Salalah: Today, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik presided over a Council of Ministers meeting at Al Maamourah Palace in Salalah.
At the commencement of the assembly, His Majesty the Sultan extended his gratitude and praise to the Almighty Allah for the abundant wealth He has bestowed upon Oman. He offered prayers to Allah for the prosperity of good health and blessings for Oman, its distinguished citizens, and its inhabitants.
Subsequently, His Majesty the Sultan addressed several matters. In light of the Sultanate of Oman's improved financial performance over recent times, His Majesty the Sultan expressed his contentment regarding the reduction in the volume of public debt, which has led to positive outcomes contributing to the strengthening of confidence in the local economy and the creation of an appealing environment that stimulates various economic sectors.
The Council of Ministers took note of the advancements achieved in the employment sector and affirmed that job creation is a national priority. They also supported the initiatives recently approved by the Government aimed at generating more employment opportunities for Omani citizens.
To advance these initiatives, the Council of Ministers approved the allocation of an additional RO 50 million to enhance the employment program for jobseekers and other employment initiatives within the private sector. Furthermore, the Council of Ministers endorsed the addition of 1.2 percent of the value of purchase invoices collected from sectors such as oil and gas, government entities, and companies affiliated with the Oman Investment Authority (OIA). The relevant authorities are tasked with establishing clear procedures and terms to ensure the sustainability of the opportunities created.
In the context of the Royal focus on social and educational sectors, His Majesty the Sultan commended the efforts of the departments responsible for the welfare of citizens' livelihood conditions. He issued directives to the authorities involved to allocate RO 72 million from the State Budget to fund the “Family Income Support Benefit Programme” as part of the Social Protection Fund's schemes, which were recently announced.
His Majesty the Sultan extended his congratulations to the students as the new academic year commenced, expressing his prayers for it to be a year characterized by diligence and hard work. He acknowledged the dedication of teachers and academics in preparing for the forthcoming year, emphasizing their role in shaping a generation equipped with knowledge and science, and inspired by noble principles and values.
In light of the increasing student population in certain governorates, the Council of Ministers has approved the addition of an additional RO 40 million to the existing 5-year plan. This allocation is intended to expedite the construction of new educational institutions.
Furthermore, the Council of Ministers has given its approval to the National Programme of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced Digital Technologies, as well as the execution of their projects and initiatives. This initiative aims to elevate the Sultanate of Oman's position in the Government AI Readiness Index through the adoption and localization of relevant techniques and legislation, enhance the productivity of economic and developmental sectors, and increase the number of emerging specialized technology companies focused on developing local solutions.
In response to reports indicating a significant increase in the number of visitors during the Khareef Dhofar (monsoon season) to one million by the end of August 2024, His Majesty the Sultan praised the efforts of the departments responsible for the implementation of development projects, the organization of activities and programs designed to attract tourists to Dhofar Governorate, which contributed to the success of the 2024 Khareef Dhofar season.
He highlighted the importance of understanding tourist aspirations and developing services to meet their needs in a way that maintains their interest over future seasons.
Concluding, His Majesty the Sultan emphasized the importance of evaluating the satisfaction levels of beneficiaries regarding government services and aspects related to the simplification of procedures. This is crucial for enhancing the quality of services and improving the satisfaction of beneficiaries.
His Majesty the Sultan has issued directives to the Council of Ministers and relevant departments, instructing them to establish electronic platforms within each governmental institution by the year 2025. These platforms are to be specifically designed for the purpose of receiving complaints and proposals from beneficiaries.
Considering the robust social harmony that has characterized Omani society over the centuries, and grounded in the profound Omani values that vehemently oppose any form of extremism, fanaticism, or partisanship, the Council of Ministers has emphasized the critical need to strengthen societal cohesion and reaffirm the pivotal role of the family in the proper upbringing of children. This should be conducted on the principles of tolerance, aiming to shield them from deviant ideologies and prevent their susceptibility to such influences.
In the current context, His Majesty the Sultan commended the diligent efforts of personnel from the military and security sectors in countering incidents designed to compromise security. His Majesty directed all state institutions to maintain vigilance, scrutinize such occurrences, and address them promptly.
During his assessment of regional and international matters, His Majesty the Sultan addressed bilateral relations with several Arab nations and friendly countries. He reiterated the Sultanate of Oman's commitment and ongoing endeavors to foster cooperation with all nations, ensuring mutual benefits.
Upon the conclusion of the assembly, His Majesty the Sultan addressed various matters of concern to both the nation and its citizens. He issued Royal directives to all governmental institutions, instructing them to persist in enhancing their assigned missions and to foster suitable conditions for the improvement of performance across all tiers. He extended his best wishes for the successful realization of the nation's welfare and the prosperity of its devoted citizens.
