Energy

86 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

T
SDG7: Ensuring Affordable Access to Modern, Reliable
and Sustainable Energy Services for All.

A F
• The Sultanate is working on developing strategies and ambitious plans
to research and find alternative sources of energy, without however
compromising the provision of energy for all residents, or compromising
The proportion of population that
relies mainly on fuel and clean
technology in 2014:

R Y
the various aspects of life and the economy, be it institutions, factories,
etc. 99.3 98.9

D OP
• The National Energy Strategy outlines a clear roadmap for dealing with the
challenges, in line with the objectives of SDG7, which calls for the rapid
and low-cost expansion of renewable energy use, raising its efficiency
in the future, while keeping pace with the requirements of the Fourth
Industrial Revolution. Clean Clean

C
• The Sultanate plans to replace (50%) of the amount of gas used to produce Technology Fuel

steam in the oil industry with locally developed concentrated solar energy
systems, and to provide support in the initial stages by the end of 2025.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 87

 SDG7:
Affordable and
Clean Energy

T
Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG7

F
As the Sultanate moves to reduce dependence on oil and gas the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Sultanate plans to replace (50%)
as the main energy sources, as they have been for the past five of the amount of gas used to produce steam in the oil industry with

A
decades, and with the increase of population locally developed concentrated solar energy
and economic growth, the Sultanate is working systems, and to provide support in the initial
on developing strategies and ambitious plans stages by the end of 2025.
to research and find alternative sources of

R
energy, without however compromising All residents in the The percentage of the population benefiting

Y
the provision of energy for all residents, or from electricity services in the Sultanate of
compromising the various aspects of life and Sultanate benefit from Oman in 2017 was (100%), and the proportion
the economy, be it institutions, factories, etc. electricity services of the population who relied primarily on clean

D OP
fuel was (98.9%) in 2014, while the percentage
The National Energy Strategy issued a number of of the population who relied primarily on clean
resolutions related to renewable energy, in line technology was (99.3%) in the same year. Oman’s
with the objectives of the SDG7, which calls for production of renewable energy for electricity
the rapid and low-cost expansion of renewable energy use, raising its generation was estimated at 8 Megawatts by the end of 2018.
efficiency in the future, while keeping pace with the requirements of

100 %
Beneficiaries
of electricity
services in 2017
C 98.9 %
Rely primarily
on clean fuel in
2014
99.3 %
Rely primarily
on clean
technology

88 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 T
Challenges and Future Plans to Achieve the 2030 Agenda

F
Challenges:
The energy sector faces several challenges, foremost of which are the sustainability of government subsidies,

A
the long-term availability of gas, increased demand in energy due to growth in manufacturing, the increase in
population and urbanization year after year. In the field of renewable energy, the high costs of this emerging
technology, and the expertise and skills it requires, are not quick matters to manifest.

R Y
Future Plans:

D OP
The National Energy Strategy outlines a clear roadmap for dealing with the challenges, in line with the objectives of SDG7, which
calls for the rapid and low-cost expansion of renewable energy use, raising its efficiency in the future, while keeping pace with the
requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

C
Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG7

“Miraah” and the Renewable Energy Project:

The “Miraah” project located in the “Amal” oilfield to generate trillion BTU of liquefied natural gas per year.
solar steam in the “Marmul” region of “Dhofar” governorate is The Omani company Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has
harnessing sunlight to generate steam, which is used in the entered the Guinness Book of World Records for installing the
thermal methods to extract heavy oil from the oilfield. This largest number of solar photovoltaic reflectors on a road.
project is considered the largest solar project in the world, with The company has installed 43,550 sun-powered “Cat’s Eye” units
a production of 1,021 Megawatts of peak heat power, enough to along a 650 km route from “Haima” to “Salalah”.
generate 6,000 tons of steam per day. The project provides 5.6 The previous record was set in Japan at a distance of 220 kilometers.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 89

 Sustainable Development Goals

08 F T
R A Y
D OP
C Decent Work
and Economic
Growth

90 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

T
SDG8: Promoting Sustained, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth,
Full and Productive Employment and Decent Work for All.

F
• The Omani economy aims to found a strong base, which relies on

A
diversification built on knowledge and innovation. It is constructed on
strengthening the forward and backward linkages between economic
sectors in order to expand the production and export base, diversify

R Y
business partners, deepen investment in high value-added sectors, and Gross domestic product at
enhance the contribution of non-oil sectors to GDP. constant prices for the base
year 2010 (RO billion)

D OP
• Promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and
productive employment and decent work for all; a strategic objective for
28.5
all of Oman’s development plans and strategies. This has been reflected in
several orientations and objectives in Oman Vision 2040. 26.1
• A legislative system that guarantees the rights of workers regardless
of their gender and nationality, in accordance with International Labor

C
Standards. The Sultanate is making great efforts in combating the crime of
human trafficking in all its forms.
2014 2017
• Providing decent work opportunities for all, by qualifying the Omani
workforce to work in the private sector, so that the share of Omani labor
force in the total number of jobs created in this sector increases to 42% in
2040, from 11.6% in 2016.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 91

 SDG8: Decent
Work and
Economic Growth

T
Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG8

F
The promotion of sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, 40.5% of the GDP in 2016, to 35.6% by the end of the plan in 2020.
full and productive employment and decent work for all constitute • Providing productive and rewarding employment opportunities for
a strategic objective of all development plans and strategies in the citizens, especially young people, by training the national workforce

A
Sultanate since the 1970s, especially after the adoption of the SDGs to work in the private sector, away from civil service. The aim of the
in 2015. The 9th Five-Year Development Plan (2016-2020) aimed to plan is to increase the percentage of citizens working in the private
achieve a real growth rate of the GDP at constant prices of no less than sector from the current 12%, through training, and changing education,
3% during the plan period, thus positively affecting the citizens’ living so that education and training outputs are aligned with the expected

R
standards, creating productive and decent employment opportunities, demand structure, especially in promising sectors and large projects.

Y
and thus maintaining the level of Real Income of the Omani citizens.
The National Program for the Promotion of Economic Diversification
This objective and the ten goals included in the main objectives of the 9th “Tanfeedh” is a result of the 9th Five-Year Development Plan (2016-2020),

D OP
Five-Year Development Plan have been reflected as follows: which aims to contribute to implementing the Sultanate’s vision for
economic diversification, and to drive growth under the circumstances
• Maintaining the growth rate of GDP by an average of 3% during the plan surrounding global oil markets, which necessitate the transition from a
period, in order to maintain the living standard of citizens. Commodity-Based Economy (Oil) to the development of other sectors,
• Opting for economic diversification as a strategic option for the plan in order to stimulate the wheel of Comprehensive Development. The
by reducing the dependence on oil and developing the five promising policy of economic diversification aims to focus on the promising sectors
sectors (namely Manufacturing, Transportation and Logistics, Tourism, in which the Sultanate has a clear relative advantage, which requires the

C
Fisheries, and Mining). The contribution of oil sectors will fall from optimal utilization of available natural resources, strategic location of the

92 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 F T
Sultanate and the promotion of a sustainable and diversified economy

sectors with added value have been identified as follows: Manufacturing,

Small and Medium Enterprise Development in order to empower these
institutions and enhance their role as a fundamental pillar in the creation
through the contribution of non-oil exports to total exports. Five promising
of job opportunities, and to achieve In-Country Value through the work

A
Transport and Logistics, Tourism, Fisheries and Mining. The Sultanate of the Authority to provide effective and integrated technical support
has made considerable improvements in economic to these institutions for their development, as well
diversification, whereas the share of oil activities as creating an innovative environment conducive to
declined from 66.7% of the GDP in 2000, to 40.8% in entrepreneurship, and instilling entrepreneurship

R
2017. as part of public culture among citizens, especially

Y
More than 35% young people.
Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises SMEs by the
(SME) play an increasing role by contributing to job These efforts led to the growth of Small and Medium

D OP
creation, adding value to the local economy and end of 2018 Enterprises, of which more than thirty-five thousand
contributing to GDP. The importance of this significant enterprises were officially registered in the Public
role has been translated through the issuance of the Authority of Small and Medium Enterprise Development
Supreme Directives, Royal Decrees and relevant by the end of 2018, compared to about three thousand
resolutions since 1970, which envisages the development of the public- registered institutions only in 2014. The Omani Government seeks to
private partnership to develop these institutions. enhance the contributions of these institutions by supporting four phases of
services adequate with their life cycle, as follows:

C
In 2013, a Royal Decree was issued to establish the Public Authority of

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 93

 SDG8: Decent
Work and
Economic Growth

T
Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG8

F
• Services related to instilling a culture of entrepreneurship, such as legislative provisions have been issued to regulate collective bargaining
awareness, education, training and pre-incubation programs and with a view to resolving collective labor disputes, improving working
relevant competitions. terms and conditions, raising productive efficiency, and organizing

A
• Establishment-related services, such as registration and specialized peaceful strikes and shut downs.
training programs and funding. • A regulation on occupational safety and health measures in facilities
• Services related to marketing and promotional programs, business was issued subject to Omani Labor Law in order to ensure a safe,
development and bold investment. healthy and secure work environment.

R
• Services related to expansion, export and • Developing the labor inspection system,

Y
investment. where enough qualified inspectors work to monitor
• To enhance the integration of these services, the the application of labor legislation, detect violations and
Sultanate offers eight types of support to the 11% increase in the take the necessary action.

D OP
SME system:
• Incubation and acceleration programs and joint
National Workforce Index
workspaces. (among the people with The Sultanate is making great and serious efforts
• Funding programs. disabilities) in Private in combating the crime of human trafficking in all
• Programs supporting the dissemination of its forms by joining agreements, ratifying protocols,
entrepreneurial culture. Sector facilities in 2018. issuing effective national legislations, and establishing
• In-Country Value development programs and procedures and methods to implement these laws.

C
SMEs supported by large companies. Among the most important conventions ratified by
• Innovation and R&D programs. the Sultanate in this context are: Convention No.
• Talent development and skill development programs. (105) of 1957 on the Abolition of Forced Labor; ILO Convention No.
• Awards programs and Entrepreneurship events. (29) On Forced or Compulsory Labor; International Convention on the
• Empowering programs related to legislation and decisions to enhance Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (2002). In compliance
the contribution of SMEs to job creation and the national economy. with these agreements, the Sultanate issued in 2008 the Anti-Human
Trafficking Act and established the National Committee to Combat
Human Trafficking.
In addition, the Sultanate attached great importance to the establishment
of a legislative system that guarantees the rights of workers irrespective In order to increase the protection of children and to ensure that they are
of their gender and nationality, in accordance with International Labor not subjected to abuse and exploitation, the Sultanate’s government has
Standards. The Omani Labor Law and its executive decrees stipulate the adhered to a number of conventions and passed several laws, including
most basic rights of workers without regard to their nationality, and most the Convention on Children’s Rights in 1996, Convention No. (182) and the
importantly: Recommendation No. (190) on the prohibition of the worst forms of Child
Labor.
Encouraging workers to form trade unions aimed at protecting their
interests, defending their rights, improving their financial and social status, The Sultanate also ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights
and representing them in all matters related to their affairs. The number of of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which affirms the need for all persons
trade unions until the end of 2018 reached (261) trade unions and (5) trade with disabilities (PWD) of all kinds to enjoy all human rights and fundamental
syndicates, and the General Union of Workers of the Sultanate. freedoms, and to have access to employment opportunities in the various
sectors of employment that are suitable for them. The number of disabled
• Enhancing the dialogue between workers and employers. Accordingly, persons registered with a disability is 34,365 of which 22,432 (71.5%) are

94 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 F T
males, and 11,933 (28.5%) are females according to 2018 data.

In the public sector, the Civil Service Council approved in 2009 that the
to the prosperity of the local economy, as well as their contribution to job
creation.

A
percentage of persons with disabilities should not be less than (1%) of the The Sultanate has paid great attention to building a real partnership
declared vacancies. The order shall be re-evaluated within a period of (3) between the public and private sectors (PPP) to integrate efforts
years, after which the percentage shall be increased to (2%). Any person and create a healthy environment for decision-making. Among the
with a disability may apply for any advertised job, and whoever is appointed constructive efforts to serve this partnership are the following:

R
in accordance with the provisions of the law shall enjoy the privileges and

Y
rights granted to other citizens. The data indicates that the National Labor • Social Dialogue Committees: Includes representatives of the three
Force Index (PWD) increased by the end of 2018 at a growth rate of (11%) parties of production (Government, Employers and Workers) with
since 2015. In 2008, it reached 1,697 male and female workers. a view to considering and studying proposals that will contribute to

D OP
regulating the labor market and strengthening labor relations between
The Sultanate has also adopted several training systems for the rehabilitation the parties of production. As well as the study of developments in labor
and operation of the national workforce, which aims to rehabilitate and train standards to benefit from the promotion of social dialogue to serve the
job seekers who are not qualified in advance for the purpose of getting them labor relations between the parties of production.
to work in the private sector.
• Sectorial Committees: Headed by the private sector, the membership
In the promising Omani tourism sector, the Sultanate has embarked on of governmental and private bodies concerned with tackling

C
activating the Oman 2040 Tourism Strategy, which aims at increasing developments and identifying the needs of each sector according to
the contribution of tourism to GDP from 6% to 10% by 2040. The themes its specificity, and creating a sustainable organization representing
include: social and environmental responsibility, launching an exceptional each sector through the establishment of specialized associations
tourism experience, attracting more high-spending tourists, developing concerned with organizing the sector internally and studying its needs
human capital, developing competitiveness systems, and governance and and expected growth opportunities.
systems management.
• Education Council Membership: Effective partnership with other
Oman also places great importance on building and developing “financial governmental or private entities, local and international, to plan
institutions that are empowering and supportive to obtain the best banking economic growth of the education sector, meet its current and future
services”, ensuring financial inclusion and enabling low-income people needs, and ensure interaction in the development of education and
to benefit from high quality financial services at acceptable costs, and training policies through partnership in the Council of Education to
protecting the rights of the consumers of these services, encouraging them develop the general framework for school education strategies and
to manage their funds and savings properly, in order to avoid resorting higher education in various academic, technical and professional
to some channels and informal means that are not subject to the control styles.
and supervision and often rely on unstudied prices. There is no doubt that
financial services play an important role in promoting development by • Partnership in the Boards of Trustees for Colleges and Universities:
facilitating and stimulating investment in various economic sectors and The private sector institutions represent 50%, with an equal share with
business activities. Therefore, the expansion of the beneficiaries of financial the government sector. This partnership aims to guide the policies and
and banking services will contribute to the financial empowerment of programs of these institutions to meet the needs of the private sector
society as a whole by enhancing the financial independence of individuals and to provide qualified outputs that meet the requirements of the
and encouraging savings, in addition to supporting the banking sector and labor market. This was one of the main initiatives of the outputs of the
institutions providing financial services and enhancing their contribution economic diversification program (Tanfeedh).

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 95

 SDG8: Decent
Work and
Economic Growth

T
Challenges and Future Plans to Achieve the 2030 Agenda

F
Challenges:

A
One of the main challenges facing the national economy is the reliance on oil, whether in revenues or
exports, which has always made it vulnerable to external shocks resulting from fluctuating oil prices in
the global market. This requires reconsidering and modifying previous economic diversification policies and

R
shifting the focus from traditional sectors (Construction and Services) to investing in promising

Y
economic sectors, and efforts to rehabilitate the national workforce which continue to face many
challenges, including:

D OP
• Incompatibility between the outputs of higher education institutions in the Sultanate and the
actual needs of the labor market.
• The preference of job seekers to work in the public sector, rather than the private.

C
Future Plans:

The Omani economy aims to build a solid base based on knowledge-based diversification and is based on strengthening the forward and backward
linkages between economic sectors in order to expand the productive and export base, diversify trading partners, deepen investment in high
value-added sectors, and enhancing the contribution of non-oil sectors to GDP. In accordance with the vision of Oman 2040, which aims to:

• Create a diverse, integrated, forward-looking, innovative and entrepreneurial competitive economy, with the contribution of oil sectors falling
from 39% of GDP in 2017 to 7% at the end of the Vision in 2040.
• Ensure exports and imports of various commodities covering large geographical areas, which increase the ability to utilize Oman’s international
position and geographical location.
• Provide dynamic economic leadership with innovative competencies operating within an integrated institutional framework.
• Provide a regulatory and legislative environment characterized by innovation, flexibility, keeping abreast of developments and ensuring equal
opportunities.
• Increase the Gross Domestic Product to 6% on average during the period of the Vision, so as to improve citizens’ living standards.
• Provide decent work opportunities for all by qualifying the Omani workforce to work in the private sector. The share of the Omani labor force in
the total number of jobs created in the private sector will increase to 42% in 2040, in comparison to 11.6% in 2016.
• Achieve a sustainable use and investment of resources and natural resources to ensure high added value.

96 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 T
Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG8

F
1-National Program for the Promotion of Economic

A
Diversification “ Tanfeedh”:

R
It is an executive program that stems from the 9th of government and private sectors concerned with

Y
Five-Year Development Plan 2016-2020, which aims economic diversification, as well as institutions,
at contributing to the realization of the Sultanate’s academic bodies, civil society organizations and youth.
Vision towards economic diversification, by identifying

D OP
the challenges and difficulties faced by government, The “Tanfeedh” program aims at contributing to the
private and civil authorities in achieving the objectives advancement of economic growth through economic
of the 9th Five-Year Development Plan. diversification, enhancing the growth of non-oil sectors
in GDP and increasing the chances of employment of the
“Tanfeedh” mechanisms include defining responsibilities, national workforce. This intersects with the SDG8.
resources and timetables for implementation, developing
clear criteria and indicators for measuring performance, The program was implemented through holding “labs”

C
producing periodic reports on the implementation of over several stages, all of which were implemented in
initiatives and projects, while ensuring that all segments Muscat Governorate. However, the outputs of these
of society are aware of the various steps of the program. workshops, which included a range of initiatives and
development projects, will cover all the administrative
The program adopts a systematic work plan that collects governorates of the Sultanate through the regional
and analyzes data and information, categorizes the distribution of these initiatives and projects. Citizens
challenges and constraints of sector growth, develops and residents will benefit from the results of the
solutions to address them, identifies who is responsible implementation of these projects.
for implementation and project management, and
monitors and evaluates key performance indicators. The principle of community engagement has also enabled
the participation of all sectors of society from various
The first phase of the program encompassed three governmental bodies, the private sector, civil society
sectors of economic diversification included in the 9th organizations and academic institutions from different
Five-Year Development Plan (Tourism, Transformative governorates of the Sultanate, as well as local and
Industries and Logistics), as well as two empowering international experts in the 6-day extended discussions;
support sectors (Labor Market and Employment, Finance an open exhibition of the national community was held,
and Innovative Finance). This phase included the holding in which the outputs and results of the “labs” were
of intensive labs (workshops), with the participation presented.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 97

 SDG8: Decent
Work and
Economic Growth

T
Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG8

F
2-National Youth Commission:

A
Young people in the (18-29) age group represent 46% of the these efforts and initiatives for the comprehensive development
total population, and despite the efforts made by young people of Omani youth, that would ensure the achievement of effective

R
of both genders to contribute to the process of comprehensive results that create constructive transformations in personalities,

Y
economic and social development from the premise that abilities and values ​​and ensure access to Omani youth of both
young people are the nation's pillar and promising future, the genders, covering all the Sultanate’s governorates.
efforts were not sufficiently pronounced, they were not unified

D OP
and were not official. Also, they did not focus on the primary The Commission contrib u ted to the development of strategic
and secondary issues of Omani youth, which are intended to programs, including pr o grams and activities based on the
be delivered to government agencies. philosophy of sustaina b ility by providing youth with skills and
expertise and mobilizi n g youth awareness to contribute to
The establishment of the National Youth Commission under building their capacit i es and communities, as reflected at the
Royal Decree No. (17/2011) to create an entity that embraces national level.

C
Examples of Sustainable Projects of the National Committee for Youth:

Name of Project Sustainability Mechanism

Training of Youth Initiatives Qualifying a national team to train the youth initiatives and build a pilot guide for initiatives, establishing initiatives and preparing
(Capacity Building) them for more sustainable community activities.

