Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Labour to launch the new training for employment project “Najm”.

The project, which operates under the #IAmTourism programme, aims to provide a platform for developing highly skilled Omani nationals in the tourism and hospitality sector.

It will train 250 job seekers for employment at a newly established start-up company, which will develop and manage tourism-related activities across Oman to stimulate the growth and popularity of the sector.

The agreement was signed by HE Sayyid Salim bin Musallam Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour for Human Resources Development and the CEO of OMRAN Group, Hashil bin Obaid al Mahrouqi, with senior officials from both parties in attendance.

As part of the agreement, 250 job opportunities have been announced and applications are currently being accepted from prospective Omani candidates across Oman. To be eligible, relevant candidates’ profiles have to meet the required criteria being announced. The selection process will involve a personal interview and different ability tests.

After the selection, 250 high-calibre Omani nationals with an entrepreneurial mindset will be shortlisted.

These candidates will undergo six months of intensive theoretical and practical training developed in partnership with recognised and specialised institutes in the country. Upon completion of the training and certification, each of the 250 candidates will be offered full-time employment with a newly established OMRAN Group start-up.

“This project will improve the labour market and its outcomes by creating new employment opportunities. The tourism industry in the country is still growing and requires the involvement of national competencies, both in terms of tour guides and hospitality.” He added, “The tourism sector is crucial and requires the proper training and qualification of national competencies to prepare them for work. This project also stimulates the work environment and the aspirations of those joining it. In the Sultanate of Oman, there are clear indications that the tourism sector is growing and shaping the country’s future.”

“At OMRAN Group, we understand the significance of investing in human capital for the growth and sustainability of the tourism and hospitality industry. That’s why we are thrilled to partner with the Ministry of Labour and launch the ‘Najm’ project.” said Hashil al Mahrouqi.

“By creating a sustainable platform for employment in the tourism industry and encouraging Omani youth to pursue careers in this dynamic and fast-growing sector, the ‘Najm’ project will play a significant role in supporting the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy 2040. Furthermore, ‘Najm’ represents our commitment to developing the next generation of Omani talent in the tourism industry and equipping them with the skills and talent required to draw out the full potential of the destinations in which they will work,” he added.

‘Najm’ is the latest project to operate under the #IAmTourism programme, which serves as an umbrella strategy for all Human Capital initiatives launched or managed by the OMRAN Group.

In addition to the ‘Najm’ project, the programme encompasses several others, including Midhyaf, the graduate development programme, the pathways programme (Masarat), and the ‘Tadreeb’ training programme.

As a comprehensive programme that covers all aspects of tourism training and development, #IAmTourism will continue to include any future initiatives organised by the Group in cooperation with other relevant authorities for the growth and prosperity of the tourism sector in Oman.