Tuesday 21 / October / 2025
Muscat: The Youth Centre in the Sultanate of Oman has established itself as a cornerstone of the nation’s development strategy, directly supporting the objectives of “Oman Vision 2040” by empowering young citizens and channelling their potential.
Its growing impact is particularly recognised as Oman prepares to mark Omani Youth Day on 26 October. The Centre serves as a dynamic hub that merges intellectual development with practical action, fostering a culture of leadership, responsibility and innovation among the country’s ambitious youth.
The Centre’s reach has expanded significantly, with 458,606 beneficiaries recorded from 2022 through September 2025. During this period, it delivered 380 training programs and partnered with 1,227 small and medium enterprises and individual entrepreneurs. In 2025 alone, 66 programs engaged more than 8,500 young participants, while the Centre’s co-working spaces have been utilized by over 104,800 individuals.
Through its specialised initiatives, the Centre has become a national platform that unites thought, creativity and enterprise, inspiring youth to innovate and take initiative. It has cultivated a vibrant community that encourages collaboration and supports the development of a knowledge-based economy rooted in creativity and entrepreneurship.
Alia Said Al Shanfari, Executive Director of the Youth Centre, stated, “From its inception, our approach has been built on integrated national roles and collaborative efforts, forging substantive 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.”
She added, “The Youth Centre is now advancing toward a phase of comprehensive strategic expansion across all governorates, supported by an integrated development plan valued at approximately OMR14 million. This initiative aims to strengthen our regional presence and provide holistic environments that support innovation, production, and the aspirations of young people.”
Omar Said Al Sawaei, Director of Financial and Administrative Affairs at the Centre, detailed key projects, noting, “Among our prominent developments is the Youth Cultural Complex in Sur, South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. This strategic 50,000-square-meter facility, featuring a youth centre and public library, represents a OMR4 million investment. The complex also offers additional investment opportunities, including a conference and exhibition centre and a 4-star hotel, with total investments surpassing OMR6 million.”
The expansion strategy includes establishing new centres in governorates such as A’Dakhiliyah in Nizwa, Musandam through the Musandam Centre for Culture and Innovation, and Dhofar in Salalah. Further branches will be announced during the Omani Youth Day ceremony on 26 October, each tailored to local needs and youth ambitions.
Underpinning these projects is a strong commitment to financial sustainability. The Centre is developing innovative investment models to ensure long-term operational continuity and maximize its impact on youth empowerment, thereby contributing to sustainable development nationwide.