Giving job seekers experiences that prepare them for the job market later, and push institutions to employ them through the
Training Job Seekers
marketing of their expertise and skills.

Youth and Healthy Life To create a base of peer education teams to raise awareness on health issues.

The production of scientific studies in the youth sector, which is one of the basic references of Omani youth studies, and the
The Young Researcher (‘Istiktab’)
formation of a base of young researchers.

Industry Readers / Support for Supporting young people in writing, publishing their works in bookstores in the Sultanate, establishing and supporting libraries,
Youth Publications (Young Author) rehabilitating library workers, and starting book clubs in universities and colleges.

Documentation of Oral History

To create a base of young researchers in oral history and intangible cultural heritage.
(‘Yash’hadoon’ i.e. They Witness)

98 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 F T
3-Decent Work Country Program

A
To achieve the aspirations of citizens and residents to obtain (ILO) in 2011 to implement the Decent Work Country Program,

R
jobs, fair wages, and enjoy all rights and privileges, freedom and was renewed respectively in 2014 and 2017 for two years.

Y
of expression, family stability, personal development, social The program has three priorities: to promote the integration of
justice, gender equality, and the commitment of the Sultanate national forces into the economy, to ensure the effectiveness of
to international labor standards and the ILO Declaration on social dialogue in accordance with international labor standards,

D OP
Social Justice for a Fair Globalization 2008. and to uphold social protection.

The Sultanate, represented by the three production parties The number of beneficiaries of the Decent Work Program
(Ministry of Manpower, Oman Chamber of Commerce and of all social groups reached 930 participants, through the
Industry, Oman Workers Trade Unions) signed the memorandum implementation of 27 programs in the period between 2011 and
of understanding with the International Labor Organization 2018. Two studies were carried out in the same area.

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Objectives of the Decent Work Program

1 2 3 4 5 6

Employment Education Leadership Management Dialogue Insurance

Promote Strengthening the Promote the culture Strengthening labor Encourage social The expansion of
effective capacities of the of leadership administration by dialogue among social insurance
employment technical education by creating an applying the labor social partners to coverage and
policies to sector, vocational environment that law according to contribute to the commitment to
support training and encourages business international labor development of the application
productive work employment services and by providing standards. social and economic of international
in the private to improve the small enterprises policies. standards of health
sector. employment quality support services to and occupational
of Omanis, including young people. safety.
those with disabilities.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 99

 Sustainable Development Goals

09 F T
R A Y
D OP
C Industry,
Innovation
and
Infrastructure

100 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

T
SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

F
• Establishing an integrated national innovation system in which national policies

A
are interlinked with other components of the system, from infrastructure, The added value of the
research and development, technology transfer, manufacturing, production, transformative industry as
a percentage of GDP at fixed

R
to digital and information readiness. prices in 2016 and 2017:

Y
• The availability of a strong global quality and trust infrastructure that has
9.2 9.3
achieved a high level of regional and international competitiveness in the

D OP
field of land, sea and air transportation, logistics, communications, the
introduction of modern technology, and the development of scientific research
and innovation in transportation and logistics.
• Transformative Industries is one of the most promising sectors in the
2016 2017
Sultanate. It has been included in the implementation program of Oman's

C
integrated economy, which aims at diversifying sources of income. This
sector has the potential to develop the national economy.

The Sultanate in the field of cyber security readiness

1 st

in the Arab
4
in the
th

world world

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 101

 SDG9: Industry,
Innovation and
Infrastructure

T
Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG9

F
The Sultanate has translated the SDG9 through the establishment Initiative, and the National Center for Information Safety. As a result of these
of an integrated national innovation system in which national policies efforts, the Sultanate has been able to win many regional and international
are interlinked with other components of infrastructure, research and awards in the field of e-government specifically, and in various fields of ICT

A
development, technology transfer, manufacturing, production, and in general.
digital and cyber readiness. The Sultanate has taken strong steps in
this regard. It has established a strong infrastructure of global quality The road network in the Sultanate has witnessed continuous growth
and confidence which has in turn achieved a high through the implementation of its main and secondary

R
level of regional and international competitiveness roads and its efficiency through double roads and the

Y
in the field of land, sea and air transport, logistics, construction of overpasses; Traffic Safety is of great
communications, the introduction of modern importance during road design and implementation.
technology and the development of scientific Rural areas are also linked to urban centers by

D OP
research and innovation in transport and logistics. Oman, a regional expanding the network of dirt roads and paved roads,
In terms of mass manufacturing, the manufacturing which achieves the social objectives of these roads i.e.
sector is one of the most promising sectors in the
logistics hub connecting villages with towns and cities. The ports of
Sultanate. The sector is part of Oman's integrated Oman (Sohar, Duqm and Salalah) registered a clear
economy program, which aims to diversify sources growth in the volume of general cargo and the number
of income. This sector has potential for the of handling containers. These ports were equipped with
development of the national economy. the latest technologies in structure and infrastructure,

C
including remote controlled giant cranes that have the ability to handle the
Digital readiness and the telecommunications sector in the Sultanate have largest container ships, all of which will increase the competitiveness of
achieved remarkable achievements at national, regional and international Oman’s ports and attract international shipping traffic.
levels through several initiatives, such as the Government Cloud, the Unified
Government Network, the National Data Center, the National Center for The Sultanate is also very proud of the inauguration of Muscat International
Electronic Certification, the SAS Virtual Reality Center, the SAS Business Airport in November 2018, which is a quality addition to the civil aviation
Center, the SAS Smart Phone Application Development Center, the National sector. It is considered one of the most advanced airports in the world. It will
Initiative for Free and Open Source Software, the National Computer accommodate 20 million passengers at the opening, bringing this figure to

102 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

56 million passengers in the later stages; In addition to Salalah International of the economy, and contribute to the building of social well-being and
Airport which is considered the second largest airport in the Sultanate, prosperity across the various lifestyles of today and future generations.
followed by Duqm Airport, which contributes to the promotion of the free This system is an active network of programs and initiatives supported
economic zone of Duqm by facilitating the movement of investors. by a solid framework of facilities and infrastructure designed to the
highest and most modern standards, as well as a coherent package
As for the logistics sector, through the ASYAD holding group, the Sultanate of academic, social and industrial Public and Private Partnerships. In
was able to become a regional logistics hub. The Oman Logistics Center addition to efforts to support the national strategy for scientific research,

T
has been able to make a qualitative leap in completion of applications capacity-building and creating an attractive environment to open wider
systems that govern the inspection and financing of the trans-border horizons of knowledge, the Sultanate has employed technology to
shipping market, ports, airports and the entire supply chain, analysis, achieve sustainable development and has implemented many projects,

F
identification and monitoring of investment opportunities by sector initiatives, plans, and legislation.
or where the logistics sector in the Sultanate can attract them, use
of the best technologies as a competitive tool, and enhance transport 1-Oman Digital Strategy:
technology and logistics. In addition to working to provide the national

A
cadres and build the capacities required by the logistics sector by stages This strategy is one of the most important steps to transform the Sultanate
of growth, which in turn led to the selection of the Sultanate to host the of Oman into a sustainable knowledge society by activating ICTs to enhance
IRU (International Road Transport Union) World Congress 2018. e-government services, enrich the business sector, and empower individuals
to digitize. The strategy focused on six main axes that

R
The National Industrial Strategy 2040 (Industry for are integrated to implement Oman’s Digital Vision

Y
Community Welfare) is consistent with the Oman through a set of key objectives including initiatives
2040 Vision, which focuses on the skills of the and projects to support the country’s drive towards a
Fourth Industrial Revolution and its inclusion in knowledge-based economy.

D OP
various industrial sectors in the Sultanate, including The One-Stop System
automation to achieve economic diversification. As part of the implementation of the Digital Oman
“Invest Easy”
The National Industrial Strategy is integrated with Strategy, several projects and initiatives have been
the integrated infrastructure to take advantage of implemented, including:
the logistics potential in attracting foreign direct
investment in promising economic sectors, in addition • Community Development and
to empowering small and medium enterprises and Empowerment: Through the implementation of

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encouraging entrepreneurship among Omani youth. several basic and specialized training programs, in addition to the
computer distribution initiative, with an Internet modem.
The Sultanate has implemented the one-stop system, “Invest Easy”,
as well as the “Bayan” (Customs Single Window) system, which links all • The infrastructure of the new generation: through the provision
concerned parties with customs procedures, all to encourage local, regional of infrastructure in information technology to help government and
and international investments. The Sultanate also reviewed the foreign private institutions to provide high quality services in line with global
direct investment law, provisions of credits, loans and tax incentives to development, through a number of projects and achievements,
encourage investments within the Sultanate.

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has established an inspiring vision to
build an integrated national system of scientific research and innovation to
support development and progress and to ensure the continued welfare and
prosperity of the Omani people for present and future generations in Oman
through the Scientific Research Council established in 2005.

Since its inception in 2005, the Scientific Research Council has

contributed to building and developing an integrated system of
innovation that responds to local requirements and international trends,
promotes harmony and social peace, leads to greater innovation and
excellence, and enhances the Sultanate’s ability to innovate and create
new products, processes and services that support the development

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 103

 SDG9: Industry,
Innovation and
Infrastructure

T
Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG9

F
including; the establishment of e-payment gateway, the national Information Security and Cyber Security: through the establishment
data center, the Oman Governmental Network, the Innovation and of the National Center for Cyber Security (CERT), which contributed to
Support Center, the provision of electronic certification, the electronic securing more than 400 government networks, addressing more than
submission of tenders (e-Tendering), and everything related to 800 million cyber-attacks on government networks, the discovery of

A
confidence-building and information security. more than 2 million viruses and malicious software, more than 32
thousand spywares, and address more than 730 million cyber-attacks
• E-government and smart services: through the implementation of online.
the digital transformation plan, which included

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provision of specialized consultancy in the field of • The National Digital Certification Center

Y
documentation and development of services, re- was established in 2013 with the aim of providing
engineering processes and simplified procedures. confidence in e-transactions, providing unified
The Sultanate is ranked as access to all e-government services and providing an

D OP
• Development of ICT industry: The following one of the top ten countries electronic signature service. It achieved the following
projects and initiatives were implemented: until February 2019: Issuing more than 15.7 million
in the world and the first in
electronic certificates on ID cards, issuing 110,822
1. SAS Business Center: It aims at incubating the Middle East and North certificates for mobile electronic services, 14.2 million
emerging Omani institutions in the IT sector. Since Africa region of the G3ict’s electronic transactions using electronic authentication
its establishment, SAS has supported 58 companies Digital Accessibility on ID cards, 1.7 million electronic transactions using
and provided 350 jobs to Omanis. electronic certification in mobile phones, and 65
Rights Evaluation Index

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2. SAS Center for Virtual Reality,launched in 2014, electronic systems for various electronic authentication
is a regional center that provides infrastructure (DARE Index), a global services in 36 governmental and private institutions. In
for the development of virtual reality projects and ICT initiative aimed at addition, 4 licenses were issued to the authorities for
multimedia content for the local and regional market, measuring the digital registering electronic certificates.
as well as its role in the rehabilitation of Omani youth
accessibility of people
in the field of entrepreneurship. Its achievements • The e-payment gateway: This was launched
include: providing 758 training opportunities, and the with disabilities. in 2008 to enable public and private sector institutions
implementation of 10 projects specializing in Virtual to collect fees and payments electronically and to
Reality. help citizens to make payments easily and safely,
3. The SAS Center for Mobile Applications Development, which was benefiting from the electronic payment service through this portal are
inaugurated in 2016, and contributed to the provision of more than 900 104 institutions, during which have completed more than 450 million
training opportunities for Omanis, and the development of more than 210 application.
applications for smart phones.
4. The National Initiative for Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), 2-National Broadband Strategy:
launched in March 2010, helped train 2,700 trainees, in collaboration with
6 educational institutions, organized more than 100 workshops and 3 The Cabinet approved this strategy recently to provide high-speed Internet
specialized FOSS conferences for educational subjects. access; it is an ambitious yet balanced strategy. The Sultanate has been
able to keep abreast of global developments in the provision and use of
• Governance and the development of standards and policies: through broadband on the one hand and support market forces and investments by
the development and standardization of standards and technical broadband operators and not replace them on the other.
infrastructure and unification in government institutions. In addition
to issuing the necessary laws to support a knowledgeable society.

104 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 F T
A
4 th
20

R
Worldwide

Y
Awards

As a result of these

D OP
Ranked first in the efforts, the Sultanate The Sultanate has
Arab world, and 4th has been able to win many received approximately
internationally in cyber regional and international 20 awards from the
security readiness. awards, which have eGovernment Awards for
contributed to the upgrading the GCC countries.
of its classification in this
area as follows:

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52nd 19
Worldwide Awards

Ranked 52nd internationally The Sultanate has received

in the United Nations around 19 prestigious
eGovernment report for 2018 international awards,
and 2nd in the Arab world Launching including: 11 United Nations
index of electronic services. Public Service Awards and
8 World Summit on the
Information Society Awards.

Launching of the Regional Center for

Electronic Security of the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) and
(Impact) Association in the National
Center for Cyber security.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 105

 SDG9: Industry,
Innovation and
Infrastructure

T
Challenges and Future Plans to Achieve the 2030 Agenda

F
Challenges:

A
The most important challenges facing the Sultanate in its pursuit of the SDG9 in the effects of the
Fourth Industrial Revolution are the rapid changes in the employment system and the structure

R Y
of the labor market. The geographical environment of Oman is vast and the terrain
poses a challenge for the easy access of digital services. Research and Development

D OP
(R&D) expenditure in the Sultanate is still modest, representing only 0.24% of the GDP,
and the research capacity is modest as well. The total number of full-time researchers
is 1,131 researchers in 2017.

C
Future Plans:

In response to previous challenges, the Sultanate’s government adopted an ambitious national vision
(i.e. Oman 2040), which was built in accordance with a broad societal consensus, accompanied by a
coherent national system of innovation, a solid and integrated infrastructure, political and security
stability to attract foreign direct investments (FDIs), and internationally reliable to save the huge data
that passes through the territory of the Sultanate.
The Government is also working on establishing a research and development fund in partnership
between the government and the private sector to invest in R&D and short- and long-term innovation.
The Scientific Research Council launched the National Prize for Scientific Research to enhance research
and build capacity.

106 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 T
Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG9

F
1-Oman Technology Fund

A
The fund aims to place Oman on the map of economy knowledge With Oman Technology Fund and its programs, the Sultanate has

R
pioneers in the Middle East by investing in emerging technology jumped to the 10th place in the ArabNet index report, the region’s

Y
institutions in the Sultanate and the region. The nature of the leading technology investment index, among 14 Arab countries
work of the Oman Technology Fund focuses on the identification in 2016-2017, reaching unprecedented growth by 1,400%.
of pioneering ideas in the technical and technological sector and

D OP
entrepreneurs who have ideas or projects with high potential for The report attributed this leap to investments in emerging
growth in this sector, and in line with the requirements of the technology companies in Oman and the Middle East. The Fund
Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Fund has three investment invested in 15 companies and technical projects in 2017.
programs. Investment in the early stage of ideas under the name
of “Takween IT”, the acceleration phase “Wadi Accelerator”, and For 2018, the total number of companies invested through the
the growth phase called “Jusoor”. The fund aims to become a three funds was 53 companies (31 companies belonging to the
center of technological innovation in the region and make Oman “Takween” program, 17 from the “Wadi Accelerator” program and

C
the preferred destination for local entrepreneurs and international 5 from the “Jusoor” program).
organizations.

2-nstitute of Advanced Technology Integration

It is one of the programs and initiatives of the Research Council the various lifestyles of today and future generations. The
in the Sultanate to build and develop an integrated system of Institute of Advanced Technology Integration was established
innovation that responds to local requirements and global trends, as a platform to deepen cooperation and partnership in the
promotes harmony and social peace, leads to greater innovation areas of sustainable research and development at various levels
and excellence and enhances the Sultanate’s ability to innovate through the implementation of three research projects, several
and create new products, processes and services that support operational experiments of the self-driving water probes in
the development of the local economy, economic diversity and cooperation with the German Helmholtz Centre for Ocean
contribute to building social well-being and prosperity across Research.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 107

 SDG9: Industry,
Innovation and
Infrastructure

T
Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG9

F
3-Ejad e-platform

A
The Sultanate launched the “Ejad” project as a “National to the academic sectors, researchers and innovators - to achieve
Platform” which seeks to integrate the three sectors of society economic diversification and the desired transformation towards

R
(Government, Industry and Academia) in the fields of research a knowledge-based economy.

Y
and development, innovation and knowledge and technology
outputs, with the aim of achieving economic diversification In order to exploit the capacities and experience gained in the
and the desired transformation towards a knowledge-based energy sector, it was decided to choose the energy sector as

D OP
economy with the Oman 2040 Vision. the starting point for this activity and build on it to reach out to
the other sectors of national importance. The most prominent
The “Ejad” platform aims to be the link between cooperation in feature of the “Ejad” is the cooperative leadership of the project
R&D, innovation, knowledge and technology outcomes, and by a joint team that includes the private sector. The project is
even more, to lead change to achieve real partnership between witnessing a positive interaction from various stakeholders to
the relevant sectors of government, private sector institutions make it one of the pillars that can be relied upon to achieve the
operating in diverse industrial and economic sectors, in addition plans and sustainable development goals of the Sultanate.

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4-Innovation Park Muscat
The Scientific Research Council has established the form in line with local and global market needs. In addition, the
Innovation Park Muscat to provide an ideal environment for Innovation Park provides a range of land for the establishment
researchers, scientists, startups, small and medium-sized of R&D centers and training for local and international invested
enterprises and multinational companies, and to support companies. The Park recently signed a contract with “instOG”
Oman’s economic and knowledge efforts in areas including (a partnership between Schlumberger and Takatuf Oman) to
energy, health services, water, environment, food products establish a training and capacity building institute over 12,000
and biotechnology. square meters, with a long-term contract of up to 25 years,
renewable for a new or similar period. A contract was signed
The Modeling Center of the Innovation Park helps to use the for the establishment of a research and development center in
fruits of science and knowledge in the production of preliminary the field of heavy oil extraction, with Enhanced Oil Recovery LLC,
models of research and innovation ideas. These workshops covering an area of ​​3,000 square meters and using the latest
form an integral part of the scientific regions for their role in the technologies and advanced devices, in order to meet the needs of
development and promotion of ideas until they reach their final the oil and gas sectors.

108 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 5  -  OLiban Company:

F T
A
In 2013, the Oliban story knowledge and support for Omani entrepreneurs. The company was
began with the vision of established in partnership with the founders, which contributed to the

R
two Omani doctors and acceleration of the development of about 21 products.

Y
their mission to find a
national project based on The company faces a number of challenges including:
the exploitation of natural

D OP
resources in the Sultanate • Research & Development Funding: the company is considered to
and to maximize the added value of these resources by localizing be the first Omani company based on knowledge and research.
production processes and producing a high-quality product with The scientific research policies have not been clear on how to
an Omani identity, yet with an international flair. The brand Oliban, promote this company since its establishment, thus losing its
the ancient name of previous civilizations, was chosen to employ competitive advantage and bearing the burden of commercial
frankincense for various health and cosmetic purposes. loans from the start.

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We show a model of perseverance and earnestness for innovation • The absence of sustainable and non-traditional financing forced
based on national heritage, where the link between originality and the founders to relinquish the majority stake in the company
modernity through scientific thinking resulting in research and and lost the advantage in guiding the company in accordance
exploration on the production of Omani frankincense from the with the vision and mission that was set to improve the industry
frankincense tree, which has historically acquired great importance, based on natural raw materials and maximize the added value of
equaling gold and silver, even to this day. This tree, widespread in industries based on local natural raw materials.
Dhofar governorate, went from being just a beautiful tree producing
aromatic frankincense, to having much higher abilities and benefits
that make this product into a precious pharmaceutical and medical
artifact, as proven by many studies in multiple research centers in the
Sultanate and abroad. Thus, the company was able to benefit from the
results of this research regarding the health effects of frankincense
and was able to manufacture today's national luxury products. This
achievement was made possible by the contribution of the Al-Raffd
fund.

