Human Development

Education

The education of girls and boys is given high priority in Oman. In 1970 there were only three schools with a total of 909 pupils and around 30 teachers. There are now 980 state schools providing education at primary, preparatory and secondary levels. During the last five-year plan, 1996-2000, a total of 107 new schools were built. In the private sector, five new schools were opened in 1999 making a total of 123 private schools which are regulated by the Ministry. The Ministry has a comprehensive plan to modernise the education system to meet the needs of the 21st Century. It is planned to have 1,045 state schools by the year 2000/2001. This will enable the Ministry to dispense with the double shift system and to extend the number of hours in the classroom. The school year of 32 weeks (160 school days) will be lengthened to 36 weeks (180 days) to bring it more into line with hours of schooling in other countries. Class hours will be increased from 4 to 6 hours a day and lesson periods will be extended from 35 to 40 minutes to increase the number of hours a pupil spends in class during the first ten years of education from the present 5,693 hours to 9,600 hours.

The major shift in the curriculum will be away from rote learning and the emphasis will be on encouraging students to develop scientific and logical thinking, as well as acquiring skills of analysis and problem-solving.

The 1999-2000 school year began on Saturday, 4th September with over half a million students returning to more than one thousand schools throughout the Sultanate.

Education Prize

It was announced in early 1998 that the Sultanate of Oman had been awarded the Shield of the Arab Organisation for Education, Culture & Science in recognition of the achievements made by the Ministry, particularly in the eradication of illiteracy and the raising of educational standards throughout Oman.

Student Population

The total number of students in state education is 542,063 of whom nearly half are female. An additional 23,793 students are in private education, more than half of whom are in schools mainly concentrated in the Capital Area. The 6 - 12 age group has the highest number of students: 279,791 in 8,232 primary classes. The class size at this level is 34, compared to 32 at preparatory level and 31 at secondary level.

Children with Special Needs

The Ministry makes special arrangements for the education of just over 500 children in three schools who are blind, deaf and dumb or have other learning difficulties and are therefore unable to attend normal school. Some are sent to an appropriate institution in neighbouring countries.

Teaching Staff

There are over 25,000 teachers in state education of whom (15,521) are Omanis (62.4%) in state education. In private education there are 1,552 teachers of whom 234 are Omanis (14.3%). The Ministry is making strenuous and concerted efforts to replace expatriates at all levels with trained Omani teachers. At primary school level, nearly all the teaching staff are Omanis.

Teachers have regular meetings with parents to assess the results achieved by the children, to discuss the teaching syllabus and to solve any problems encountered by the students, as well as to suggest improvements to the school concerned.

Training of Omani Teachers

The first Teacher Training Institute opened in 1977 for students who had completed their preparatory stage education. These institutes were later upgraded and in 1984-85 they became Intermediate Teacher Training Colleges, whose students were secondary school graduates destined to become primary school teachers. In 1995, the intermediate colleges were further upgraded and became colleges of education which granted university degrees in education to their graduates. During the same year, responsibility for these colleges passed to the Ministry of Higher Education.

Education for Girls

Girls follow the same syllabus as boys starting with entry to primary education and going on to preparatory, secondary and higher education. Before 1970, there were no schools for girls; however the 263,877 girls in Government schools now make up 48.7% of the student population. This figure compares with the 1993 census findings which showed that females made up 49.1% of the population. Girls also make up over 40% of the students in private education

Prize Giving

In October 1999 the Dhahirah education region was awarded His Majesty's Cup for Health & Hygiene in Schools during the 1998/99 academic year. The Ministry's Cup was won by the northern al-Batinah region in second place, while the Governorate of Muscat came in third and was awarded the Ministry's Shield.

Stages of Education

At present there are three stages of juvenile education: primary, preparatory and secondary. Primary school education usually begins at the age of six. Having passed the sixth primary grade examination between the ages of 12 and 14 the pupil moves on to preparatory education. Students passing the general preparatory certificate examination are then admitted to the first grade of secondary school between the ages of 15 and 17.

