Oman’s Vision 2040 places a strong emphasis on employment and labour market development as key national priorities. At the heart of this vision is the goal of cultivating a highly skilled, innovative, and productive workforce. To achieve this, Oman is concentrating on aligning skills with labour market needs by prioritizing the development of soft skills, enhancing digital literacy among youth, and building job-specific expertise.

The National Framework for Future Skills published in (2021) and developed to support this mission, providing a comprehensive roadmap for equipping Oman’s workforce with the necessary skills for global competitiveness. Through this initiative, Oman aims to develop a shared and unified language and stronger alignment between education and the job market.. As part of this framework, Oman introduced Khuta, a national career guidance platform launched in 2023. Khuta offers students and job seekers access to many services such as career advice, CV tools, entrepreneurial traits and career interests assessment tests, and free courses align with the Future Skills Framework. These efforts highlight Oman’s commitment to fostering a culture of lifelong learning and bridging gaps between education and labour market readiness. 

Approach and Actions 

The development of Oman’s National Framework for Future Skills reflects dedicated effort and collaboration between all stakeholders. Initiated in 2013, the framework serves as a national reference for embedding future and essential skills into educational and training systems, spanning early education, higher education, and the labour market. Its development involved a comprehensive analysis of established frameworks from many countries such as Canada, Finland, and Singapore, leading to a skills taxonomy tailored to Oman’s needs. This taxonomy is organized into three broad categories—basic, applied, and technical skills—further broken down into 14 specific competencies, including foundational skills like reading, writing, and mathematics, alongside skills such as creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, data management, among others.

Collaboration with diverse stakeholders has been integral to the framework's development. A national team, comprising government representatives (e.g., Ministries of Education and Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation), industry representatives (e.g., the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry), educational institutions, and some Professional Associations led its development. Through ongoing consultations, the team ensured the framework aligns with both local and global skill requirements while fostering cross-sector collaboration. Oman plans a comprehensive review of the framework in consultation with stakeholders in 2025 to maintain its relevance.

Educational institutions across Oman are tasked with implementing the framework by embedding its principles into curricula and activities. While national guidelines provide a structured approach, institutions retain the flexibility to adapt skill acquisition practices to their specific needs. For instance, critical thinking skills are introduced at the elementary level and progressively developed through middle school, high school, and higher education, ensuring a seamless and practical application of this skill throughout a learner’s academic journey.

A key enabler of the framework's objectives is Khuta, an interactive platform designed to bridge the gap between education and employment. Khuta offers tools such as professional consultations, a CV generator, and access to free, high-quality training programs aligned with the Future Skills Framework. With over 1,500 academic and vocational programs, as well as a special emphasis on professional certifications, Khuta addresses the increasing demand for targeted qualifications in Oman’s dynamic job market. Also, to ensure inclusivity, the latest version of the Khuta platform includes services for individuals with special needs.

By integrating the skills framework into textbooks, curricula, academic programs, and professional development initiatives, Oman is embedding the principles of lifelong learning into its education and workforce systems, paving the way for a future-ready and competitive labour market.

Key Lessons Learned 

• Clear and Simple Skills Language: Creating a straightforward and universally comprehensible taxonomy fosters seamless adoption across all levels of education and employment. A clear framework ensures consistency and accessibility, making it easier for institutions, educators, and employers to align efforts and achieve shared goals.  
• Strategic Partnerships with the Education Industry: Through partnerships with education industry, Oman provides access to high-quality, industry-relevant training resources aligned with future skills demands. Offering free and accessible courses linked to the national framework enhances inclusivity, enabling individuals across diverse backgrounds to develop essential skills and participate in the labour market. 
• Ongoing Stakeholder Engagement: Regular consultation with a diverse range of stakeholders ensures the framework remains dynamic, adaptable, and responsive to emerging trends and workforce needs. This collaborative approach fosters shared ownership and sustained relevance in a rapidly changing global landscape.