In 2016, a national institution established a partnership with the

founders of the company after believing in their abilities to diversify
the national economy and the economy based on innovation,

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 109

 Sustainable Development Goals

10 F T
R A Y
D OP
C Reducing
Inequalities

110 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

T
SDG10: Reducing Inequality Within and Between Countries

F
• Article 17 of the Statute of the State (Constitution) specifies that

A
“all citizens are equal in public rights and duties, and shall not be Share of Labor in
discriminated against by reason of race, origin, color, language, religion, the Gross Product,
including wages and

R
creed, domicile or social status”. social protection

Y
payments between
• The government is working to provide basic services for all and 2014 and 2017.
promote equality and non-discrimination, and to provide free health

D OP
and education services to all citizens at the level of the governorates 39.9
and provinces of the Sultanate. 37.4

• The Sultanate has linked SDG10 to the Strategic Directions of the Oman
2040 Vision, where the Strategic Direction of “A Decent and Sustainable

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Life for All” under the national priority “Well-Being and Social Protection”
emphasized that social justice is a precursor to having cohesive, strong 2014 2017
and peaceful societies. It is attained by providing decent livelihood,
sustaining the quality of social welfare services such as health and
education, and the provision of social safety nets to ensure a viable
living for present and future generations. 

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 111

 SDG10:
Reducing
Inequalities

T
Oman on the way to achieve the Goal’s Targets

F
Since the beginning of the blessed Renaissance in 1970, the Sultanate Children First
has endeavored to bring about developmental, economic and social
changes in order to improve the status and standard of living of the As a result of the Sultanate's keenness to involve Omani children in

A
people in Oman. The political will, and those involved in the process of building and defining their future for sustainable development and thus
economic and social development, have been complemented by efforts living in a sustainable world, the Children's Association, in collaboration
to promote the social integration of all segments of society. with UNICEF, works to achieve the children's aspirations to contribute to
the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This

R
Therefore, the Sultanate’s efforts have been

Y
directed towards the adoption of economic, health,
educational, social, cultural and other policies,
measures, and services to achieve social justice,

D OP
equality among the different sectors of society and The Statute of the State
respect for the rights of individuals regardless of recognizes that “all citizens
age, gender, race or creed. are equal and equal in
public rights and duties, and
With the transition to a developmental and rights
approach, the Sultanate adopted the Statute of the shall not be discriminated
State (Constitution) in 1996, which stipulates in against by reason of race,

C
article 17 that “all citizens are equal in public rights color, language, religion,
and duties, and not discriminated against by reason
sect, origin or social status”.
of race, color, language, religion, sect, origin or
social status”.

The Sultanate also acceded to the Convention on the

Rights of the Child in 1996 and ratified the Convention on the Elimination
of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 2005 and
the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008.

National legislations, laws, regulations, strategies and programs have

been harmonized in line with the spirit of international conventions
that the Sultanate has signed and ratified, such as the Children's Act
of 2013 and the Disabled Persons Welfare and Rehabilitation Act of
2008. The categories of women, children, the elderly, persons with
limited income and persons with disabilities received equal rights with
the rest of society and, possibly, positive discrimination, to achieve
equity by taking account of the case data when targeting. The adoption
of this approach has helped to achieve the social integration in the
development process.

112 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 F T
was done through taking into consideration the visions, ambitions and protection programs against abuse, as well as trafficking and violence
dreams of children, which focused on: linking children to decision makers, against women and children, etc.
integrating SDGs into school curricula, enhancing the contribution of CSIs
and CSOs in raising awareness of the objectives of the SDG 2030 among Social protection programs seek to achieve the principles of inclusion,

A
children, and to strengthen the partnership between the companies and equity, empowerment and protection in the society, which include
the private sector through community responsibility to support the role of various categories such as widows, orphans, divorcees, abandoned
children’s initiatives relative to SDG 2030. families, families of prisoners and the elderly (including persons with
disabilities).

R
Thus, the Sultanate is committed to ensuring that all sectors of society

Y
enjoy equality by empowering and promoting social and economic Safety nets provide monthly pensions under the Social Security Act,
integration, and by making equality a principle for the establishment along with a wide range of assistance under the Social Assistance
of social peace, as well as the promotion and dissemination of the Regulations, and Social Housing Programs that include housing

D OP
values of peace. This is an essential goal of the Sultanate not only at construction, housing assistance and loans, and special support
the local level, but also at regional and international levels. programs, such as fuel cards or “fuel subsidies”.

The Government has also worked, through its development plans, to The Sultanate Provides Equality between Citizens and Expatriates
promote equality and non-discrimination and to provide basic health
and education services free of charge to all citizens, and for token The laws and regulations of the Sultanate do not discriminate between
charge for residents at the level of various governorates and provinces citizens and expatriates, whereas everyone has access to basic public

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of the Sultanate. Efforts in the first three decades of the Renaissance services, the right to education and access to health services, and the
(1970-2000) focused on the provision of basic infrastructure, with the right to educate their children in their own language.
education sector receiving the highest priority, since it is considered the
basis of community development and its very engine. The establishment The regulation on the conditions and procedures for the establishment
of schools and technical institutes in different governorates, together of nursery schools regulates the right of communities in the Sultanate
with the promotion of literacy programs, helped rehabilitate many to establish nurseries to serve the children of Arab and foreign
national cadres that contributed to the building of society. communities. This is the case with kindergartens and elementary and
secondary education. The law and administrative procedures guarantee
The umbrella of social protection undoubtedly plays a key role in the right of the expatriate to practice his religious rites and to build
achieving social integration. The combination of economic growth and places of worship. The Civil Associations Law issued by the Royal
social integration is largely the responsibility of social sectors, such as Decree (14/2000) guaranteed the right of communities and expatriates
education and health, for social protection to be the link between these to establish their own social and cultural clubs.
sectors and the services they provide.
Technology is considered a major tool of human development. The
The Sultanate also works diligently and continuously to develop the survey “measuring access and use of ICT” implemented in 2019 (for
components of the social protection system, namely public services, individuals of 15 years of age and older) indicates that Internet use is at
education services, health, housing, social security, pension funds 90.9% (91.3% for Omanis and 90.4% for expatriates). This technology is
and social safety net programs; cash and in-kind assistance and available to both women and men, and there are no gender restrictions
empowerment programs; training, support and establishment of on the right to own technology in the Sultanate. Oman has also
small enterprises and government support programs for basic food established the Oman Technology Fund and the SAS Business Center
commodities, support for medicines, public and basic services, for Oman's emerging IT businesses.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 113

 SDG10:
Reducing
Inequalities

T
Challenges and Future Plans to Achieve the 2030 Agenda

F
Challenges:

R A
The main challenges in this area are the poor coordination and lack of real

Y
partnership between government agencies, the private sector and NGOs in

D OP
services related to persons with disabilities. Financial resources are challenged
to meet the growing needs of people with disabilities in the future, in addition to
the inadequacy of qualified human resources in various areas of rehabilitation.

Future Plans:

C
The Omani Government has focused on linking SDG10 with the Strategic Directions of the Oman
2040 Vision. The strategic direction of “A Decent and Sustainable Life for All” under the national
priority “Well-Being and Social Protection” focused on the cohesion and strength of societies and
achieving social peace, (2016-2025), in which the principle of social integration was one of the
fundamental pillars of the strategy.

114 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

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Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG10

A F
1-The Mawrid Program, for Those Under the Social Security Law:

R
In order to enable young men and women to establish and These programs included flexible procedures and conditions

Y
develop small and medium enterprises. that were carefully studied in accordance with IFRS.

Al-Raffd Fund was established in 2013, as the provider of The “Mawrid” project is aimed at encouraging those under

D OP
the first package of financing programs. Four financing the Social Security Law to establish or support their own
programs (Mawrid, Taassees, Riyada and Taaziz) were projects. Through the provision of loans up to OMR 10,000
first developed, taking into account the needs of the without administrative and technical fees, with a grace
target groups of the Fund, i.e. job seekers, graduates period of 12 months and a repayment period of 7 years, after
of academic and vocational institutions, entrepreneurs the grace period.
of the sector, business men and women, those under
the Social Security Law, rural women, artisans and The number of projects financed amounted to 23 projects at

C
professionals. a cost of OMR 165,516.

2-Mobile Unit for Rehabilitation Services for Persons with Disabilities:

The Ministry of Social Development, through the Social of persons with disabilities, the Duqm Refinery Company,
Development Department, surveyed the situation of persons in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development,
with disabilities. The survey showed that there is a large provided and equipped a mobile unit in the Duqm and Mahout
number of cases that require rehabilitation services and do not governorates to provide rehabilitation services for 80 cases of
receive them, as a result of the absence of a public center for persons with disabilities.
the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities in the governorate The location of the unit was chosen to be in the health centers
of Duqm, and given the long distance from the Al-Wafa Center in the governorates of Duqm and Mahout to alleviate the
for the rehabilitation of disabled children in Mahout. financial and psychological burden on families living in places
Based on the principle of community partnership and in support far from rehabilitation centers.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 115

 Sustainable Development Goals

11 F T
R A Y
D OP
C Sustainable
Cities and
Communities

116 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

T
SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

F
• The boom in the housing sector has been one of the most important features of the Sultanate's development over the

A
last four decades. The government has played a key role in providing necessary land for the housing of its citizens.
A significant part of public expenditure has been allocated to the development of facilities throughout the Sultanate

R
aiming to provide the citizens with the necessary funding that would enable them to build their places of residence.

Y
• The National Strategy for Urban Development defines the objectives of urban development as follows: economic growth

D OP
and diversification, cities and livable communities that preserve Omani identity, sustainable use of resources, food
security and water resources, environmental protection and adaptation to climate change impacts, a transportation
system and sustainable infrastructure.

C
First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 117
 SDG11:
Sustainable Cities
and Communities

T
Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG11

F
Despite many planning challenges, well- The law guarantees every citizen the right to
managed cities and other human settlements own a piece of residential land

A
can be incubators of innovation and creativity
and are key drivers of sustainable development. The Sultanate has made many achievements
The long-term development in the provision of housing services. Under
SDG11 calls for ensuring universal access to strategy (Oman Economic the law, every citizen has the right to own a

R
safe and affordable basic housing and services, residential plot of land under specific conditions.

Y
Vision 2020) has resulted
slum upgrading and sustainable transport The government also builds housing units for
systems, as well as green and public spaces in the emergence of new low-income residents, and provides housing
for all. economic centers in the assistance and housing loans.

D OP
Sultanate outside Muscat,
As population growth expands at the expense The Sultanate has reached a new stage in housing
i.e. Salalah, Sohar, and
of available land, cities expand beyond services, namely with the project "Integrated
their formal administrative boundaries, and Duqm. They work together Residential Neighborhoods", which supports
unplanned urbanization undermines other to achieve balanced existing housing policies in the Sultanate,
elements of sustainable development. In regional development in such as the search for suitable alternatives to
addition, solid waste management and air provide adequate housing for citizens eligible for
the country, to represent

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pollution are often problematic in densely residential land allocations. Thus, this project is
populated areas. urban centers working to considered a first-of-its-kind, as it is based on
spread development in the PPP, and was assigned to a real estate company
One of the most important features of the surrounding areas. for development according to the best standards.
Sultanate’s development over the past four It will be surrounded by an integrated system
decades has been the prosperous housing of infrastructure services as well as social and
sector as an important sector not only in the services facilities available for citizens.
course of economic development, but also as a
cornerstone of social development. The project aims at promoting the ownership
of homes in the Sultanate by developing quality housing in
Hence, the housing policy came to reflect the importance of integrated neighborhoods at reasonable prices, providing new
this sector. The Sultanate has made every effort to provide the alternatives to reduce the volume of applications of citizens
necessary land for the housing of citizens. A significant part of entitled to residential lands under the Land Law and its annexes,
the public expenditure has been allocated to the development of and stimulating the economy through the involvement of the
public facilities throughout the country and the necessary funding private sector.
to enable citizens to build their homes.

118 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

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Challengesaand
dnegFuture
A 0302Plans
eht eto
veAchieve
ihcA ot sthe
nalP2030
erutuAgenda
F dna segnellahC

F
Challenges:

A
The rapid pace of economic and social development, the increase in population
growth, and the increasing demand for land in Oman have led to many urban

R Y
challenges. These include unregulated urbanization and too little importance to
“locally made” products. Furthermore, the rare use of High Occupancy Vehicles

D OP
led to traffic jams, and increased the need for more road networks.

Future Plans:

C
National Strategy for Urban Development:

This is a key tool for achieving many of the SDGs. It aims mainly to develop a general framework for guiding
the long-term urban development (20 years) in various governorates of the Sultanate, and the preparation of
integrated areas of land use at national and governorate levels to meet the requirements of comprehensive and
sustainable development, and all economic and social sectors, and integrates the strategy with the objectives
of Oman’s Future Vision 2040. According to this strategy, the strategic objectives of urban development have
been defined as follows: Economic growth and diversification, viable cities and communities that preserve
Omani identity, sustainable use of resources, food security and water resources, environmental protection and
adaptation to the impacts of climate change, intelligent transportation and sustainable infrastructure.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 119

 SDG11:
Sustainable Cities
and Communities

T
Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG11

1-Smart City Platform:

A F
The Smart City Platform was established in early 2017 as the first strategic building sector, the executive team of the platform has presented many

R
city initiative for Smart Cities in the Research Council. The project was awareness lectures and workshops at many local and international

Y
initiated in partnership with the Supreme Council for Planning, Muscat events and conferences, most important of which was the participation
Municipality and the Information Technology Authority, with funding in the “Smart Asia” conference and exhibition in the Republic of China
from Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel), Omani Tourism (Taiwan), Smart Cities Summit at the Oman Convention and Exhibition

D OP
Development Company (Omran) and Nama Group. The platform's work Center and COMEX 2018.
is focused on three main tasks in smart city solutions. The first task is The platform also launched the “Platform Ambassadors” initiative to
awareness-raising and capacity-building. The second task focuses on create knowledge communities around the Sultanate's governorates
research and innovation in smart city projects. And the third task is to and provinces to spread knowledge and awareness on various aspects
engage stakeholders to provide smart solutions. of the Smart Cities sector and its various solutions, attracting more than
In a short amount of time, the platform was able to achieve many goals 300 ambassadors from various governorates.
and projects and provide scientific and practical advice to governmental In the research and innovation sector, the platform invited researchers

C
and private bodies in the Sultanate. In the awareness and capacity- and innovators to present research and innovation proposals for the

120 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 F T
A
most important challenges of the cities in the Sultanate, and was able In the Stakeholder Engagement Sector, the Executive Platform
to attract more than 150 research proposals divided into two parts, Team provided professional and scientific advice to the Ministry of
namely proposals aimed at coming up with concrete innovations, and Environment, Climate Affairs and Al-Mouj Muscat. Consultations were
others aimed at producing research results all in the area of smart provided to these entities after sitting with the parties and officials in

R
cities and solutions. All these proposals were sorted out and six were the region and trying to link their projects, their work, their challenges

Y
selected, 4 of them in innovation and 2 in theoretical research with a with relevant parties and the desire to provide smart solutions. For
total value of over OMR 30,000. The platform also collaborated with example, integrated proposals have been made in the renewable
private entities to organize and manage Hackathon activities in Muttrah energy sector of Al-Mouj Muscat, which includes residential owners,

D OP
and Sohar which aimed to invite various innovators, programmers and Omani companies operating in this sector, and other companies that
those interested in smart solutions to reflect on the challenges of these employ modern technologies such as the Internet-of-things and the
debtors and to attempt to come up with smart ideas and solutions analysis of large data to reach solutions that serve all parties at the
and implement them in a period not exceeding 3 days. These activities lowest possible cost. Environmental proposals were also presented to
attracted more than 1,500 participants through more than 500 selected the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs after a brainstorming
teams. Only 20 teams at each event were able to offer smart solutions workshop on the “Knowledge Café” methodology and the integration
in sectors such as tourism, heritage, environment, weather, logistics of the outputs of the workshop with the Sohar Hackaton outputs to

C
and transportation. provide easy and effective solutions.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 121

 Sustainable Development Goals

12 F T
R A Y
D OP
C Responsible
Consumption
and
Production

122 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

T
SDG12: Ensure Sustainable Patterns of Consumption and Production

F
• The Sultanate has adopted the goal of achieving a sustainable production pattern through the growing trend towards

A
economic diversification as a strategic course. The 9th Five Year Plan (2016-2020) has incorporated sustainable consumption
and production plans and targets into national policy priorities.

R
• Operational plans and programs to expand the use of renewable energy, introduce efficiency standards in new facilities

Y
and devices, generate energy through alternative sources of energy (clean coal, biofuels) and expand new desalination
plants to increase the amount of desalinated water.

D OP
• The vision of Oman 2040 has given special priority to ensuring sustainable production and consumption patterns through
the sustainable use and investment of natural resources and wealth to ensure high added value, providing infrastructure
and advanced technology that is possible for all sectors and able to absorb new developments, achieving food and water
security based on renewable resources and developing technologies, optimizing the utilization of the strategic location and
biodiversity of the Sultanate, as well as providing an environmental awareness of the effective application of sustainable

C
consumption and production rules.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 123

 SDG12: Responsible
Consumption and
Production

T
Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG12

A F
Sustainable consumption and production patterns relate to
the promotion of resource and energy efficiency, sustainability
of infrastructure, access to basic services, decent and
environmentally friendly jobs and improved quality of life for
recycling oil surpluses to finance infrastructure projects from ports,
airports and major roads that enhance the Sultanate's logistical
status.

R
all. Sustainable production means value-added production with The 9th Development Plan (2016-2020) has clearly incorporated

Y
fewer resources, while sustainable consumption means greater sustainable consumption and production plans and targets
efficiency and less waste of resources. This objective includes into national policy priorities. In this context, the Government is
achieving sustainable management, efficient use of natural promoting the principles of sustainability by reviewing, updating

D OP
resources and reducing waste per capita. and implementing existing plans and programs such as biodiversity,
marine life protection, protection of arable lands and the National
The Diversification of the Economy is a Strategic Direction for Strategy for the Conservation of the Environment in coordination
the Sultanate with relevant stakeholders. It also develops and implements plans
and strategies in other areas that have not been developed, such
As mentioned in more than one article in this report, Oman adopts as the National Strategy for the Management and Improvement
the goal of achieving a sustainable production pattern through the of Protected Areas, the Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy, the

C
increasing trend towards economic diversification as a strategic upgrading of energy efficiency and facilities in industry in particular
direction. This means transforming the Omani economy from a and the implementation of awareness programs focusing on energy
single-based commodity to an economy that relies on different and water efficiency in society in general.
sources. The economic diversification policy of the Sultanate - like
countries dependent on non-renewable resources, such as oil - is The Sultanate has specific operational plans and programs
linked to wide positive changes in the structure of the national to expand the use of renewable energy, introduce efficiency
economy through the development of non-oil activities. To this end, standards in new facilities and devices, and generate energy
the Omani economy is distinguished by its diverse natural resources. through alternative sources of energy.

The diversification policy, in addition to focusing on traditional The Sultanate is also launching various environmental awareness
sources of income, aims to focus on promising sectors in which the campaigns targeting all segments of society and decision-makers,
Sultanate has a clear comparative advantage. The diversification supporting and developing incentives for clean production to
plan seeks to eliminate obstacles that limit the potential of reduce emissions, developing national policies and protocols
promising sectors to diversify sources of growth. In order to achieve for responding to emergencies and crises, with priority given
this strategic objective, the Sultanate's government is working to to projects aimed at reducing the impacts of climatic conditions
optimize the available natural resources and strategic location of and floods, and to develop plans for the implementation of these
the Sultanate near centers of growth in the global economy, while projects by the competent authorities.

124 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Challenges and Future Plans to Achieve the 2030 Agenda

Challenges:

T
The continued dependence of the Omani economy on the oil sector is one of the main challenges to the sustainability
of the pattern of production and economic growth in the Sultanate. Population growth, the multiplicity of waste and
inefficiency in the management of available natural resources and the increasing urbanization are putting pressure on

F
the levels of production and sustainable consumption in Oman, Waste management is another challenge because of
its negative effects on the environment and public health.

