Muscat: The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology announced that in 2023, it successfully conducted 85 training programs as part of the National Initiative for Digital Competencies (Makeen). The main objective of these programs was to equip Omani youth with modern digital skills.
This announcement was made during the annual Makeen forum, which was organized by the Ministry under the patronage of Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al Shaibani, the Minister of Education.
A total of 5,000 beneficiaries took part in the program, implementing 1,636 practical application projects and receiving over 480 technical accreditation certificates.
Eng. Said Hamoud Al Maawali, the Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, emphasized that Makeen's primary focus is to provide youth with the necessary skills required in both the local and global job markets. These skills include information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, informatics, and programming.
Al Maawali further informed reporters that approximately 4,800 trainees were trained in 2023, with a significant number of them successfully entering the labor market. He also highlighted that 18 Omani trainees approached international companies to develop software for their startups.
During the annual forum, the Ministry signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with OQ to sponsor Oman Code Race 2023, which is one of Makeen's initiatives.
Dr. Ali Amer Al Shidhani, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology, stated that the MoC with OQ will enable national talents to stay updated with technological advancements and effectively utilize them in the digital transformation process.