On completion of their secondary education, successful students can go on to advanced training at specialised colleges or enter Sultan Qaboos University. In future, it is planned that students will be streamed at secondary level in order to focus them on careers which will require more specialised and technical training.

Examination Results

In February 2000, for the first time, the Ministry used its web page on the Internet (www.edu.gov.om) to publish the secondary certificate examination results for the first semester of the academic year 1999/2000. A total of more than 35,000 students sat the examinations. In the science stream 13,737 out of 17,281 passed and in the arts stream 14,297 out of 18,562 were successful.

New Basic System of Education

At the start of the academic year 1998-1999, the Ministry introduced the new basic education system in two phases: a basic education phase over 10 years and a secondary education phase for two years. This will gradually replace the existing system of six years of primary, three years of preparatory and three years of secondary schooling. Under the new system there will be greater emphasis on science, maths and the use of computers. English will also be introduced from the first year of basic education. The new system has been introduced gradually, starting with 17 schools from different regions. In the school year 1999/2000, the new system has been introduced in 25 more schools. It has also been introduced in some private schools. It is hoped to have at least 100 schools following the new curriculum in 2000/2001. New learning resource centres are being established, complete with laboratory equipment, audio-visual systems, computers and other teaching aids.

Mobile Library Service

Thanks to a generous donation from the private sector, the Ministry was able to launch two mobile libraries, known as 'bookmobiles' at the beginning of 2000. The library vehicles tour the more remote areas of the Sultanate and are equipped with computers and video cassette players. They carry a stock of some 1,500 books, a selection of audio and video cassettes, as well as stocks of magazines and educational materials. The mobile library concept was first tested by the Ministry in 1996 and found to be successful.

Adult Education

Adult education operates in parallel with the regular education system allowing advanced courses and examinations to be taken. Great importance is attached to allowing those who for one reason or another have been unable to complete their education to continue with their studies. In 1999/2000, there were 6,758 students, of whom two thirds were women, enrolled in different centres throughout the Sultanate. An additional 4,205 students attended classes for the eradication of illiteracy.

Private Schools

The Government has encouraged the growth of private schools in the Sultanate and welcomes the contribution made by the private sector to the education system. In the academic year 199/2000 there were over 120 private schools and kindergartens in the Sultanate providing pre-school, primary, preparatory and secondary education.


Private school owners must be of Omani nationality and have at least a secondary school certificate. Private schools follow the same curriculum as Government schools and hold the same examinations.

Teaching of English

The teaching of English has assumed increasing importance in recent years, particularly with the opening of Sultan Qaboos University and higher education colleges where science-based courses are conducted in that language. In 1987 the Ministry launched a major project to develop the teaching of English in schools with materials specially designed to suit the Omani school system. Teacher-training plays an important part in raising the standard of English in schools. Omani teachers of English are given additional programmes during their training.

SULTAN QABOOS UNIVERSITY (SQU)

The University is proud to bear the name of His Majesty, whose words on the 18th November 1980 have come true in a way that no one could have believed at the time:-

"Steps are being taken to prepare our young people to become the scientists, technicians, doctors, agriculturists and other specialists that we shall need in ever increasing numbers as our modern development continues to gain momentum. To this end, Sultan Qaboos University will be established and will provide courses up to the highest international standards."

The construction of the University was completed in 1986, and in the September the first group of students was enrolled. Originally there were five colleges: Education & Islamic Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Science and Agriculture. The College of Arts was established in 1987 and in 1993 the College of Commerce & Economics was added to the University.

In April 1999, it was announced that the University's Science College would offer a one-year National Certificate and Diploma in Computer and Information Systems in order to create a pool of skilled manpower as requested by the Ministry of National Economy.

Sultan Qaboos University Council

This Council is chaired by His Majesty’s Adviser for Economic and Planning Affairs and President of Sultan Qaboos University. Its function is to safeguard the level of the University’s education and to promote and upgrade it accordingly. It also co-ordinates the requirement for producing graduates who will match the country’s development needs.