A
Future Plans:

R
The Oman 2040 Vision attaches particular importance to ensuring sustainable production and consumption patterns, whereas it emphasized

Y
on the sustainable use and exploitation of natural resources and wealth to ensure high added value, as well as the provision of advanced
infrastructure and technology for all sectors and to be able to absorb new developments, as well as food and water security based on
renewable resources, advanced technologies, optimal utilization of the strategic location and biodiversity of the Sultanate, and the provision

D OP
of environmental awareness for the effective application of sustainable consumption and production rules. The future plans of the Sultanate
included the development of systems for sustainable waste management and the efficient and effective use of natural resources, affordable
availability, community involvement in the application of waste minimization, recycling practices, and the revival of the Omani economy through
improved resource productivity and damage reduction, in addition to protecting the Omani environment for present and future generations.

Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG12

C
Investment in Waste and Recycling it into an Economic Return:
Al-Amerat Landfill is the first sanitary, engineered landfill in desalination plant, which generates about 75 million cubic meters
Oman, which started in early 2011 and extends over an area of potable water from waste annually. Gas is the traditional fuel
of 9.6 ha. It consists of 5 cells with a total capacity of 10 million used to operate a desalination plant in the Sultanate of Oman.
cubic meters of solid waste. Each cell has 16 columns to manage Thus, the production of water resulting from thermal treatment of
the leachate. All columns are connected to each other in order waste helps reduce the Sultanate’s dependence on gas for water
to facilitate the movement of the leachate into the pump. This production.
project is part of the Government’s initiatives to treat solid waste
in a scientific and environmentally friendly manner. Being the Biochemical treatment is intended to treat the remaining waste,
first of its kind, Al-Amerat Lanfill is expected to be an example which includes both mechanical and biological treatment, with
for future solid waste management projects in the country. the aim of reducing the environmental impact of the disposal
of the remaining waste. This treatment combines the sorting
The “Waste to Energy to Water” plant was designed to treat facility and the biological treatment model, such as the process of
approximately 2,200 tons of municipal solid waste per day from composting or anaerobic digestion. It also fixates and separates
the waste collected in Muscat and the southern Batinah areas. unsuitable waste for recycling, extracts non-recyclable materials
The electricity generated from the plant was used to operate a and produces waste-derived fuel for use in industrial applications.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 125

 Sustainable Development Goals

13 F T
R A Y
D OP
C Climate
Action

126 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

T
SDG13: Taking Urgent Action to Address Climate Change and its Impacts

F
• The Sultanate of Oman is one of the leading countries in dealing with all issues related to the environment and

A
climate, and it is keen on supporting international solidarity to address the problem of climate change and its negative
effects. In fact, the Sultanate has ratified the international conventions related to climate issues (the United Nations

R
Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the

Y
Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and its amendments).

• The Sultanate, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), has prepared the National

D OP
Strategy for Adaptation and Mitigation of the Effects of Climate Change.

• The Sultanate, through the issuance of the regulations on ozone layer protection in November 2013 and its updates in
December 2015, and other various measures, has managed to reduce the consumption rates of the most important
ozone-depleting substances to zero, or to levels lower than those required in the Montreal Protocol in a short period.

• The Sultanate of Oman, like other countries in the world, faces many challenges related to climate change. To meet

C
these challenges, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs was established and all international conventions
related to climate issues were ratified.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 127

 SDG13:
Climate
Action

T
Oman on the Road to Achieve the Goal’s Targets

F
Oman is one of the first countries to make great efforts in all issues The Sultanate Encourages the Use of Renewable Energy Sources
related to the environment and climate, and is keen on supporting and Low-Carbon Technologies
international solidarity to address the problem of climate change

A
and its negative effects. The Sultanate has contributed effectively This will contribute to the diversification of energy sources and the
to reducing the risks of global warming and the adverse effects achievement of benefits for environmental, climatic and biogenic
of climate change. The Sultanate of Oman is not considered safe systems by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Legislative
from global climate change, as its geographical location near regulations and laws such as the Clean Development Mechanism

R
the sea and oceans make it clearly vulnerable than any other (CDM) project approval list were issued in 2010 and amended in 2013

Y
country in the region. The Sultanate has ratified the international to encourage government agencies and private sector companies to
conventions on climate issues (the United Nations Framework benefit from the facilities available for the implementation of CDM
Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol, the Vienna projects under the umbrella of the Kyoto Protocol.

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Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, the Montreal
Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and its As part of the efforts of the Sultanate in this regard, the Sultanate
amendments) and actively participated in relevant meetings, organized the Renewable Energy Environment Forum in 2017, which
studies and projects. It served on several international positions aimed at: spreading the applications of renewable energies among
in the international environmental conventions mentioned, in different institutions, civil society organizations and individuals;
addition to signing the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in spreading awareness of the importance and feasibility of renewable
April 2016. energy applications in mitigating the effects of climate change

C
on institutions and organizations of civil society and individuals;
In addition to the national efforts to address the negative impacts of identifying the Sultanate’s efforts to meet the challenges of climate
global warming and the challenges of climate change, the Sultanate, change and its effects; and finding the most important researches and
in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Program studies in the field of renewable energies in the Sultanate.
(UNEP), has implemented a project to prepare the National Strategy
for Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change in the Sultanate The Sultanate is making efforts to adapt in many different areas,
to achieve the following objectives: Development of an institutional such as tropical cyclones, coastal erosion, rising sea levels,
and legislative framework; identification of programs, plans and the fisheries , the marine environment, water scarcity and
actions for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to desertification, flood protection, energy security, and food security.
the impacts and risks of climate change; as well as training and
capacity-building. In order to strengthen the role of the Sultanate in the control
of ozone-depleting substances and meet the requirements of
The first national communication was prepared by the Ministry of compliance with the Montreal Protocol, the ozone layer protection
Environment and Climate Affairs, the United Nations Environment regulation was issued in November 2013 and updated in December
Program (UNEP) and Sultan Qaboos University. It is an important 2015. Through various measures, the Sultanate has managed
report containing data on vulnerability, risk, climate modeling to reduce the consumption rates of the most important ozone-
and future climate predictions, Greenhouse gases and ways to depleting substances to levels lower than those required in the
mitigate their emissions. The Sultanate is currently preparing the Montreal Protocol within a short period of time.
second national communication of the Sultanate and the biennial
update report, in cooperation with the United Nations Environment On the other hand, the Sultanate makes sure to participate,
Program (UNEP) and Sultan Qaboos University. alongside countries from around the world, in the yearly observance

128 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 F T
of Earth Hour, which plays an important role in instilling a culture
of rationalization in the use of various energy sources and reducing
on Climate Change (IPCC), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), League of Arab States (LAS), the

A
greenhouse gas emissions. The Ministry of Environment and Climate United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the United Nations
Affairs and all departments in the provinces and some government Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations
agencies and private sector companies, universities and colleges, Development Program (UNDP), and the Global Environment Facility
civil society organizations and sports teams in the Sultanate. (GEF). The Sultanate also worked to form specialized committees in

R
the field of climate affairs.

Y
The Sultanate is also keen on preparing legal regulations in the field
of climate affairs. The most important of which are: The regulations The most important of which is the National Committee for the
of the Department of Climate Affairs under the Ministerial Decision Protection of the Ozone Layer, which was set up by Ministerial

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No. 20/2016 issued on 29 March 2016; and the Regulations for the Decision No. 121/2012 on 12 December 2012 with a view to
Approval of the CDM Project under the umbrella of the Kyoto Protocol reviewing and proposing national policies and strategies for the
(CDM- Projects) issued by Ministerial Decision No. 30/2010 on 21 protection of the ozone layer to enable the Sultanate to meet its
August 2010 and updated by Ministerial Decision No. 53/2013, issued obligations to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete
by Ministerial Resolution No. 107/2013 of 11 November 2013 and the Ozone Layer. The National Committee for Climate Change was
updated by Ministerial Resolution No. 67/2015 of 13 December 2015. established by Ministerial Decision No. (23/2016) of 14 April 2016
with the aim of contributing to the proposal and implementation of

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The Sultanate is also keen on cooperating with several regional and national policies and action plans to adapt to the negative impacts
international environmental organizations in the field of climate of climate change and those related to the mitigation of greenhouse
affairs, including, but not limited to; the Intergovernmental Panel gas emissions.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 129

 SDG13:
Climate
Action

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Challenges and Future Plans to Achieve the 2030 Agenda

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Challenges:

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The Sultanate is affected by various climatic changes:
As its geographical location near the sea and the ocean makes it clearly more vulnerable
than other countries in the region; the Sultanate is located within the high temperature zone,

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which is characterized by great variation between the upper and lower temperatures, especially
during the summer, and the negative effects on various ecosystems, such as vegetation and

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biodiversity. The Sultanate suffers from low rainfall, drought and desertification, resulting in a
reduction in agricultural production.

Future Plans:

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The Sultanate continues to implement the National Strategy for Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change
to address the negative effects of global warming. The Sultanate is currently preparing the Sultanate’s
second national communication on vulnerability, risks, climate modeling, future climate outlooks and ways
to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
The Sultanate has started implementation of the second phase of the National Strategy for the Phase-
Out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) from 2016 to 2020, which aims to complement the efforts and
procedures in place to meet the compliance requirements of the Montreal Protocol and to achieve the
reduction in the consumption of HCFCs of 35% by January 2020 through the enforcement of legislation,
training of technicians in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector, processing of vocational training
centers, follow-up of the refrigerant recovery and recycling center, and awareness and extension campaigns
as well as capacity-building.

130 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 T
Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG13

F
Conservation of the Ozone Layer:

A
As part of the Sultanate’s interest in environmental issues ozone-depleting substances permanently, while avoiding the
and climate affairs and its continued support for these efforts, impact on economic development by allowing companies to
and its contribution with the international community in encourage alternatives to ozone-depleting substances in their

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the protection of the ozone layer, the Sultanate acceded to various projects.

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the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol in London
and Copenhagen on 28 September 1998 under Royal Decree The Sultanate has been successful in the protection of the ozone
73/98. It also ratified the Amendments of Montreal (1997) layer as it has pioneered the reduction of the consumption of the

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and of Beijing (1999) on 10/10/2004 under Royal Decree most important ozone-depleting substances, such as CFCs, halons
No. 106/2004. The Sultanate has been keen on playing its and methyl bromide, where consumption rates have been reduced
role in the protection of the ozone layer and on meeting the to zero or below the levels required by the Montreal Protocol in a
requirements of abiding by the Protocol for the phase-out of short time.

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First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 131
 Sustainable Development Goals

14 F T
R A Y
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C Life
Below
Water

132 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

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SDG14: Life Below Water

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• The Sultanate shall protect the marine environment and prevent marine pollution of all kinds through the implementation

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of studies, the establishment of marine conservation areas, the enactment of legislations, the implementation of
coastal zone management plans, the rehabilitation of degraded areas and the cultivation of mangroves in various

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coastal governorates of the Sultanate; in addition to campaigns to clean their environments, and the monitoring of

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turtles and marine mammals given their importance to the sustainability and balance of the marine environment.

• Oman is continuing its efforts to review and update environmental laws, legislations, and coastal zone management

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plans.

• An assessment of marine resources and the addition of new marine natural reserves are under way as well as the
continued rehabilitation of the affected areas. The Sultanate will ensure further development of plans and requirements
related to the marine environment and will implement proposed projects on the coast.

• The Government of the Sultanate is working on continuous coordination with all sides, bodies, sectors and environmental

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associations related to the marine environment to cooperate in order to preserve the marine environment, its
resources and its vital diversity.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 133

 SDG14:
Life Below
Water

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Oman on the Road to Achieve the Goal’s Targets

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The sustainable use and conservation of marine and coastal The Sultanate has also realized the importance of environmental permits
ecosystems and their biodiversity are essential to achieving the and their regulatory role. Waste disposal regulations have been issued

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2030 plan, particularly for Small Island Developing States. In Oman, in the marine environment and dumping and discharge permits in the
the marine environment, with its beautiful coastline extending marine environment, in accordance with regulations, as used as a control
over 3165 km, is one of the most important economic, social and mechanism for activities and projects on the coastal environment, as
environmental factors of the Sultanate, with natural resources and well as the dumping of solids into the marine environment. The licensing

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aesthetic views overlooking three seas (Arabian Sea, Sea of Oman, process requires companies to submit periodic monitoring reports on

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Arabian Gulf). the quality of discharged liquid waste and laboratory reports including
chemical analyses of solid materials that are dumped to ensure that
In order to achieve the objectives of protecting the marine environment they are free of contaminants and in compliance with the conditions set

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and the conservation of marine biological resources, the Sultanate forth in the regulations governing these licenses.
has given special importance to the implementation of studies, the
establishment of marine conservation zones, the promulgation of Coordination with the competent authorities in the Sultanate and the
legislations, the implementation of coastal zone management plans, the regional organization is also carried out through a comprehensive
rehabilitation of degraded areas and the cultivation of mangroves in its national plan to follow up the red tide phenomenon and limit its impact.
various governorates, in addition to campaigns to clean the environment The Maritime Security Center was established in 2013 , and it is concerned
and control turtles and marine mammals, as they are important for the with the management and command of maritime security operations

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sustainability and balance of the marine environment. carried out in ports, installations and coasts against maritime security
threats, monitoring and control of marine pollution, climate change and
The main priorities for action in the area of marine environment protection protection of fisheries.
and coastal zone management in Oman can be summarized as follows:
prevention of further degradation of the coastal environment and In the sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal
restoration of degraded areas; studies and research on potential impacts ecosystems, the Sultanate has given attention to marine ecosystems
on coastal areas and their natural resources, continuous monitoring of (coral reefs and mangroves) through the implementation of the Coral
the coastal environment to ensure its conservation, planning of coastal Reef Management Plan of the Sultanate. Coral reefs are located in five
land use, public awareness and citizen involvement in the protection of major sites in the Sultanate. These sites receive special attention, which
coastal resources. is reflected in the implementation of coral reef clean-up campaigns
as a result of the increasing number of nets and fishing equipment in
The Sultanate has also made great efforts to prevent marine pollution in these environments and their adverse effects. Since 2002, coral reef
all forms. Royal Decree No. 34/1974 on the Maritime Pollution Law was clean-up campaigns have been initiated at various coral reef sites,
issued as the first law in the environmental field. The National Pollution with a focus on sites most affected by the intensity of their fishing
Control Plan was completed in 1985 and is continuously updated to activity. In cooperation with various stakeholders, campaigns are
suit the changes taking place in the Sultanate, such as the increase of being conducted to sensitize the local population on the importance
coastal installations that may lead to oil spill in the coastal environment, of these biological resources, information collection campaigns and
especially ports and industrial free zones, as well as oil tankers that cross follow-up on the status of natural coral reefs. These campaigns are
the territorial waters of the Sultanate in order to obtain international carried out with the participation of various stakeholders such as the
approval to extend the limits of its continental shelf. Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Wealth, Ministry of Tourism, Royal

134 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Oman Police (Coast Guard Command - Civil Defense), Sultan Qaboos Omani humpback whale is a resident whale and remains in its habitats
University, Environment Society of Oman, diving companies and clubs, near the coast of Oman due to the seasonal climatic conditions that
and volunteer individuals from citizens and residents. occur in the area south of Oman, where they provide various sources of
food for whales throughout the year, instead of migrating to the South
The Sultanate Participates in Global Efforts to Protect the Pole in search of food, unlike other species of whales living in the South
Environment of the globe, making it a very rare species, as the numbers seen for this

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type did not exceed 100 whales.
As part of the Sultanate’s participation in the Clean Seas Campaign of the
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), an integrated program There are also several species of marine turtles including the Loggerhead

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to clean coral reef environments was implemented in 2018. As the Turtle (the second largest population of Loggerhead Turtles in the world
Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve is one of the most important sites is located by the Sultanate), the Hawksbill Turtle, the Green Turtle, the
containing coral reef colonies in the Sultanate, due to the proliferation of Olive Ridley Turtle, and the Leatherback Turtle. A national task force has
the mitral starfish, whose impact has been clearly demonstrated by the been formed to study the causes of mortality and the trends of mammals

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bleaching of many corals due to the increasing numbers of this creature; and turtles, which is one of the indicators of the health of the marine
nearly 600 mitral starfish were removed through the implementation environment and one of the essential elements of the marine ecosystem,
of four cleaning campaigns in the reserve, with the participation of especially given the fact that some of them are threatened species, in
volunteer Omani divers and diving clubs. order to reduce them in the future, and ensure the sustainability of these

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creatures. In some cases, these studies may reveal marine animals

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Consistent with biodiversity development approaches, coral reefs are unknown or previously undetected.
facing threats to their growth, with the degradation of some areas, the
use of coral reefs has been successful in finding alternative ecosystems The Sultanate is monitoring the marine environment in coordination

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for lost coral and complex food chains and the Sultanate of Oman has with the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine
sought to spread many artificial structures in both Al-Fahal Island, Environment (ROPME).
Damaniyat Island and Musandam Governorate. The project has been a
success; nearly 500 industrial molds have been produced so far. The In order to achieve Target 3 of SDG14, “Reduce ocean acidification to
experiment has been evaluated and proven completely successful. a minimum and address its effects, inter alia, by promoting scientific
The Sultanate also dropped a number of floating wharves in Bandar Al cooperation at all levels”, the state of the marine environment is
Khairan and Bandar Al Jissah, as well as the Damaniyat Islands Nature monitored in an annual program in coordination with the Regional

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Reserve, with the aim of protecting coral reefs from the damage of boat Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME). The
anchors as they land on the seafloor. development projects are being evaluated and monitored to ensure their
environmental suitability and the requirements to limit their impact on
Mangroves are one of the main components of the Omani marine the marine environment and the nature of the Omani coast.
environment. There is one species in the Sultanate of Oman, Avicenna
Marina, able to adapt to the nature of the Omani environment, and is The Sultanate Participates in the “Clean Seas” Campaign
distributed in several coastal areas The total area covered by the Avicenna
trees in the Sultanate of about 1,030 hectares, and in order to preserve To achieve Target 5 of SDG14, “At least 10% of coastal and marine areas,
those trees, the cultivation project of the Avicenna was launched in consistent with national and international law and based on the best
April 2000, through the establishment of 4 plant nurseries in different scientific information available, by 2020”, 14 marine and sub-marine
provinces, and the cultivation of more than 600 thousand seedlings until protected areas we formed, out of 20 protected areas in the Sultanate.
the end of 2018. Several field surveys were conducted to determine the
success of the aquaculture project, noting that there is an increase in In the area of increasing scientific knowledge, the Marine Science and
the green areas of the mangrove and biodiversity. These trees are highly Fisheries Center and the Fish Quality Control Center, all concerned with
efficient for storing carbon, and are a habitat that attracts large numbers the development of fisheries, and the control of water quality for the
of endemic and migratory birds. protection of fisheries have been established. To facilitate the access
of small artisanal fishermen to marine resources and markets, fishing
Oman has 21 species of large whales and dolphins, of which 17 are small ports have been established in most coastal states and fish landing
to large dolphins, 3 species of baleen whales and toothed whales (sperm centers to facilitate fishers.
whales). Studies and research have shown, by satellite tracking, that the

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 135

 SDG14:
Life Below
Water

T
Challenges and Future Plans to Achieve the 2030 Agenda

F
Challenges:

A
In view of the economic and environmental importance of the marine environment, this requires a very effective
management, as well as human and material potential to preserve this rich marine environment. The Sultanate
faces a severe shortage of technical personnel despite harnessing the potential to reduce impacts on the marine

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environment; However, it is important to support these efforts with greater human and material potential due

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to the impact of the coastal region as a result of accelerated development programs, whether through the
establishment of free industrial zones, commercial ports, seaports, marinas and tourist resorts or through the
extension of urban development and the large depletion of biological resources, especially fish and coral reefs

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affected by the wrong methods of fishing, the throwing of nets and their adherence to coral reefs,
and damage caused by recreational diving. The lack of reception facilities for ballast water in the
Sultanate is one of the major challenges facing the marine environment due to the oil pollution
caused by the dumping of this water in the territorial waters of the Sultanate or adjacent waters.

