Oman and Kuwait Transform Higher Education for Future Jobs
Oman and Kuwait are undergoing a dynamic shift in their higher education sectors, with both countries taking bold steps to prepare their young populations for a rapidly changing global job market. These Gulf nations are aligning academic curricula with labor market demands, emphasizing digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration to build resilient, future-ready economies.
Oman: Building a Knowledge-Based Economy
As part of its ambitious Vision 2040 strategy, Oman is working to transition from a resource-dependent economy to one that thrives on knowledge, innovation, and talent. Education is at the core of this transformation, and the country is introducing significant reforms across its academic ecosystem.
In June 2024, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) announced an expansion of government-funded scholarship programs. These scholarships now prioritize high-demand sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), data science, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and health sciences. The number of external scholarships rose sharply from 312 in the 2021–2022 academic year to 535 in 2023–2024, reflecting Oman’s growing investment in building a skilled and specialized workforce.
Furthermore, Oman’s secondary school curriculum is being updated to better prepare students for higher education and the evolving labor market. New specializations introduced at the high school level include business administration, information technology, and engineering. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between secondary education and university-level training while meeting international academic standards.
To further enhance its higher education strategy, Oman is set to host the Oman Declaration Conference on Higher Education in October 2025. This landmark international event will bring together global experts to discuss how artificial intelligence can be integrated into learning environments and how academic programs can be more directly linked to employment outcomes. The conference will play a crucial role in setting a regional blueprint for future education reforms.
Oman’s higher education landscape has also seen increased collaboration with international institutions and partners, creating pathways for students to engage in global research, exchange programs, and internships. These partnerships not only increase the quality of education but also help students develop a global mindset, essential for competing in a modern workforce.
Kuwait: Embracing Innovation and Private Sector Collaboration
Kuwait, too, is redefining its educational goals to support long-term economic sustainability. With an increasing focus on innovation and private sector engagement, Kuwait’s Ministry of Higher Education is laying the groundwork for a diverse and technology-forward academic system.
A milestone in this transformation was the establishment of Abdullah Al Salem University in 2019. The university offers specialized programs in artificial intelligence, green energy, computer science, and digital communication, highlighting Kuwait’s commitment to preparing students for careers in emerging sectors.
In 2021, the government inaugurated Sabah Al Salem University City, a sprawling educational complex designed to accommodate up to 40,000 students. Equipped with cutting-edge labs, libraries, and research centers, this university city represents Kuwait’s largest investment in academic infrastructure to date. It is envisioned as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and future skills development.
Kuwait’s higher education reforms are also driven by strong involvement from the private sector. There are currently 14 private universities operating in the country, helping absorb the growing demand for higher education while offering diverse programs that are often more flexible and industry-relevant than their public counterparts.
To ensure quality and accountability, Kuwait has established the Private Universities Council and the National Bureau for Academic Accreditation and Education Quality Assurance. These bodies oversee institutional performance, curriculum relevance, and alignment with international standards. The aim is to enhance both public and private university offerings, ensuring that students graduate with skills that are in demand both locally and globally.
A key player in Kuwait’s educational transformation is the British Council, which has introduced the Internationalising Higher Education programme. This initiative supports capacity-building within local universities, fosters research collaboration with UK institutions, and promotes employability-focused education. By nurturing academic excellence and encouraging applied learning, the programme plays a vital role in shaping a forward-looking education system.
Shared Vision: Future-Ready Youth, Sustainable Economies
Both Oman and Kuwait understand that a strong education system is the foundation for national progress. In an era of automation, digital transformation, and shifting economic models, preparing students with the right skills is no longer optional — it is essential.
These reforms are not only aimed at improving academic outcomes but are also directly tied to broader national goals. For Oman, this means reducing reliance on oil and diversifying into sectors like tourism, logistics, and renewable energy. For Kuwait, it involves fostering innovation and building a knowledge-based economy to enhance global competitiveness.
By investing in advanced technologies, updating curricula, expanding international partnerships, and encouraging private sector participation, Oman and Kuwait are paving the way for a new generation of confident, competent, and adaptable graduates.
The focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), entrepreneurship, and soft skills — such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving — ensures that students are not only technically capable but also prepared to lead, collaborate, and innovate in a dynamic work environment.
Final Thoughts
The higher education reforms underway in Oman and Kuwait reflect a broader regional trend of rethinking education in the face of global disruption. These two Gulf countries are showing how strategic planning, international collaboration, and future-focused investment can help transform challenges into opportunities.
With the right support systems in place, including ongoing teacher training, curriculum innovation, and research funding, the vision of a highly educated, empowered, and future-ready population is within reach.
As Oman and Kuwait continue on their transformative journey, the rest of the region — and indeed, the world — will be watching closely to see how education can be a powerful engine of national development.
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