Royal Gesture

In 1998, His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos funded two groups of students to travel to Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Turkey. Besides visiting the universities the groups were able to see a number of historic sites and to learn at first hand about other countries in the Middle East

The Private and Foreign Sectors

There are no plans at present to establish a second university at Government expense. The policy is to encourage the private sector to fund tertiary education. Royal Decree 41/99 was issued to regulate the private sector involvement in tertiary education. In 1999, His Majesty endorsed the recommendations of the Higher Education Council to establish private universities in Nizwa and Dhofar. In May 2000, His Majesty gave his approval for a private sector university to be established in Sohar. The Ministry had received a number of applications to open new universities. At the present time permission is not being given to foreign universities to open in Oman, but private sector colleges can call upon their expertise. Both Sultan Qaboos University and private sector institutions are forming affiliations with overseas universities.

A total of 20 memoranda of understanding have been signed between SQU and universities or research centres in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, France, Italy, China, Japan, Tunisia and Jordan.

For the last few years, the Sultan Qaboos University has established graduate programmes offering Masters' Degrees. In 1993, the first programmes offered were in Education and Arts and in 1995, environmental sciences were added. In 1996, a graduate programme in agricultural economics was offered and the College of Medicine also plans to offer a graduate programme. New buildings for the College of Agriculture were opened in 1996.

Career Opportunities

In October 1996, the Career Development Foundation of Oman (CDFO) began organising regular job opportunity seminars for students at the University in which a number of companies participate. CDFO has been nominated by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour & Vocational Training to assist private companies in drawing up their Omanisation plans and has about 8,000 job applicants on its books, who will mostly seek employment in the private sector. During the summer, groups of students experience three month work placements as an integral part of their degree course. Generally speaking there are plenty of job opportunities for graduates in the private sector, but public sector posts are becoming harder to obtain.

In April 2000, SQU organised the third Job Fair, which has become an annual event sponsored by the Ministry of Higher Education. More than 50 private companies were present over two days to familiarise final year students with the career opportunities open to them.

Student Intake

It was originally anticipated that the University would take about 3,000 students; however there are now more than 6000, of whom about two thirds are female. His Majesty directed that an additional 500 students be enrolled in September 1997, bringing the total for the 12th intake for the seven faculties in the 1997-8 academic year to 1,802 students. The total for the 14th Intake of students in September 1999 was 1800. In addition to this regular intake, 90 students for the Education Diploma, 100 for the Computer Programme and a further 130 graduates were admitted.

In November 1999, the 10th graduation ceremony was held at the University. Bachelor degrees were awarded to 1,124 men and women. Additionally, 17 post-graduates received degrees, bringing the total number of degrees awarded by the university since its foundation to 7,277. The teaching staff number nearly 400, of whom 80 are Omani. The foreign teaching staff are drawn from a variety of sources and the University has had as many as 40 different nationalities represented by its staff. The University has a quota of ten students per year from the AGCC countries.

Separate residential accommodation for young men and women is provided at the University following the collegiate system. The academic year is divided into two terms - the first term starts in September and finishes in January; the second term begins in February and ends in June with examinations.

The University has a library, computer centre, English language department and a teaching hospital. The medium of instruction in the University is Arabic, but English is used for the science courses.

The first students' festival is held annually over a five-day period. The festival includes film shows, art exhibitions, displays of handicrafts and photography. To celebrate the 29th National Day, the students and staff participated in a unity walk, which was followed by a carnival on the University campus.

Visit of His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos

In May 2000, His Majesty visited the University and addressed the students, stressing the importance of attaining high academic standards and the need for scientific research. His Majesty made a grant of RO5 million for a multi-purpose hall, which will accommodate 6,500 people and promised an annual allocation of RO500,000 from his own funds to support research programmes and the establishment of an advanced industrial park on the campus of the university.

Following the visit, His Majesty directed that an additional 200 students be admitted for the academic year 2000-2001, bringing the intake to 2000 students. Additional post graduate and diploma students will also be admitted increasing the total for this year’s admissions to 2,780. Over the next three years the number of students at the University is projected to rise to over 11,000.