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Future Plans:

To overcome these challenges, the Sultanate continues its efforts to review and modernize environmental laws and
legislation, update studies and plans for coastal zone management, prepare a national strategy for the protection
of the marine environment, assess marine resources, establish natural reserves, continue rehabilitation of affected
areas and develop plans and requirements related to the marine environment of the proposed projects on the coast,
in addition to the continuous coordination with all bodies, committees, sectors and associations concerned with the
marine environment to cooperate for the preservation of resources and biodiversity.

136 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 T
Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG14

A F
Coral Reefs Cleaning Campaigns:

R Y
Coral reefs are one of the most important marine educate the local population about the importance

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resources and ecosystems. They are located in five of these biological resources and collect information
major regions in the Sultanate’s governorates and and to determine the status of natural coral reefs
constitute an integrated ecosystem. In fact, the concerned with the public and private sectors.
Damaniyat Islands Nature Reserve was declared Additionally, an integrated annual program was
one of the sites where coral reefs are one of the carried out to implement campaigns for all coral reef
most important environmental components. A sites, for sites with large coral reefs and those that

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national plan has been implemented to manage are most affected by fishing operations. Furthermore,
them and a plan for periodic coral reef cleaning monitoring and follow-up programs are carried out
campaigns has been set. by specialists from the competent Ministry, and
In view of the increasing number of nets and fishing reports from diving clubs are being issued to observe
equipment in the coral reef sites, and their effects the weather conditions. Moreover, since coral reefs
on them, continuous campaigns have been launched are highly sensitive, vulnerable and fragile, qualified
to clean the coral reefs since 2002 at different coral divers are chosen as they are directed in the best
reef sites, with a focus on the sites most affected by manner, which should be followed especially in the
intense fishing activity. This is a joint effort among the process of using the drawers and lifting bags, and
various stakeholders, in order to clean the coral reefs when pulling the nets using boats so there is no
from all waste, especially fishing nets, as well as to impact on the coral.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 137

 Sustainable Development Goals

15 F T
R A Y
D OP
C Life on
Land

138 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

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SDG15: Life on Land

F
• The natural habitats and fungal species in the Sultanate vary by geographic location,

A
thus the Sultanate is taking several measures to preserve this national wealth by
enacting laws and regulations that protect natural habitats and wildlife and to guarantee
the right of all generations to benefit from diverse natural resources in a balanced and
fair manner. The Sultanate takes several measures to preserve this national wealth by

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enacting laws and regulations that protect natural habitats and wildlife and guarantee

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the right of all generations to benefit from diverse natural resources in a balanced and
fair manner.
Red List Index between

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• The Sultanate has been keen to declare nature reserves and sites stipulated by royal 2013 and 2018
decrees and high orders. A number of projects have been implemented to mitigate
land degradation and combat desertification, involving a number of scientific and
research institutions. 0.91
0.9
• Development of the Omani National Program to Combat Desertification and Land
Degradation, with the implementation of the project on the Use of Models and Remote
Sensing to Monitor the State of Vegetation, Agricultural Land and Water.

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• The Sultanate is strengthening the laws and regulations for the protection of wildlife 2013 2018
and endangered species, and developing national strategies and plans for the
protection of these species, such as the National Strategy, the Biodiversity Action
Plan, the National Strategy for Plant Species, and the National Red List of Threatened
Species. The Sultanate has also established governmental authorities and research
centers to implement strategies and projects concerned with the conservation of
threatened species.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 139

 SDG15:
Life on
Land

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Oman is on its Way to Achieve the Objectives of the Goal

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This objective focuses on sustainable forest management, international scientific and research institutions.
restoration of degraded lands, successful desertification control,

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reduction of degraded natural habitats and elimination of The Sulta n ate has developed t he Omani Action Plan to Combat
biodiversity loss. Due to its geographical location in the northeast Desertifi c ation and Land Deg r adation, which included the
of the Arabian Peninsula, the natural habitats and fungal species developme n t of a natural res o urce registry for the Sultanate
in the Sultanate represent an important economic resource for containing water sources, vegetation cover and soil. As well as the

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the services of various ecosystems, in view of the multiple risks reasons for the status of desertification, the potential for its future

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facing these resources, the most important of which are: The lack deployment and the strategy for its control with the implementation
of water resources, land degradation and desertification, climate of the project on the use of models and remote sensing to monitor
change and other environmental problems in line with the economic the statu s of vegetation, ag r icultural land and water.

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development path. The Sultanate has taken several measures to
preserve this national wealth by enacting laws and regulations that The Sultanate also implemented several projects to alleviate land
protect natural habitats and wildlife and guarantee the right of all degradation and combat deser tification, in which many scientific
generations to benefit from Natural resources in a balanced and and research institutions participated in order to ensure quality of
equitable manner, where forests and fields are particularly located implementation and access to reference information at the national
on the coasts (the Crimean trees) and in the mountains of the Al- level. Th e most important pr o jects implemented are the fog
Alanan fields in the Al-Hajar Al-Gharbi mountains and the Al-Sughut harvesting project in Dhofar Governorate, the draft land degradation

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forests in the south. Forests cover about 20 square kilometers and map, and the land rehabilitation of areas affected by desertification
fields 13,000 square kilometers. factors. These projects identified degraded areas and lands prone
to degrad a tion, the developm e nt of a spatial database and a
The Sultanate has been keen to announce the nature reserves monitoring system based on high-resolution satellite data.
and sites declared by royal decrees and orders. These protected
areas include desert reserves, some of them freely and others in Mountains form a large propo r tion of the Omani geographical
mountainous areas with difficult geological terrain, representing environme n t, and plant and a n imal environments vary in these
3.77% of the total area of t​​ he Sultanate. The Qurum Nature Reserve, mountains; The Hajar Mountains located in northern Oman, extend
located in the heart of Muscat Governorate, was declared the first from the Musandam peninsula in the north to Ras Al-Hadd in the
protected site for Ramsar in the Sultanate, with a total area of ​​80 south-eastern province, they are considered the highest mountains,
hectares of Avicennia Marina forests, the only existing species rising about 3,000 meters above sea level. In the south, the Dhofar
that can adapt to the climate of the Omani environment, while the Mountains range from east to west. Samhan Mountain which
total area covered by the Cr i mean trees in the Sultanate is about includes the Jabal Samhan and Jabal Al-Qamr Nature Reserves is
1030 hectares. The Wetlands Reserve in the Mahut province of the the most important mountain in the region. The maximum height of
Al-Wusta governorate is one o f the top 25 sites of international this range is 2.5 thousand meters.
importance to migratory birds during the winter in the Middle East,
within the migration path of Asia and East Africa, with an estimated Omani’s inhabited environment is varies in the mountains. Therefore,
area of ​​2,621 square kilom e ters, and is in the process of being the Sultanate's government sought to create all the conditions under
announced as a second Ramsar site in the Sultanate. which Omani people can integrate the life around them, especially
in the light of modern development. This has contributed to varying
The Sultanate is implementing several projects to alleviate land degrees in changing the customs and practices of the Sultanate. But
degradation and combat desertification with the participation of the life of people in the mo u ntains of Oman is based on traditions

140 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

and practices throughout the history of Oman, and this mountain National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the National Strategy

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environment still retains its beauty and characteristics, despite for Economic Botany species. It also issued the national Red Lists
the features of change, comprehensive development, progress and for endangered species, and established several governmental
modernization witnessed by Oman in all regions of the Sultanate. authorities and research centers for the implementation of

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The cultivation and harvesting of wheat is a season associated with strategies and projects related to the continuous preservation of
many inherited customs that can be seen today in mountain villages. endangered species.
The temperature and availability of water are main characteristics
of the diversity of agricultural crops and fruit trees in the few areas The Sultanate deployed many efforts for the protection of

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scattered among the mountains. Rare pastoralism in the mountains threatened fauna, as it implemented protection programs and
is an important source for cattle breeders, producers of popular declared many sites as reserves for the abovementioned species.
medicines and highly skilled beekeepers. Over the centuries, In the early seventies, the Sultanate has launched the Arabian Oryx
mountaineering skills have been developed in the breeding of honey preservation project, through which it was able to reinttroduce the

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bees. Arabian Oryx species into the Omani environment following the

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extinction of the wild Oryx at that time. A natural reserve currently
The Government of the Sultanate seeks through social development known as the Wildlife Reserve was specifically established for
institutions, such as Omani women's associations and agricultural this purpose. Another reserve protecting living creatures and

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development centers, to support traditional professions and wildlife is Al Wusta Wetlands Reserve. In 1997, the first project for
practices in the mountain environment in order to improve the the protection of the Arabian Leopard was established, the first
quality of life of the population. The Government has also opened effective protection measures took place with the declaration of
schools in these communities to promote education among the these animals’ living area, known as Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve
population in the mountains in accordance with the reality of the as a natural reserve. Since 2007, the Sultanate launched the Sooty
environment and society. In addition to formal education in the Falcon study project and installed satellite tracking devices on
mountains, literacy and adult education centers have been opened the chicks of these predatory vultures with the support of local

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to those who have missed the opportunity of education, especially institutions and in international cooperation with Austria’s BirdLife
women, so that women may participate in their community and International and The Peregrine Fund in the Republic of Madagascar.
are provided with the necessary knowledge and professional The sooty falcon migration route that starts in Oman and ends in the
experience. African Island of Madagascar was tracked. This was the first-ever
practical study for tracking juvenile sooty falcons, take stock of their
The plant group comprises more than 1,407 documented plant migration route and the most prominent obstacles and challenges
species, of which 110 species have been assessed as endangered these vultures face. From 2013 to 2016, the Sultanate implemented
species within the national red list, 509 marine plant species, 766 a systemic biological and geographical study project related to the
invertebrate and 988 vertebrates marine species, including 13 Sultanate’s reptiles. The study revealed an unprecedented diversity
species threatened with extinction at a global level, and 93 species in Oman’s terrestrial reptiles. Twenty-four new reptile species were
of mammals, and includes 20 species threatened with extinction at discovered, out of which 14 are currently populating the Sultanate.
a global level, most notably the Arabian Tiger, Arabian Oryx, and The study project resulted in the documentation of more than 101
Arabian Tahr. It is expected that the lists of species will increase terrestrial reptiles in Oman, representing 50% of the total reptile
with more surveys and studies carried out by various scientific and species population in the Arabian Peninsula.
research institutions in the Sultanate.
A number of sea turtles also nest on Omani shores, including the
The sultanate is enforcing the laws and regulations related to the loggerhead turtle, the green sea turtle, the hawksbill turtle and the
protection of wildlife and endangered species Olive Ridley Turtle, all of which are endangered species. Therefore,
the responsibility to preserve those turtles and nesting areas
The Sultanate has sought to enforce more strict rules and was a priority in the governmental programs conducted with the
regulations for the protection of wildlife and endangered species participation of different researches and education, in addition to
and prepared national protection strategies and plans, such as the civil society and private sector institutions. A sea turtle nature

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 SDG15:
Life on
Land

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Oman is on its Way to Achieve the Objectives of the Goal

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reserve was established, with the nesting area management being improving the protection of these species’ habitats and wildlife.
the responsibility of well trained, well equipped monitors. The The Country firmly believes in the important and effective role
sea turtle remote satellite observation project was launched in of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

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2006, aimed at studying and safeguarding the species living in the of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in the protection of wildlife from
Sultanate. A general management plan was also suggested for the the danger of extinction, its sustainable use and the regulation of
turtles nesting and feeding areas. its international importation and exportation. Therefore, it joined
the Convention in 2007, and deployed large efforts to implement

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Enhancing sustainable use of genetic diversity its obligations under the Convention through cooperation and

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coordination of international efforts in monitoring and ensuring that
In order to enhance the sustainable use of the genetic diversity international wildlife trade will not harm their chance of survival
enshrined in the fauna and flora and the micro-organisms, and to in the nature. This is also possible through the implementation of

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achieve Target 6 of SDG15, the sultanate adhered to many regional decisions and recommendations of the Convention’s Conference of
and international conventions that reinforce cooperation, the the Parties.
exchange of plant genetic resources while sharing the benefits
of their use. The Sultanate is thus party to the Convention on The Sultanate has also established an integrated e-customs system
Biodiversity and seeks to achieve the convention’s SDG3 related to entitled “BAYAN”. The system encompasses all custom related
the sharing of benefits through seeking to join the related protocol. procedures and transactions, and enables the completion of all
The Sultanate is also party to the Arab Convention on the exchange customs operations electronically. A one-stop station for inspection

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of plant genetic resources and heritage knowhow and sharing the within the Risk Management System in complementarity with
benefits of their use, adopted on 15 April 2018 by the Council of the BAYAN at all the sea, air and land outlets has been established. This
Arab League. helps fostering the security, health and environmental censorship
on imports, exports, goods in transit and re-exported goods.
At the national level, the Oman Animal & Plant Genetic Resources
Center was established in 2012 seeking to create a laboratory for In addition, the Sultanate has also taken measures to prevent the
the implementation of scientific and laboratory experiments and introduction of invasive species to the Omani environment. In so
research. In addition, the center seeks to establish a gene bank for doing, it issued regulatory laws for the use of non-local species, in
the preservation of genetic resources, encourage the sustainable addition to a fostered censorship and the application of veterinary
use of knowledge through the economic and social sectors, and and plant quarantine for shipments coming to the Sultanate. An
find added-value, high-level research and scientific innovations. environmental impact assessment is conducted in the event of
The center also sponsors many genetic resources preservation use of non-local species for agricultural applications or ecosystem
initiatives that target the youth and young researchers. reclamation. On the field, the Sultanate launched many campaigns
for the management of intrusive species that harm human beings
The Sultanate has also taken urgent measures to put an end to and the Omani environment including: The Sea Mesquite Tree
the illegal hunting and trafficking of protected fauna and flora. Removal Campaign that called for the cooperation of all to remove
Therefore, it issued many related Royal Decrees, on top of which Mesquite Trees, which harm agriculture and the environment.
is Royal Decree (114/2001), issuing the Law on Conservation of the These trees entered the country for plantation and shade purposes.
Environment and Prevention of Pollution, and the Royal Decree In the seventies, they were planted on the road sides before turning
(6/2003) and The Law On Nature Reserves And Wildlife Conservation. into a problem to address.
The deployment of the wildlife monitors units has contributed in

142 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

The enshrinement of ecosystem value and the safeguarding of techniques for the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.
wildlife is the driving force in sector-specific programs and policies
and the work of multiple relevant sectors and social action. In order The Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Preservation
to align development and environment, previous environmental

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studies are conducted in a way that includes potential negative IIn order to mobilize resources and motivate countries for sustainable
environmental impacts, and measures to be taken for limitation or management, the Sultanate declared in 1989 the organization of the
mitigation. The assessment takes place following different stages. First Arab Prize awarded worldwide in the field of environmental

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Projects’ environmental impacts are studied through follow-up and preservation. The prize is granted for individuals and governmental
inspection programs targeting all pollutants and different industrial and non-governmental organizations and institutions that deploy
facilities in order to ensure compliance with legal environmental distinctive efforts in environmental and preservation actions.
conditions. The prize is entitled: “Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental

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Preservation”, and its idea stems from the awareness related to
All phases of educational programs convey messages on the the importance of environmental protection, its safeguarding and
preservation of biodiversity. Many schools participate in different from the universal aspect the environment preservation has as an
governmental environment related awareness programs. At ongoing cross-border process. The humankind development and

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different classroom levels, students are taught the basics of impact on the environment deserves a universal participation for

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environment and biodiversity appreciation. At post school level, the preservation of its safety. The Prize consists of a Certificate of
official courses take place in the framework of the Bachelor of Appreciation with a financial grant and is awarded each two years in
Science in Bio-ecology at Sultan Qaboos University. A Master’s a celebration held by UNESCO, on the sidelines of the Organization’s

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degree in Science in Bio-ecology is also granted at the same General Conference.
university for students with high environmental expertise. A
Diploma/Baccalaureate in Ecology is currently in preparation at the The sultanate supports cooperation with the UN environment
Higher College of Technology operated by the Ministry of Higher regional offices
Education.
Through joint action and cooperation in conducting regional
The social action efforts include a strategy for the improvement meetings, forums and projects, including the participation of the

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of women’s capacities in environmental affairs, with a firm belief United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) West Asia regional
in the important role women should play in society, especially in office in 2018, to the “Oman Environment Forum” in its second session
terms of environmental affairs. Awareness programs conducted entitled: “Towards Systematic Consolidation of Environmental
for the society support the efforts deployed for the preservation of Citizenship”. During the forum, the inauguration of the “Oman
the environment and its biodiversity. They come as a top priority Environmental Forum Award” was set to be an honoring platform
for different media and awareness activities and include different accompanying the forum in its next session. The award aims to
aspects related to the dissemination of knowledge and information support environmental working categories according to conditions
for the enshrinement of values and positive behaviors among all the elaborated in coordination with a high-level, highly experienced
social components. and competent committee, to motivate for better knowhow in the
national action path towards a sustainable environment.
In order to mobilize financial resources, the economic growth the
Sultanate is witnessing alongside with the exacerbating impact In order to increase the capacities of the local communities to
of different environmental issues creates an urgent need for access sustainable opportunities to make a living, the new job
sustainable financial resources to achieve environmental goals. The opportunities slowly increase, not only in agriculture and fishing, but
Sultanate seeks to provide financial budgets for the implementation also in different fields such as environmental tourism. Therefore, the
of projects in different sectors, with priority given to economically future tendency followed by the Sultanate is to increase economic
and environmentally rentable projects while improving the society’s benefits for the people through opening investment opportunities
livelihood. On another hand, the sultanate adopts a policy for an in natural reserves, while stressing in particular the importance
efficient use of financial resources and spending rationalization of employing locals in environmental tourism related projects,
through seeking opportunities to decrease costs, based on the which is considered in itself one of the key measures that supports
use of the most environment-friendly and least energy consuming environmental tourism within and/or outside natural reserves.

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 SDG15:
Life on
Land

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Challenges and Future Plans to Achieve the 2030 Agenda

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Challenges:

Due to its geographical location, the Sultanate is prone to many dangers, particularly land

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degradation, the disintegration of traditional land management practices, including livestock
management, the lack of reserve lands and of different ecosystems representation, in addition

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to the proliferation of invasive species, the lack of management plans for species and for

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monitoring endangered ones.

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Future Plans:
Facing these challenges, the Sultanate is seeking to protect natural and productive habitats in addition to renewable resources
for a rational and sustainable use, and preserve of fauna and flora biodiversity, particularly rare and specifically important species.

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It also seeks to improve knowledge on ecological systems, and raise awareness on the importance to preserve biodiversity and
sustainably use biological resources.

In order to preserve biodiversity, the Sultanate passed a legislation guaranteeing the preservation of biodiversity, the
sustainable use of biological resources, building an incentive system to encourage biodiversity preservation activities, finding job
opportunities for locals, in addition to encouraging regional and international cooperation in the preservation of biodiversity and
the sustainable use of natural resources.

144 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG15

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1- Life on Land :

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The sultanate has always excelled in pioneering initiatives in the field the initiative, the sultanate also seeks to unify efforts and enlarge
of environmental work that accompanies accelerating economic the public-private partnerships for the preservation of the natural
and social growth, and in its high responsiveness with the world environment and achievement of sustainable development. The logo
environmental awakening at regional and international levels. Different reflects the initiative title with the addition of the frankincense tree

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governmental institutions cooperate with the private sector and as a symbol representing the civilizational heritage of Omani trees.
civil society organizations to implement educational and awareness Other initiatives include “Al Awdiya Khadraa” (Green Valleys) for the
programs that enshrine the values of preserving biodiversity among rehabilitation of damaged areas and the “Asdikaa Al Biaa” (Friends of
the youth and within the society in general. Oman seeks to increase the Environment) initiative for environmental education targeting the

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its green spaces through establishing tree belts, public gardens and 8-13 years age category, etc…

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parks and green landscapes whilst preserving agricultural areas and In the field of preserving local flora, the Sultanate has launched a project
implementing planting and agricultural programs in different natural establishing the largest plant garden in the Gulf named Oman Plant and
sites such as valleys and grazing areas. Many initiatives were launched Tree Garden. It encompasses the different natural and environmental

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in this regard including “ASHJAR” for planting wild trees and plants. life aspects in the Sultanate. The National Field Research Centre for
The idea came to complement efforts deployed by the Sultanate to Environmental Conservation that aims to regulate and encourage field
raise society’s awareness and knowledge related to the preservation research and develop research projects for environmental protection
of wild flora and participation in increasing green spaces. Through and sustainability in the Sultanate also saw the light.

