Oman Youth Centre Drives Vision 2040 with Strong Impact

The Youth Centre in the Sultanate of Oman has become an important part of the nation’s development journey. It plays a key role in supporting the goals of “Oman Vision 2040,” which aims to build a modern, innovative, and sustainable society. The Centre focuses on helping young citizens develop their skills, creativity, and leadership abilities. As Oman celebrates Omani Youth Day on 26 October, the Centre’s efforts are being widely recognized for shaping the future of the country’s young generation.

Since its establishment, the Youth Centre has worked to become a space where young people can learn, share ideas, and take part in national development. It combines education with practical opportunities, helping youth gain confidence and prepare for leadership roles. By offering various programs and workshops, it ensures that Omani youth are ready to contribute to the economy and society.

Between 2022 and September 2025, the Youth Centre recorded an impressive 458,606 beneficiaries. During this time, it organized 380 training programs and collaborated with 1,227 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and individual entrepreneurs. In 2025 alone, it hosted 66 programs that benefited over 8,500 participants. The Centre’s co-working spaces also became popular, attracting more than 104,800 users who worked on projects and startups in an inspiring environment.

The Youth Centre has evolved into a national platform that brings together innovation, creativity, and enterprise. It encourages young Omanis to think differently, take initiative, and turn their ideas into action. The Centre’s goal is to create a community where youth can share knowledge, work together, and support one another in building a stronger future. By promoting entrepreneurship and creativity, the Centre contributes to Oman’s shift toward a knowledge-based economy.

Alia Said Al Shanfari, Executive Director of the Youth Centre, emphasized that the Centre’s success comes from teamwork and strong partnerships. She said, “From its inception, our approach has been built on integrated national roles and collaborative efforts, forging partnerships with both public and private sectors. We are convinced that genuine youth empowerment requires a cohesive system operating with a spirit of partnership and shared responsibility.” Her words highlight the Centre’s belief in cooperation as the foundation for long-term success.

According to Al Shanfari, the Youth Centre is now entering a new stage of strategic expansion. A development plan worth around RO 14 million will help establish branches in several governorates. These new facilities aim to provide creative environments for innovation, production, and skill development. The goal is to make youth programs accessible to all regions of Oman and to ensure that young people everywhere have the resources to grow.

Omar Said Al Sawaei, Director of Financial and Administrative Affairs at the Centre, shared details of some major projects. One of the key developments is the Youth Cultural Complex in Sur, located in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. Built on 50,000 square meters, this project includes a youth centre and a public library with an investment of RO 4 million. The site also provides opportunities for private investment, such as a conference and exhibition centre and a 4-star hotel. Altogether, the total investments exceed RO 6 million, showing the Centre’s growing economic and social impact.

The Youth Centre’s expansion plan includes new facilities in A’Dakhiliyah (Nizwa), Musandam (through the Musandam Centre for Culture and Innovation), and Dhofar (Salalah). More branches are expected to be announced during the Omani Youth Day celebration on 26 October. Each new centre will be designed to match local needs and aspirations, ensuring that programs remain relevant to the youth in every governorate.

A key part of the Youth Centre’s strategy is ensuring financial stability. The Centre is developing new investment models to maintain operations and continue supporting young people in the long term. By focusing on sustainability, it hopes to create a system that can keep growing and adapting to future challenges. This approach not only secures the Centre’s financial future but also reinforces its mission to contribute to Oman’s sustainable development goals.

Through its many initiatives, programs, and partnerships, the Youth Centre has become a symbol of Oman’s dedication to empowering its youth. It has successfully created spaces for learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship, making young people active participants in shaping the country’s future. As Oman moves closer to realizing the objectives of Vision 2040, the Youth Centre continues to stand as a beacon of progress, leadership, and opportunity for the next generation.