2- Al Hajar Al Gharbi Star Lights Nature Reserve

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Light pollution is one of the challenges humans currently face and in the reserve is more than 3009 m high at Jebel Shams tops.
is increasingly growing day by day due to urban, industrial and trade The establishment of Hajjar al Gharbi star light reserve aims at
expansion. This negatively affects human health and ecological safety protecting the sky from light pollution resulting from human activities
in addition to astronomical and space research. The situation will thus and population expansion. The reserve was also created to preserve the
become more complicated in the future. For this reason, states and ecological components at the heights of Hajjar Mountains, including the
organizations working in the field set forth means and mechanisms Juniper trees in Al Sarah Mountains.
for the mitigation and limitation of light pollution. Among the solutions The reserve also features the highest mountaintop in Oman, Jebel
adopted by states is to manage cities lighting systems in a way that is Shams, at an altitude of 3009m above sea level. It is the highest reserve in
more conductive with human health and ecological systems’ protection. the Sultanate of Oman and includes Juniper tree forests located at 2000
Many developed countries also sought to create dark sky areas in order m above sea level. It is considered as the area least affected by human
to reduce light pollution impact. Therefore, these areas become of activity. Juniper trees are among endangered species located within the
international importance for world’s dark skies and the viewing of space reserve among other ones such as the Arabian Oryx that populates the
for research and for the people to enjoy watching the sky. Al Hajjar Mountains. The reserve is also one of the most important areas
In this context, the Sultanate has chosen to work in the field, declaring internationally for birds according to BirdLife International.
the first dark sky reserve in the Sultanate and the Arab area. It declared In the framework of the reserve management plan, specialists
the Al Hajar Al Gharbi Star Lights a Natural dark sky Reserve via Royal have elaborated in cooperation with different authorities a lighting
Decree no. (40/2019). The reserve is located in Hajjar al Gharbi mountain management plan within the reserve and its neighboring areas in order
range with a surface of 386m2. The largest part is located in Al Dakhiliyah to achieve the goal or objective behind the establishment of the reserve.
governorate and the reserve spans over the tops of the Hajjar al Gharbi, People will also be able to enjoy the quality and beauty of the sky view
including Jebel Shams and Al-Sarah Mountain. The highest mountaintop when visiting the reserve.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 145

 Sustainable Development Goals

16 F T
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C Peace,
Justice
and Strong
Institutions

146 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

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SDG16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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• The sultanate guarantees protection for its citizens and residents from all forms of violence through its regulations,

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legislations and laws. It has also set forth many programs and projects providing protection for individuals and the
society and for reducing mortality.

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• The Sultanate of Oman is member of many International Human Rights Conventions, including the Convention on

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the Rights of the Child, and the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, The
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities etc... All Omani legislations assertively ban discrimination

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between individuals, and provide legal protection from all forms of violence to all social categories.

• The Sultanate also sets forth many mechanisms and institutions including: The National Commission for Family
Affairs, the National Human Rights Commission, the National Committee for the Care and Rehabilitation of Persons
with Disabilities, the Follow-up Committee on the Rights of the Child, the National Committee for Combating Human

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Trafficking and the CEDAW Committee.

• The Sultanate has achieved a 14-degree progress in the 2018 edition of the Global Competitiveness Report. It
was ranked 47th globally, and 36th out of 140 in terms of the institutions pillar that comprise several sub-indexes:
The independence of the judiciary (18 out of 140), efficiency of legal systems (19 out of 140) governmental future
orientation (7 out of 140), and effectiveness of audit and reporting processes (37 out of 140).

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 147

 SDG16: Peace,
Justice and
Strong Institutions

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Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG16

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SDG16 seeks to encourage the establishment of peaceful societies with based on gender. Confirming the above, article (2) of the Child Law issued
zero marginalization in order to achieve sustainable development, enable by Royal Decree no. (22/2014) states children’s right to non-discrimination
access for all to justice, and build effective, accountable and comprehensive on grounds of gender as one of the most important rights guaranteed by

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institutions for everyone, at all levels. the law. In its article (38), the law stresses the values the Sultanate seeks
to enshrine, including equality of individuals, and non-discrimination on
Human Rights: the grounds of gender, religion, race, social origin, disability or any other
considerations.

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The Sultanate of Oman guarantees protection for its citizens and residents

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from all forms of violence through its regulations, legislations and laws. The Sultanate provides legal protection against all forms of violence to
It has also set forth many programs and projects providing protection for all social categories.
individuals and the society and for reducing mortality.

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The Omani Penal Code, issued under Royal Decree no. (7/2018) affirmed
In this regard, Article (25) of the Basic Statute of the State notes: the necessity to provide protection against all forms of violence to all social
“Litigation is a protected right and is guaranteed to all people. The Law categories including women, children and persons with disabilities, in a
shall prescribe the procedures and conditions necessary to exercise this way that instead of excluding them from law, provides them with special
right, and the State shall guarantee, as far as possible, the approximation attention and focus due to their particular circumstances that require and
of judicial authorities to litigants and the prompt settlement of cases”. call for further care and protection.
On another note, the Omani Penal Code issued under Royal Decree no.

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(7/2018) combats in its Part (nine), articles (301) to (321) crimes harmful In its articles (7) and (56), the Child Law also guarantees the right to
to human life and safety such as voluntary and involuntary killing, inciting protection from violence, exploitation, abuse, and calls to humane and
to commit suicide, beating to death, trivial and severe harm, brawls that decent treatment, that preserves the Child’s dignity, reputation and honor.
result in harm or killing, and killing and harm by mistake. The State guarantees this right for children to enjoy in every possible
means. The law also prohibits any act of kidnapping, rape and performance
Part (ten) of the abovementioned penal code also mentions in its articles of any sexual or other activity.
(322) to (334) crimes against Human Liberty and Dignity, including
arresting, kidnapping and detaining persons, threat, insult and defamation. Royal Decree 126/2008 Promulgating the Law Combating Trafficking
In addition, the law also tackles other incriminating acts such as assaulting in Persons prohibits the performance of any form of human trafficking
public officers, hacking and violence. according to article (2) of the law. This includes the use, transfer, shelter,
or reception of a person by coercion, threat, trickery, exploitation of
It is noteworthy that the Sultanate of Oman is member of many International position of power, exploitation of weakness, use of authority over that
Human Rights Conventions, including the Convention on the Rights of the person, or by any other illegal means whether directly or indirectly. The
Child (CRC) under the provisions of Royal Decree no. (54/96), amended by law has set forth a no less than three year’s imprisonment penalty against
Royal Decree no (96/99), the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms the perpetrators and a no less than seven years imprisonment penalty in
of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) under the provisions of Royal the cases mentioned by the law and that involve trafficking in children or
Decree no. (42/2005), The Convention on the Rights of Persons with persons with disabilities.
Disabilities under the provisions of Royal Decree no. (121/2008) and the
two Optional Protocols related to the CRC under the provisions of Royal Royal Decree No (12/2011), issuing the Cyber Crime Law punishes acts
Decree no. (41/2004). of Information Technology abuse, using IT as means for abuse against
children and women such as seduction or incitement to lechery or
The Omani legislations assertively ban discrimination against individuals prostitution, blackmailing, and trespassing on families and individuals’

148 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

private life. The Sultanate also set forth many mechanisms for the As per the limitation of illegal proliferation of weapons, the Royal Omani
protection of (women and children) including: Police observes strictly all the Sultanate’s legal outlets. It has indeed
sought to provide all custom outlets and directorates with the newest
• The National Commission for Family Affairs; technical mechanisms to support censorship and intercept contraband
• The National Human Rights Commission of Oman; and the illegal smuggling of weapons and illicit materials.
• The National Committee for the Care and Rehabilitation of Persons
with Disabilities; The Oman Penal Code Part (Two), articles (143) to (153) stipulated the
• The follow-up committee on the rights of the child; definition of Transnational Organized Crime and set forth penalties

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• The National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking; against crimes and organized criminal groups and migrant smugglers.
• The CEDAW Committee; It also defines the mechanism for crime benefit separation, and the
• The follow-up committees The Convention Elimination of Racial implementation of Royal Decree no. (8/2007) issuing the Counter

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Discrimination (CERD) implementation; Terrorism Law to fight all forms of organized crime.

Fighting Corruption:
Through the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, the

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Sultanate of Oman sets forth an annual plan for raising the awareness The Sultanate deploys tremendous efforts in fighting all forms of corruption
of all social categories, and takes all the necessary measures to protect and bribery. The Sultanate’s competent authorities communicate and
citizens and residents from human trafficking in addition to a hotline for cooperate continuously with the society, through different communication
reporting human trafficking cases. means and social media, and conducting awareness and guiding lectures

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for the public, enabling an easier detection of corruption and bribery

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The Sultanate has also defined institutional working mechanisms to crimes.
address violence and abuse. The Child Law has commissioned the State
to create “Child Protection Committees”, pursuant to Ministerial Decision In the light of the Sultanate’s adherence to the UN Convention against

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no. (168/2015). These committees shall receive reports on any violations Corruption, and pursuant to Royal Decree no (64/2013), the National
against the rights of male and female children, in addition to the cases Strategy on Increasing Transparency and Fighting Corruption was
of violence, exploitation, harm and any other violation. The Committee elaborated. Suggestions and recommendations have also been set forth
members shall enjoy judicial enforcement powers with regards to the in consistency with the UN Convention against Corruption, adhered to by
implementation of the provisions of the law. the Sultanate in 2013.

In implementation of the principles set forth in the Basic Statute of the The Sultanate of Oman has always been keen to share with the UN

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State, article (12) related to social principles, “Justice, equality, and equal specialized fighting corruption team the assessment and review processes
opportunities between Omanis are the pillars of the Society guaranteed conducted in cooperation with the countries organizing the Convention.
by the State”.
A specialized directorate was created under the Public Prosecution to deal
Based on these enshrined fundamental principles, the Public Prosecution with cases related to public funds. It is specialized in investigating public
shall conduct its duties to foster the rule of law with several specialists fund crimes and all related issues, as well as money laundering, terrorism
working in the public directorates, and the geographical and specialized financing and tax evasion crimes. The Public Fund Cases Department
public prosecution directorates disseminated across all the Sultanate’s under the Public Prosecution refers the accused to the court for the
governorates and jurisdictions. The Public Prosecution provides litigants implementation of the laws stipulated and violated therein. This added
with the best services and guarantees, accepting their reports and quality and effectiveness in dealing with such proceedings.
claims, enabling them to assign a lawyer and take the necessary legal
measures as soon as possible using modern technology in so doing. Keen to share with the international community all the relentless efforts
The Sultanate’s Public Prosecution also conducts investigations in the deployed for fighting corruption in all its aspects and forms and increasing
importation, smuggling or possession of non-licensed weapons and transparency, the Sultanate has taken the following measures:
ammunitions, pursuant to the Arms and Ammunition Law issued by
Royal Decree no. (36/90). It refers the accused to specialized courts while • Joining the UN Convention against Corruption under Royal Decree no
claiming and confiscating seizures. In addition, the Public Prosecution (64/2013);
provides legal assistance for requesting states according to laws and • Ratifying the Arab Convention against Corruption under Royal Decree
regulations applicable in the Sultanate, the treaties, conventions and no (28/2014);
Memoranda of Understanding concluded, in addition to the principle • Joining the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public
of reciprocity that links it with other states and the best cooperation Officials in International Business Transactions under Royal Decree
practices thereof. no (41/2016);

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 149

 SDG16: Peace,
Justice and
Strong Institutions

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Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG16

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• Formed pursuant to the UN Convention against Corruption Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, and works in partnership
requirements a team of (15) experts out of the State Audit & with several financial operations related to audit and judicial institutions.
Administrative Institution of Sultanate of Oman in order to follow up The NCFI is specialized in receiving requests and analyzing reports and

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with and review the implementation of the aforementioned convention. information with a suspected link to crime benefits, link, or relation to
the crimes of money laundering and terrorism financing. It also receives
other information related to cash transactions, electronic transfers, cross-
In this context, it is noteworthy that the Sultanate was able to achieve a border declarations, and other reports set forth by audit institutions.

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tangible increase in the 24th version of the Corruption Perceptions Index

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(CPI), 2018 issued by Transparency International. The Sultanate was Oman Center for Governance and Sustainability (OCGS)
ranked 53rd out of 180 states internationally, and received a grade of 52
out of 100, climbing 15 places in the ranking and 8 degrees compared to Since its establishment pursuant to Royal Decree no (30/2015), the

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2017; a climb that is considered the highest worldwide in those two years. OCGS has been keen to enact its goals and jurisdictions defined by the
Statute. Those goals include building partnerships and cooperation
The Sultanate has made a 14-degree progress in the Global opportunities with regional and international institutions in the fields of
Competitiveness Report and was ranked 47th globally. governance and sustainability. This shall happen through either signing
MoU and conventions, or cooperating in the organization of fora and
In terms of the institutions pillar, the Sultanate was ranked 36th out of 140. events. The OCGS was also linked to international organizations such as
Under this pillar, the Sultanate achieved great progress in many indexes the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),

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such as: through its membership in the Governance Committee for the MENA
region and its participation in many of the committee’s meetings.
• The independence of the judiciary (18 out of 140);
• The efficiency of legal systems (19 out of 140); The OCGS organizes awareness gatherings to introduce the culture and
• The governmental future orientation (7 out of 140); principles of governance, and their importance in the world of finances
• The effectiveness of audit and reporting processes (37 out of 140); and business. It stresses the importance to adopt these concepts due to
the role they play in strengthening its business and increase customers
and investors’ trust, maintaining shareholders’ rights and equal treatment
The State Audit & Administrative Institution was ranked first in the through the principles of transparency and accountability. The Center
United Nations Public Service Awards in the “Preventing and combating also organizes different conferences and events within the Sultanate in
corruption in the public service in 2013.” category for Western Asia cooperation with many international institutions such as Thompson
through the reporting portal. The award is one of the most prestigious and Reuters, Hawkamah institute, the International Finance Corporation
distinctive recognitions in the world. (IFC) and other institutions, in order to tighten partnerships, cooperation,
exchange expertise, and experiences. The OCGS has also links with the
National Centre of Financial Information (NCFI) World Bank affiliated IFC, through a training program (enacting and
training Boards of Directors). This is an international program defined by
Oman seeks to fight all form of crimes in all its legal jurisdictions. In the IFC, adhered to until the date of submission of the report by more than
terms of curbing illicit flows of funds, the Sultanate developed its capacity 400 Board of Directors members, representing corporates in their different
to advance the Financial Investigation functioning system. It upgraded legal personalities. The OCGS has also represented the Sultanate in many
the Financial Challenges Unit so that it becomes the National Center of regional and international conferences and presented many working
Financial Information NCFI. The Center exercises its jurisdictions pursuant papers that exhibited the Sultanate’s expertise in the field of corporate and
to Royal Decree. No. (30/2016), Promulgating the Law on Combating enterprise management.

150 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

The Electronic Civil Register: The “Media Draft Law” is now in its final stages and is based on the
provisions of the Basic Statute. The statute stipulates especially in articles
The Sultanate has created an Electronic Civil Register system that (29) and (31): “The freedom of opinion and expression thereof through
registers all Omani citizens births within the Sultanate or abroad, or those speech, writing and other means of expression is guaranteed within the
of expatriates living within the Sultanate. The Law of civil Status issued by limits of the Law” ; “The freedom of the press, printing, and publishing is
Royal Decree no (66/1999) stipulates that all births within the Sultanate guaranteed according to the terms and conditions prescribed by the Law.
and all Omani births abroad shall be reported, and that stakeholders Anything that leads to discord, affects the security of State, or prejudices
must acquire relevant birth certificates within the deadline set forth in the human dignity or rights, is prohibited”.

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law. As of 2017, the electronic link to the Ministry of Health improved the
registration process for all births in the Sultanate, providing them with a Culture
legal identity.

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The tangible and non-tangible cultural heritage and cultural innovation
Media: constitute resources to be carefully protected and managed. They can
each be able to drive the achievement and facilitation of the SDGs, as
The Sultanate has paid attention to media legislations. The Print and cultural innovation is essential to make SDG efforts successful. Therefore,

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Publishing Law was issued in 1984, in a framework of a State of institutions the Sultanate was keen to join and commit to international cultural
and laws under construction. Amendments were also performed later to conventions especially with the many opportunities for the cultural
some articles of the aforementioned law in line with the upcoming era sector, available at national, regional and international levels. This also
requirements. The Sultanate was also one of the first Arab countries to comes with the possibility to grant culture a higher technical value,

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regulate the visual and audio media sector and allow the establishment of making it more effective and relevant to citizens in terms of livelihood

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private Radio and TV stations, especially following the issuance of the Law advancement, and instilling it among the youth through educational
on Private Radio and TV facilities in 2004. institutions.

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The Sultanate has also kept up with the enormous development in new The national efforts within the Sultanate advise linking the handicraft
media. Therefore, it has created electronic information sites online in industry to sustainable development, and invest in handicraft as
order to provide e-services through the e-government system. It has products of creativity. The Oman National Commission for Education,
encouraged the creation of e-newspapers and electronic information sites Culture and Science organized forums that play in favor of such a
as it realized the importance to keep abreast with these developments topic. For example, it organized a forum on cultural heritage in the
worldwide and the need to create new media landscapes. There was also sustainable development of World Heritage Sites related communities.
need to develop the Media legislation system, while updating the existing It seeks to define the importance of local communities in sustainable

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media laws for consolidation under one law entitled "Oman Media Law”. development, raise local awareness on the importance of those
A new law upgraded and developed to meet the new developments of the communities’ sustainable development, and exhibit local success
era. stories in this regard.

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 SDG16: Peace,
Justice and
Strong Institutions

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Challenges and Future Plans to Achieve the 2030 Agenda

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Challenges:

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Preserving identity and fostering responsible citizenship starts from the integration of such concepts in educational curricula, and from bringing
up the new generations based on the pillars of Omani identity and civilizational heritage. The community in general and civil society organizations
play a pivotal role in maintaining cultural and historical heritage through different activities empowered and supported by the government and
private sector. In fact, these activities aim at coordinating and developing national programs that consolidate social cohesion and encourage

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Omani national identity and civilization.

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The Media plays a crucial role in shaping the culture of Omani youth, and finding a balance between the civilizational heritages coupled with the
pillars of the national identity on one hand and the technical advancements to be optimized for building a society with a proud identity on the other

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hand. Educational curricula must also build the national capacities and raise awareness on the importance of the Omani identity, while building
an Omani personality supportive of a sustainable national identity.
Achieving economic growth and social welfare for the community also comes with national, economic and judicial legislations
that keep up with the growth journey. It is linked to the preparation of such legislations in a way that responds to the requirements
of the era and the accelerating change in the world, the empowerment of qualified national competencies to increase confidence
in the legislative system, and the balanced clear and transparent implementation of legislations. Separation of powers and
community engagement are also required alongside building a judicial culture related to the rights and duties of all individuals

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in society.

Future Plans:
Walking towards the future, responding to its developments and maintaining the difference and tolerance of our cultural characteristics is
the most coveted input for Oman Vision 2040. In fact, this vision is built on openness to the world with roots well enshrined and a well-built
understanding of Omani identity components. The cultural activities held in the Sultanate and covering different aspects play an important role
in enhancing citizenship and enshrine this concept among the Omani youth, building pride in their identity. The Sultanate is in fact holder of
cultural, historical and touristic monuments, sites and components able to attract huge numbers of tourists while reflecting the Omani identity
and civilization worldwide.
An effective and independent monitoring system is essential in Oman Vision 2040. The development of a transparent and integrated monitoring
system will enable access to information and its use in improving the growth process. It is the foundation for a harmonized positive relation
between the community and state institutions and enables the monitoring of the state’s administrative authority performance and its commitment
to implement national plans and strategies. It also enshrines the principle of responsibility and accountability against performance, leveraging
the quality of the services provided and building trust among all economic parties and sectors. This also contributes to the protection of Omani
national natural resources and capacities that are considered as property for all.

152 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

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Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG16

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Message of Peace Project:

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In the efforts deployed by the Sultanate of Oman in disseminating the culture aiming at introducing the European community to the value of religious dialogue
of peace, and its contribution to the dialogue of civilizations and seeking the in Oman. The first exhibition was indeed held in 2010 in Germany and Austria.
convergence of views among people, the government launched the Message Starting with Germany, the exhibition was developed to encompass more than

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of Peace Project. The project focuses on fostering and disseminating eight languages in 2012, and now speaks twenty-six languages around the world.

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common human values worldwide namely, dialogue, coexistence and mutual Until December 2018, the exhibition landed in more than 121 stations worldwide
understanding, as a trilogy crucial for the instilment of peace, security, in over 37 countries, while visiting most of the World’s continents and addressing
dialogue and stability based on the civilizational experience Oman has over 11 million visitors. In a few years, the Message of Peace project was able

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witnessed. to build international partnerships with scientific and academic institutions,
In order to translate this into reality, many programs seeking the dissemination universities, colleges and museums in many countries around the world. They
of the common values culture take place in parallel. Among those different resulted in several exchange programs in the fields of religious studies, Arabic
programs, the Message of Peace exhibition encompasses fifty expressive Language teaching and other research fields. The main partners involved were
artworks on general life in the Sultanate, and “Al-Rasael Al Alamiyah (Universal the United Nations and UNESCO. The project was also nominated for the Global
Messages)” an international media campaign aiming at disseminating the culture Peace award twice in a row at UNESCO and the Republic of Korea.
of coexistence and peace via cards published on social media. Another event is In appreciation of Oman’s civilizational role, the exhibition increased in

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the celebration of the International Day for Tolerance and the “Do one thing for significance. In fact, several international bodies expressed their desire to enter
Dialogue” campaign, where international delegations meet in celebration of into partnerships and hold the exhibition in their quarters and institutions,
media campaigns and mass events. namely, UNESCO, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, in addition to
The “Message of Peace” exhibition project was launched in 2009 as a step organizations, universities and cultural and religious centers all over the world.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 153

 Sustainable Development Goals

17 F T
R A Y
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C Partnerships
for the Goals

154 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Key Messages:

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SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals

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• The Sultanate of Oman is always keen to fulfill all its international and regional

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obligations towards different organizations. It recognizes its international
responsibility in different causes that aim to serve humankind in several fields.
It also plays an important role in the convergence of views among neighboring

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and friend countries, and has always sought to assist belligerent states in conflict

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resolution. This important role has been welcomed internationally.
Foreign Direct Investment ratio
• Proud of its history, culture, language, and heritage, and recognizing its to GDP (%) in 2014 and 2016

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responsibility as a member in the international community, the Sultanate seeks
28.8
to find a mutual understanding between cultures, which, in turn, disseminates
the culture of peace and cooperation among states. The Sultanate also supports
24.3
and encourages scientific studies and research. Therefore, it has created chairs
and scientific fellowships holding the name of His Majesty the Sultan – May
God Protect Him – in the greatest universities worldwide specialized in specific

C
academic disciplines, namely, in the political, religious, cultural, economic 2014 2016
and artistic fields. The main aim of such chairs is to encourage reaching a
contemporary international community that lives in peace, and fostering mutual
understanding and tolerance in favor of a greater harmony in a globalized world.
• The Sultanate of Oman is one of the founding members of the Indian Ocean Rim
Association (IORA), an economic organization that encompasses many states
located on the Indian Ocean Rim. The Association aims to foster sustainable
growth and balanced development in the area, while focusing on economic
cooperation that provide the optimum opportunities for development and
mutual benefit.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 155

 SDG17:
Partnerships
for the Goals

T
Oman on the Road to Achieving the Targets of SDG17

F
The Sultanate has adopted the Culture of Peace as a pillar in its The Sultanate recognizes its international responsibility towards
political practice since the beginning of the Omani Renaissance. different causes that aim to serve humankind in several fields, and its
faith that it is a part of the world and a partner for humanity. Therefore,

A
The Sultanate of Oman is always keen to fulfill all its international and represented by the Oman Charitable Organization, the Sultanate has
regional obligations towards different organizations. It recognizes its extended a helping hand at the service of humanity abroad. It seeks
international responsibility towards different causes that aim to serve to mitigate the suffering and pain of the victims of natural disasters
humankind in several fields. It also plays an important role in the or political instability. Its activities include in addition to assistance,

R
convergence of views among neighboring and friend countries, and has relief and reconstruction, conducting development programs and

Y
always sought to assist belligerent states in conflict resolution. This projects that aim to provide livelihoods and build the capacities in many
important role has been welcomed internationally. The Sultanate has developing countries. The Organization’s activities covered many states
adopted the Culture of Peace as a pillar in its political practice since the during the last years. The scope of projects and programs implemented

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beginning of the modern Omani Renaissance. It is based on the firm and adopted in 2017/2018 amounted to around 101.5 million USD.
belief that building processes and national growth and building a modern
state all require the provision of necessary components, mainly the right The Sultanate supports the strengthening of regional and
climate on local, regional and international levels. Since peace is indeed international cooperation
indivisible, and constitutes a highly important value for His Majesty,
peace has been the central topic of Omani policies at different levels, Keen to foster regional and international North-South, South-South,
in the Gulf, regionally and internationally, without any compromise or and tripartite cooperation in science, technology and innovation and

C
overestimations. Thanks to the guidelines of His Majesty and his deep- improve knowledge exchange, the Office of Science, Knowledge &
rooted faith in peace, the Sultanate had the ability and the courage not Technology Transfer was established within the Ministry Of Foreign
only to clearly and honestly express its opinions and vision towards Affairs MOFA. The MOFA has organized the Ocean Economy and Future
situations and developments occurring in the Gulf, the Arab world and Technology Conference in cooperation with the International Forum on
internationally. It has also deployed relentless efforts in implementing Science and Technology Diplomacy. The conference was held for the
its opinions in its relations with other states, whilst maintaining Oman’s first time in the region with the participation of different bodies from
basic principles. His Majesty has asserted how essential this is in his the governmental, industrial and academic sectors. The topic was
Speech delivered on the glorious 28th National Day. “In our opinion, while linked to the international specialized sustainable development agenda.
at the gates of a new millenary, our most vital obligation is to work The Sultanate was nominated to lead international efforts for the
with states on fighting injustice and tyranny, curb ethnic cleansing and achievement of SDG14, set forth by the United Nations and entitled: “Life
embrace human dignity, fight the occupation of other states’ territories Below Water”. Many preliminary Memoranda of understanding were
and denying their legitimate rights” he said. “We must create a justice also set with international institutions to build the national capacities
system equitable for those suffering from injustice, in order to enshrine in the field of ocean economy. The Conference also recommended
peace, security and welfare all over the globe” he added. This important the deployment of relentless efforts for the achievement of economic
endeavor is clearly reflected in Omani policies and positions, in a way diversity through focusing on the ocean economy sector, and the
that has increased the Sultanate’s credibility and grown stronger with coordination with the GCC secretariat to foster Science and technology
different conjunctures and developments in the region. diplomacy in the area through the diplomatic training.

The Sultanate of Oman is an active member in different UN international On another note, the Sultanate is considered one of the founding
organizations deliberation and debates and is keen to fulfill international members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), an economic
and regional obligations towards different organizations. organization established in 1997 that encompasses many states located
on the Indian Ocean Rim. The Association aims to foster sustainable

156 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

growth and balanced development in the area, while focusing on Eighteenth Annual Conference on “The Role of Arab Governments in
economic cooperation that provides the optimum opportunities for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030” organized by the
development and mutual benefit. The sultanate hosts the headquarters Ministry of Civil Service in cooperation with the Arab League’s Arab
of the IORA Fisheries Support Unit, under the supervision of the Ministry Organization for Administrative Development ARADO in 2018.
of Agriculture and Fishers. The Sultanate is also supposed to host the

T
Tourism Resources Center and the Maritime Shipping Board, due to At the international level, the Sultanate cooperates with UN organizations
signing the related Headquarters Agreements. Both the Center and endeavoring for the achievement of the 2030 SDGs, namely the United
the Board will operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Tourism Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia ESCWA that

F
and the Ministry of Transport & Communications respectively. It is holds several events, particularly the Arab Forum for Sustainable
noteworthy that the IORA Fisheries Support Unit was able during its Development AFSD in which the Sultanate participated twice in 2018
course of work to conduct eight workshops within the Sultanate and and 2019. In the framework of exchange of experience and capacity
abroad, attended by representatives from the rest of the member building, the Sultanate participated in many workshops related to the

A
countries. All this confirms that international cooperation is crucial to SDGs indicators, organized by the United Nations. It also attended the
achieve development targets. first and second UN World Data Forum in 2017 and 2018 respectively,
while implementing several projects in cooperation with UNICEF and
The Sultan Qaboos scientific chairs and a leading role in developing the UN Population Fund (UFPA).

R
human knowledge.

Y
The Sultanate is also keen to encourage and foster public partnerships,
In the framework of exchanging knowledge and sciences, the Sultanate and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in addition to effective civil
has established several scientific chairs holding the name of His Majesty sector partnerships to benefit from the expertise acquired thereof,

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Sultan Qaboos – May God Protect Him – in the greatest universities and the strategies for resource mobilization. The Oman Center for
specialized in different academic disciplines worldwide; (16) Scientific Governance and Sustainability OCGS, established in 2015, strengthens
chairs have been established in several famous universities around the the partnership between the private sector and civil society
world. A number of chairs are specialized in studies related to the Middle organizations, through the Draft Sustainability Charter, a one of a kind
East and Arab and Islamic culture at the universities in (Tokyo, Beijing, project launched in the Sultanate. This project takes place in cooperation
Georgetown, Melbourne, Oxford, Cambridge, Laden University in the with an Omani specialized institution in the field of social responsibility
Netherlands, Al al-Bayt University in Jordan, and the College of William and sustainability, and with the involvement of 34 public and private

C
& Mary in the United States). Two IT specialized chairs were created in sector institutions and different associations. The society has also been
Lahore and Karachi Universities in Pakistan while other ones specialized involved through the questionnaire published on the OCGS’s website.
in environmental issues were established in Utrecht University in the
Netherlands and the Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain. His Majesty’s Through its membership program, the OCGS provides a platform for
Chair in US Harvard University is specialized in International Relations. the strengthening of the beneficiary’s relations in terms of exchange of
information and expertise revolving around all aspects of governance
Regional and Global partnerships for achieving sustainable and sustainability. This is possible through an annual gathering of the
development. members that opens the door for them to get introduced to the best local
and international practices in both fields. The annual training programs
In order to strengthen global partnerships to achieve sustainable the Center conducts in both fields form a melting pot for all government
development, the Sultanate has always sought to cooperate with and private sectors. The OCGS has also contributed in the preparation
its regional, Arab and global surroundings through regional, Arab of policies and guidelines for charitable associations, different state
and international organizations and bodies. On the regional level, the institutions, and the public and private sector businesses governance.
Sultanate cooperates with the Gulf Cooperation Council in exchanging
experiences and knowledge and capacity building. It also hosts the GCC- The OCGS has held its first annual conference on sustainability in
STAT that issued its first report on the progress in achieving the 2030 December 2018. The conference was indeed dedicated to the definition
Sustainable Development Goals within the GCC. The report includes of the concept of sustainability and the SDGs, and its importance in
data and information related to the seventeen SDGs. business environment in particular, and the economy in general. It is
keen to shed the light on the Sustainability Charter and sustainable
In its Arab surroundings, the Sultanate participates in different development priorities in different sectors within the sultanate.
gatherings, meetings and events organized by the League of Arab States Therefore, the conference witnessed the presence of over 300 local and
in the SDGs 2030 follow-up and achievement scopes. It also hosted the foreign attendees.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 157

 SDG17:
Partnerships
for the Goals

T
Challenges and Future Plans to Achieve the 2030 Agenda

F
Challenges:

A
A healthy regulatory framework for civil society institutions will foster their capacities in

R Y
implementing programs effectively responding to the community’s needs, in partnership with
the public and private sectors. A firm and strict legal framework in privatization and partnership,

D OP
especially the PPPs solid infrastructures are also crucial in this regard.

C
Future Plans:

Ensuring a sustainable institutional performance in the futuristic Oman 2040 vision, is founded on the
establishment of a balanced and transparent partnership between public, private and civil society stakeholders,
in addition to individuals. This will contribute to a better quality in economic development management, pushing
it further forward. As a result, the Omani economy will become knowledge-based, able to keep pace with the
latest industrial and technical advancements. This tendency accompanies a definition of the governmental
sector role that must remain within the optimum amplitude, seeking to enable partnerships with other sectors
and individuals, motivating them towards new economic and development roles.

158 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 T
Major Initiatives to Achieve SDG17

A F
1- Sultan Qaboos Scientific Chairs:

Seeking to make the Sultanate’s role in developing human of William & Mary in the United States). Two IT specialized chairs

R
knowledge more visible, (16) scientific chairs have been established were created in Lahore and Karachi Universities in Pakistan while

Y
in several famous universities around the world. A number of other ones specialized in environmental issues were established
chairs are specialized in studies related to the Middle East and in Utrecht University in the Netherlands and the Arabian Gulf
Arab and Islamic culture at the universities in (Tokyo, Beijing, University in Bahrain. His Majesty’s Chair in US Harvard University

D OP
Georgetown, Melbourne, Oxford, Cambridge, Laden University in is also specialized in International Relations.
the Netherlands, Al al-Bayt University in Jordan, and the College

2- Sultan Qaboos college for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers:

C
The college was established based on the high command of His into six levels. Each course is 160 hours long presented over eight
Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said – May God Protect Him – in order weeks, in addition to a complementary extra-curricular cultural
to strengthen the attention of HM towards Arabic, and in response program. The college also uses interactive software for teaching
to the contemporary requirements and those related to the global Arabic for continuous learning during extra-curricular hours,
openness to the world’s peoples. anywhere and anytime. Thus, students will be able to study the
The college provides quality Arabic language programs for non- content and perform curricular exercises and accompanying
native speakers in an authentic language and cultural environment. tests, receiving results immediately.
Thus, it aims to help learners acquire basic knowledge in Arabic Realizing that language learning is impossible without culture, the
listening, speaking, reading, writing and knowledge skills college provides an integrated cultural program for a maximized
enabling them to communicate with the Arabic contemporary benefit in an authentic Arab environment. The program contains
culture. The college also aims to provide an opportunity for non- weekly outings to the most important historical and touristic
native speakers to acquire the Arabic language skills and enable natural and archeological sites and monuments in the Sultanate,
cultural communication with the society, while contributing in the and the hosting of speakers and specialists to deliver lectures on
dissemination of Arabic among peoples and introducing them to different historical, cultural, social and economic aspects.
the Arab and Islamic nation civilization via its authentic heritage The college welcomes yearly over 200 students from around the
sources. These efforts will foster human links among Arab and world. The number of the college’s student nationalities reached
foreign speakers. The college is located in Manah, Al Dakhiliyah over 45 in 2018. The college has celebrated the end of the course
Governorate. 33 in February 2019.
The college provides short term Arabic Language courses divided

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 159

 F T
R A Y
D OP
C Conclusion

160 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

The Sustainable Development Goals in their three social, economic
and environmental dimensions never missed the development Through the tenth five-year plan (2021-2025), the first executive
plans and national strategies of Oman since the beginning of its plan for the vision for the future (Oman 2040), the Sultanate
renaissance. The government’s political management was present, will seek to intensify efforts in priority fields to integrate the
in a way that clearly reflects the sultanate’s commitment to the UN Agenda. In so doing it will implement a set of initiatives and

T
implementation of the 2030 Agenda, incorporating the 17 goals programs on the short and medium term as follows:
into the Oman National Vision 2040.
• Ensure the participation of the largest parts of the community,

F
The personality of Omani individuals fond of love, peace, and tolerance, including different governorates and the youth, provide all
rejecting all forms of discrimination and enshrining the principle of forms of support for the community’s communication lines in
integration and the acceptance of others through communication and order to raise awareness, enlarge the scope of participation and
dialogue, reflects the authenticity and deep roots of the sustainable disseminate the sustainable development culture especially at the

A
development goals and values. This is obvious through many local level.
examples and initiatives conducted by Oman, namely the “Message • Build an integrated dashboards-based system to monitor
of Peace from Oman”, through which Oman was able to disseminate progress indicators at the level of the SDG 2030 goals and targets,
the values of peace, tolerance and love in most countries in the world. while aligning achievements with national targets periodically.

R
Another project is the One Million Date Palm Trees, to achieve national • Build partnerships and ensure effort complementarity and

Y
food security, and the Road safety research program that significantly coordination, with priority setting based on a vision with clearly
reduced traffic accidents. Other programs include MIRAAH for clean defined objectives and roles, that seeks to achieve the SDGs
energy production, considered one of the largest projects in the Middle among key partners (the government – the private sector –civil

D OP
East, in addition to the National Youth Program for Skills Development society).
in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Era. • Strengthen and support the role of the National Committee
for the follow-up on the Sustainable Development Goals, and
The first Voluntary Report on the SDGs 2030 for the Sultanate national working groups in ministries and authorities in a way
of Oman tackles the economic, demographic and technological that achieves their objectives. For instance, coordinating efforts
challenges burdening the entire world, including the Sultanate. The and monitoring SDG 2030 achievement progress, involving
report also monitors the current situation namely regarding the stakeholders and submitting periodic reports regarding the levels

C
alignment of the SDGs and the efforts deployed, challenges and plans. of implementation of the SDGs.
It monitors initiatives towards the SDGs achievement undertaken by • Support SDGs programs and initiatives for different governorates
the government and partners from the private sector, civil society of the Sultanate; develop their local communities in terms of
institutions, in addition to the Council of Oman (consisting of State infrastructure, government services, public utilities, and an
Council and the Shura Council) joining hands in a unified integrated investment friendly regulatory environment, based on available
system aiming to achieve a better future for Oman. Citizens and resources. The new technologies will be encouraged in addition
residents will thus enjoy social and economic welfare without harming to the sustainable optimal use of available land and natural
the ecosystem, natural resources and the future generations. resources, in a way that entails excellence and effectiveness in
investment.
The Sultanate of Oman has always been an active member in
all United Nations deliberations and debates related to the The Sultanate of Oman is committed to achieving the SDGs in their
former Millennium Development Goals or the SDGs three social, economic and environmental dimensions within set
agenda 2030. To name but a few examples, SDG4 deadlines. Despite major challenges, the Sultanate is ever determined
(quality education and related targets) drafted and confident in its journey towards achieving these SDGs. It benefits
in the World Conference on Education for All, from a large span of credits based on its international relations with
held in May 2014 in the Sultanate, was Arab, regional and international surroundings. It also benefits from
named the “Muscat Declaration”. the support of a widespread community engagement in the design,
implementation and assessment of plans, policies and programs
set forth to face such challenges. The Sultanate firmly believes that
exchanging experiences and expertise of different states at such
a high level will be pivotal in achieving these most coveted goals
according to the Agenda agreed upon.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 161

 F T
R A Y
D OP
C
The Committee on
the Sustainable
Development Goals
Indicators

162 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

The SDG Information Board Preparation Methodology 1- SDGs Central Information Board:

T
The Sustainable Development Goals Information Board monitors It assesses the progress in the performance of the SDGs according to
the progress in achieving the Sultanate's SDGs through comparing the targets that have been set forth for measuring the plates to the

F
and measuring the development over time. It also represents a following levels:
quantitative tool in identifying challenges to achieve these goals,
helping to prioritize early intervention, and formulating potential
strategies for achieving the SDGs by 2030. This Information According Positive results

A
Board is presented on two levels: to the goals in target implementation

• Level 1: According to the results of the targets measured, Towards achieving Some positive results
the Central Information Board assesses the level of progress the goals in target implementation

R
towards the SDGs.

Y
Away Negative results
• Level 2: Indicators and Information Board that reached (100)
from the goals in target implementation
indicators which reflect (72) targets and cover the 17 SDGs

D OP
have been audited according to international methodologies
by the National Center for Statistics and Information.
Additionally, further indicators are planned to be added in
subsequent publications.

The signal and color system (green, yellow, and red) used by 2- 2. Goals and Indicators Information Boards
the boards indicate the extent to which the country is close to

C
or away from achieving a particular goal. Furthermore, it helps It assesses the achievement of SDGs by measuring the overall trend
in measuring the general trend of performance in the previous of indicator value chains. The evaluation results are divided into the
years, in which it is possible to infer whether it is on track to following levels:
achieve a specific SDG by 2030. Through this assessment, areas
that require faster progress can be identified. In order to measure
the process of assessing progress in achieving the SDGs, we Indicators related to Goals and Targets
Achieved Goals achieved positive results before 2030
have relied on the following methodology:

Towards achieving Indicators show a progress near to

the Goals achieve the Goals and Targets in 2030

Average The Goals and Targets indicators reflect

achievement of disparities in performance with the
the Goals possibility of achievement by 2030

The indicators face challenges in

Challenges to pursuing the Goals and Targets
achieve the Goals achievement by the year 2030

Goals have not The Goals are not evaluated for the lack
been evaluated .of time sequence for index values

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 163

 Central Information Board

F T
R A Y
D OP
C According to the Goals

Towards achieving the goals

Away from the goals

164 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

Performance Evaluation in achieving the Sultanate's Sustainable Development Goals

Indicator Value Period Assessment

T
SDG1: No Poverty

F
1.1.1 The proportion of population living below the international poverty line ($
0 % 2015

A
1.90)

1.4.2 The proportion of citizens with a guaranteed right to own lands (as a

R
percentage of the total number of adults) who have official documents and 100 % 2015

Y
whose ownerships are guaranteed

D OP
1.5.3 The number of countries with national and local strategies to mitigate The Sultanate has a
 - 
disasters Strategy

1.5.4 The percentage of local governments that adopt and implement local The Sultanate has a
 - 
disaster risk reduction strategies in line with National Strategies for Disaster Strategy

C
1.A.2 The percentage of government expenditure on essential services (such
as: education, health and social protection) of total government expenditure:

- Education 15.0 % 2017

- Health 6.3 % 2017

- Social Security and Welfare 3.9 % 2017

- Total 25.1 % 2017

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 165

 Indicator Value Period Assessment

SDG2: Zero Hunger

T
1.2.2 Stunting prevalence rate (height for age under two standard deviations
11.4 % 2017
from the WHO child growth chart) among children under 5 years

F
2.2.2 Prevalence of malnutrition (weight for height under two or more
standard deviations from WHO's child growth chart) among children under 5
classified by quality:

A
- Wasting 9.3 % 2017

- Overweigh 3.1 % 2017

R Y
2.A.1 Agricultural Orientation Index of Government Expenditure: The
percentage of government expenditure on agriculture out of total government 0.86 % 2017
expenditure

D OP
2.C.1 Food price discrepancies index 103 2017

SDG3: Health and Well-Being

C
3.1.1 Maternal mortality rate (number of deaths per 100,000 live births) 15.2 2018

3.1.2 The percentage of birth under the supervision of competent health

98.7 % 2017
specialists (%)

3.2.1 Mortality rate for children under 5 (number of deaths per 1,000 live
11.4 2017
birth)

3.2.2 Newborns mortality rate (number of deaths for 1,000 live birth) 6.3 2017

3.3.1 Number of new HIV infections (for Omanis) (per 1,000 uninfected
0.06 2017
people)

3.3.2 Tuberculosis prevalence rate (per 1,000 people) 0.06 2017

3.3.3 Number of malaria cases (per 1,00 people) 0.002 2017

3.3.4 Number of Hepatitis B infections (per 100,000 people) 0.72 2017

166 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 Indicator Value Period Assessment

3.3.5 Number of people requiring interventions to control neglected tropical

50 2017
diseases

T
3.4.1 Mortality rate due to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and
138.7 2017
chronic respiratory diseases (for Omanis) (per 100,000 citizens)

F
3.4.2 Suicide mortality rate (for Omanis) (per 100,000 citizens) 0.29 2017

3.6.1 Death rate from road traffic injuries (per 100,000 population) 14.04 2017

A
3.7.1 Percentage of women of childbearing age (15-49 years old) who have
62.5 % 2014
had access to modern family planning methods

R Y
3.7.2 Adolescent birth rate (per 1,000 women in the same group age):

D OP
- group age 15-19 years 12.5 2017

3.8.1 Coverage of basic health services (defined as the average of basic services
based on tracking interventions that include reproductive, maternal, newborn
and child health, infectious and non-communicable diseases, and the ability 75 % 2017
to provide and access services among the general population and the most
disadvantaged).
3.8.2 Percentage of population with high family expenditure on health as a

C
2.3 % 2008
proportion of total household expenditure or income.

3.9.1 Mortality attributable to air pollution in the household and its

11.2 2017
environment (per 100,000 inhabitants).

3.9.2 Mortality attributable to unsafe water and sanitation and lack of

cleaning materials (exposure to unsafe hygiene services), (per 100,000 0.04 2017
inhabitants).

3.9.3 Mortality rates due to unintentional poisoning (for Omanis) (per 100,000
0.0 2017
inhabitants).

3. A.1 Standardized prevalence rate for tobacco use by persons aged 15 and 6% (for Omanis)
2017
above. 8% (for total population

3. B.1 The proportion of the population with permanent access to basic

100 % 2017
medicines and vaccines at affordable prices.

3. B.3 Percentage of health institutions with a basic sustainable and

100 % 2017
affordable supply of medication.

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 167

 Indicator Value Period Assessment

3.C.1 Health professionals’ rate (number of workers in the medical field per
10,000 persons)

T
- Nurses 43.7 2017

- Pharmacists 5.4 2017

F
- Dentists 3.0 2017

- General Doctors 20.1 2017

A
3.D.1 The capacity to implement international health regulations and
90 % 2017
preparedness to address health emergencies

R
SDG4: Quality Education

Y
4.1.1 The percentage of children / youth: (a) in second / third grade, (b) at

D OP
the end of the primary level, (c) at the end of the first stage of secondary
education who had achieved at least the minimum proficiency in reading and
mathematics according to gender.

- Reading (Fourth Grade) 59 % 2016

- Mathematics (Fourth Grade) 60 % 2015

C
- Mathematics (Eighth Grade) 52 % 2015

4.2.1 The percentage of children below five enjoying a healthy growth,

68 % 2014
learning and psychological well-being by gender:

- Reading and Calculation 36.7 % 2014

- Health Growth 92 % 2014

- Psychological Well-Being 68.4 % 2014

- Learning 83.8 % 2014

4.2.2 The rate of participation in formal learning (one year before the official
68.2 % 2016
age of enrollment in primary education) for citizens based on gender:

- Male 67.3 % 2016

- Female 69.2 % 2016

168 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 Indicator Value Period Assessment

4.5.1 Equality index (female / male) ratio enrolled in:

- Primary Education 0.995 2016  /  2017

T
- Complementary Education 0.980 2016  /  2017

F
- Secondary Education 0.997 2016 / 2017

4.6.1 Reading and writing skills rate for the population aged 15 and above 96.3 2018

A
4.7.1 (a) The extent of global citizenship education, (b) education for

R
sustainable development which includes gender equality and human rights at Yes  - 

Y
all levels (national policy level), (curriculum level), and (professor level)

D OP
4.A.1 Percentage of schools with access to:

- Electrical Power 100 % 2010 - 2017

- Internet for educational purposes 91 % 2010 - 2017

- Computers for educational reasons 100 % 2010 - 2017

C
- Infrastructures and materials suitable for students with disabilities  -   - 

- Basic health facilities for each gender 100 % 2010 - 2017

- Basic facilities for hand washing 100 % 2010 - 2017

4.C.1 The percentage of teachers who received a minimum of formal training

(such as training in education) prior to or during their service in order to be
able to teach at the appropriate level:

- Pre-primary education  - 

- Primary Education 100 % 2016

- Intermediate Education 100 % 2016

- Secondary Education 100 % 2016

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 169

 Indicator Value Period Assessment

SDG5: Gender Equality

T
5.1.1 The availability or lack of legislative frameworks to promote, enforce The Basic Statute of the
1996
and monitor gender equality and non-discrimination State

F
5.3.1 The percentage of women between the ages of 20 and 24 who got
married under the age of 15 and 18 years

A
- Under 15 1.2 % 2014

- Under 18 4.0 % 2014

R Y
5.4.1 The percentage of time spent for unpaid domestic work and care (for
citizens) based on gender:

D OP
- Male 8.1 % 2008

- Female 19.2 % 2008

5.5.1 The percentage of seats held by women in national parliaments and

local governments:

C
- National Parliament (2015-2019) 9.0 % 2015 - 2019

- Municipalities and local councils 3.5 % 2016 - 2020

5.5.2 The percentage of women in managerial positions:

- Undersecretary of Ministry (including the head of the authority) 5.8 2017

- Ambassador 7.1 2017

- General Manager and similar positions 7.5 2017

- Consultant 5.6 2017

- Director of Directorate 9.6 2017

- Head of Section 13.8 2017

170 First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019

 Indicator Value Period Assessment

5.6.1 The percentage of women aged between 15 and 49 who make their own
decisions about sexual relations, contraceptive use and reproductive health care
- The proportion of married Omani women between the ages of 15-49 who
29.5 % 2014

T
use family planning

- The percentage of women who received care during pregnancy 99.6 % 2017

F
5.6.2 The number of countries with laws and regulations ensuring that women
aged between 15 and 49 receive sexual and reproductive health care, information
and education:

- Sexual health care services for women (yes/no) Yes  - 

A
- Reproductive health services for women (yes/no) Yes  - 

R
5. A.1. (a) The proportion of people who own or enjoy guaranteed rights in agricultural

Y
land (out of the total agricultural population) based on gender; (b) Share of women among
owners or holders of rights in agricultural land, by type of tenure

D OP
Number or plots of agricultural lands owned 101026 2017

-Males 81125 2017

-Females 8889 2017

-Common 11012 2017

C
5.A.2 The percentage of countries in which the legal framework (including
customary law) guarantees women rights equally in land ownership and / or Yes: The Basic Statute
control of the State and Royal 2008
- Official legal framework (yes/no) Decree no. (125/2008)
- Customary legal framework (yes/no)

5.B.1 The percentage of individuals with mobile phones based on gender: 91 % 2016

- Males 94 % 2016

- Females 87 % 2016

- Number of mobile users (millions) 6.87 2016

5.C.1 The percentage of countries with systems for allocating and tracking
public allocations for gender equality and women’s empowerment (yes/no)

- A public budget allocation system for gender equality

- A tracking system for public allocations for gender equality Yes  - 
- A tracking system for public allocations for women’s empowerment

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 Indicator Value Period Assessment

SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation

T
6.1.1 The percentage of population benefiting from safe drinking water
98.7 % 2016
services

F
6.2.1 The percentage of population benefiting from the proper management
99 % 2014
of sanitation services, including hand washing facilities with soap and water

A
6.3.1 The percentage of safe sewage treatment 100 % 2018

6.3.2 The percentage of water bodies coming from a good quality of

75 % 2018
surrounding water

R Y
6.4.1 Change in water use efficiency over a period of time 47 3‫ م‬/ ‫دوالر‬ 2018

D OP
6.4.2 The volume of water pressure: fresh water extracted as a proportion of
128 % 2018
available water resources

6.5.1 The implementation extent of Integrated Water Resources Management

38 % 2018
(IWRM)

SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy

C
7.1.1 The percentage of population benefiting from electric power services 100 % 2017

7.1.2 The proportion of population relying mainly on clean fuels and technology

• Clean fuel 98.9 % 2014

• Clean Technology 99.3 % 2014

SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

8.2.1 The annual growth rate per capita out of real Gross Domestic Product
 - 1.4 % 2017
(GDP), (In USD)

8.5.1 Unemployment rate according to gender, group age and persons with
disabilities

- The rate of jobseekers (Omanis) 1.7 % 2017

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 Indicator Value Period Assessment

8.6.1 The percentage of Omani youth (aged between 15 and 24 years) outside
19.4 % 2016 - 2017
education, employment and training

T
8.9.1 The direct contribution of tourism to the GDP in percentage and growth rate
2.6 % 2017
- The direct contribution of tourism to the GDP in percentage

8.10.1 The number of commercial banks branches and ATMs per 100,000 adults

F
12.3 2017
- The number of branches of commercial banks per 100,000 of the population

SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

A
9.1.1 The proportion of rural population living two kilometers away from a suitable road
in all seasons

R Y
- Relative distribution of families in villages according to the distance from asphalt roads:

Less than 1 km 83.9 % 2016

D OP
Between 1 and 5 km 8.4 % 2016

More than 5 km 7.7 % 2016

9.1.2 The number of passengers (airfare) and volume of shipment, based on transportation means

- Number of passengers on airplanes (per million) 11.3 2015

C
- Commodity volume (per million tons):

Transported by sea 25.0 2015

Transported by land 10.5 2015

9.2.1 The added value of manufacturing as a share of GDP per capita

- The added value of manufacturing as a share of GDP at constant prices 9.3 % 2017

- Per capita added value for manufacturing (in OMR) 582.3 2017

- Per capita added value for manufacturing (in USD) 1584.9 2017

9.2.2 The manufacturing employment as a share of total manpower 11 % 2017

9.5.1 Research and development expenditures as a share of the GNP 0.22 2017

9.5.2 Research staff rate (full-time equivalent) per 1 million inhabitants 239 2017

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 Indicator Value Period Assessment

9.C.1 The share of the population covered by mobile phone networks in terms
of technology:

- 3G mobile network 99.04 % 2017

T
- LTE/WiMAX mobile network 92.13 % 2017

F
SDG10: Reduced Inequality

A
10.1.1 The average growth rate of Omani households' share of expenditure 0.41 % 2010 - 2011

10.4.1 The share of labor in GDP, including wages and social protection

R
39.9 % 2017
payments

Y
SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

D OP
The Ministry of Environment
11. B.2 The percentage of local governments adopting and implementing and Climate Affairs has  - 
local disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the national ones. in place a Disaster Risk
Reduction Strategy

C
SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Number of countries that have national plans for sustainable consumption and
production or have integrated them into national policies as a priority or objective Yes, the Ninth
Does the State have national action plans for sustainable consumption and Development Plan 2016
production? (Yes/No) (2016-2020)
Is the State incorporating national plans into national policies as a priority? (Yes/No)

SDG13: Climate Action

13.1.2 The number of countries adopting and implementing national The Sultanate already has
strategies for disaster risk reduction in line with the SANDAI Framework for a Disaster Risk Reduction  - 
Disaster Risk Reduction for 2015-2030 Strategy at the national level

The Sultanate already has

13.1.3 The proportion of local governments adopting and implementing local
a Disaster Risk Reduction  - 
disaster risk reduction strategies in line with national framework
Strategy at the local level

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 Indicator Value Period Assessment

SDG14: Life Below Water

T
14.5.1 The coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas 65 % 2019

The Sultanate strictly

F
implements measures to
combat illegal, unreported
14.6.1 The progress by States in the implementation of international and unregulated fishing,
and has recorded a full point  - 
instruments to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in this indicator, which has

A
helped in achieving the
highest performance in the
index.

R
-There is an institutional

Y
framework in the Ministry
of Agriculture and
Fisheries, and a legal

D OP
framework via the Law on
14. B.1 Are there any legal, organizational, political or institutional Fishing and the Protection
 - 
frameworks for the protection of water resources? (Yes/No) of Water Resources.
- The Sultanate is
implementing strict
procedures for access to
resources and markets for
small-scale fisheries.

C
SDG15: Life on Land

15-1-2 Surface of natural reserves compared to land surface 3.7 % 2019

15-1-2 Progress achieved in establishing sustainable forest management

Percentage of forest lands within legally created reserve areas 22 % 2017

15.3.1 The percentage of degraded land to total land area 7.3 % 2000 - 2015

15.5.1 The coverage of reserve areas for important sites for mountain
15 % 2019
biodiversity

15.4.2 The Green Hills List Index 49.9 % 2017

15.5.1 The Red List Index 0.91 % 2018

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 175

 Indicator Value Period Assessment

SDG16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

T
16.1.1 The number of victims of deliberate murder per 100,000 inhabitants,
0.5 2017
according to their age and gender

16.2.1 The percentage of children who are aged between 1 and 17 years and

F
have been subjected to any physical punishment and / or psychological abuse
by caregivers in the previous month (citizens)

• Physical punishment 0.0027 2015

A
• Psychological abuse 0.0001 2015

R Y
16.2.2 The number of human trafficking victims per 100,000 inhabitants
according to their gender, group age and type of exploitation. 2 2017
- Number of cases of human trafficking (per 100,000 inhabitants)

D OP
16.A.1 The existence of independent national human rights institutions in
compliance with the Paris Principles Yes, Omani Commission
 - 
- Are there independent national human rights institutions committed to the for Human Rights
Paris Principles (Yes / No)

C
SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals

17.3.1 Foreign Direct Investment, Official Development Assistance (ODA) and

South-South Cooperation, as a share of the total domestic budget.

• FDI (billion OMR) 7.4 2016

• FDI ratio of GDP (%) 28.8 % 2016

17.3.2 The volume of remittances (in US dollars) as a share of GDP.

• Volume of remittances (billion OMR) 3.775 2017

• The volume of remittances as a percentage of the GDP (%) 13.9 % 2017

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17.5.1 The number of countries adopting and implementing investment

incentive systems for the least developed countries. Yes, Foreign Capital
  -  
• Does the State adopt and implement investment incentive systems for the Investment Law

T
least developed countries (Yes / No)

17.6.2 The number of broadband Internet subscriptions per 100 persons,

F
according to speed:

256 kbps to 2 Mbps 0.14 2017

A
2 Mbps to 10 Mbps 6.39 2017

R Y
above 10 Mbps 1.12 2017

D OP
17.8.1 The percentage of individuals using Internet 77 % 2016

The National Commission

for the achievement of the

C
SDGs, in cooperation with
17.16.1 The number of countries reporting on progress made through the the National Center for
framework of an effective multi-stakeholder monitoring system that supports Statistics and Information  - 
the achievement of sustainable development goals and the concerned parties,
shall carry out follow-up
reports and progress in
achieving the goals.

17.18.2 The number of countries with national statistical legislation that

adhere to the basic principles of official statistics. Yes, the Omani Statistical
 - 
- Is there any national statistical legislation that complies with the basic Code
principles of official statistics? (Yes / No)

17.19.2 The percentage of countries that have (a) conducted a general

population and housing census in the past 10 years; (b) registered 100 Yes, the General
percent of births and 80 percent of deaths. Population Census for 2010
A) Has the State implemented a population census over the past 10 years? 2010
(Yes / No)

First Voluntary National Review of The Sultanate of Oman 2019 177

 F T
R A Y
D OP
C
 F T
R A Y
D OP
C
 F T
R A Y
D OP
C Sustainable
Development

2030
‫اﻟﺘﻨﻤﻴﺔ اﻟﻤﺴﺘﺪاﻣﺔ‬

2030
National committee for achieving ‫اﻟﻠﺠﻨﺔ اﻟﻮﻃﻨﻴﺔ ﻟﻠﺘﺤﻘﻴﻖ‬
sustainable development Goals ‫أﻫﺪاف اﻟﺘﻨﻤﻴﺔ اﻟﻤﺴﺘﺪاﻣﺔ‬

Moving Forward
with Confidence