University Research

The University is actively involved in a number of research projects in partnership with local and international bodies, such as Petroleum Development Oman and Government departments. The Muscat based Middle East Desalination Research Centre is providing half the funds to address current technical issues in desalination. In December 1999, a desalination research laboratory was opened at al-Hail to be run by the Japanese Petroleum Energy Centre with the co-operation of the University. In February 2000, the University and the Centre organised the First Oman-Japan Symposium on Water Resources and Greening the Desert. In 1999 the University and UNESCO agreed to establish a UNESCO sponsored Chair for Biotechnology Research. The University has established close links with other universities in various fields and, in co-operation with the Australian Department of Land & Water Conservation, is to investigate a number of environmental issues.

In 1999, the University approved plans for two new research centres, one for Environmental Studies and research, the other for Remote Sensing (CRS) and Geographical Data Systems (CRS-GDS).

Sultan Qaboos University Hospital

The 500-bed teaching hospital, which opened in 1989, has a staff establishment of over one thousand. There are 200 academic staff and some 800 supporting staff. The hospital has advanced diagnostic equipment and specialist departments for paediatrics, gynaecology, internal diseases, surgery, psychiatry, cardiac diseases and an out-patients department. The hospital serves as the principal training centre for Omani doctors. In 1999, the sixth group of students graduated and took the Hippocratic Oath.

Students Overseas

In the academic year 1999/2000, 156 male and female students received scholarships. The Ministry funded 80 scholars, and PDO funded 39. For the first time, the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs provided 32 scholarships and a prominent Omani businessman, Moosa Abdul Rahman donated five. Over 150 scholarships, of which 46 were for higher degrees, were provided by other countries. In addition about 3000 students were sent abroad at their own expense. There were also 643 students affiliated to the University of Beirut. In the academic year 1999-2000, the Ministry was responsible for a total of 9,133 students, of whom 635 were studying for a Master’s Degree or a Doctorate.

To look after the Omani students abroad the Ministry has opened offices in countries where there are substantial numbers of them, such as Kuwait , Jordan, Egypt, the United Kingdom, the United States and India. An office in al-Buraimi looks after the students in the UAE.

During his private visit to Oman in November 1999, HRH Prince Charles presented certificates to 16 students who had completed their studies in the UK under a scholarship scheme sponsored by British companies in Oman.

HIGHER EDUCATION

In January 1994, the Ministry of Higher Education was created by Royal Decree with special responsibility for Sultan Qaboos University. In 1998, a Higher Education Council was formed by Royal Decree to co-ordinate all tertiary education in the Sultanate.

The Ministry of Higher Education supervises all other higher education institutions and is responsible for overseas students, for formulating higher education policies and administering the Law on Grants & Scholarships. The Ministry has over 9,000 students at both state and private institutions under its supervision.

As part of the fifth Five-Year Plan, two new colleges of higher education were established. The college of Sharia and Law in Muscat, which opened in September 1997, prepares Omanis to become judges and legal experts on a four-year course that will lead to a Bachelor's degree in both Islamic Jurisprudence and Law. The academic year at the new college is divided into two terms, each of 16 weeks. The first year is a general foundation course to prepare students to either specialise in law or the Sharia in accordance with their wishes and performance in the first two terms. The former Islamic Institute at al-Wattayah has been thoroughly modernised to accommodate the new College, which was proposed by His Majesty in his 1994 National Day speech. In April 1999, a new mosque was opened in the College. In September 1999, the third intake of 120 men and women brought the total number of students to 351.

During the current five-year plan, the Ministry intends to set up a Marine Sciences College in Dhofar, a Higher Institute of Arts at Sohar and a Higher Judicial Institute at Nizwa, which will prepare students to become judges and legal advisers on a two-year post-graduate programme for which a higher diploma will be awarded.

It is also hoped to raise the level of intermediate teachers' colleges to the standards of the Faculty of Education in order to ease the pressure on Sultan Qaboos University. There are six Teacher Training Colleges in Oman, four of which are for men at Nizwa, Sur, Sohar and Salalah and two for women at Rostaq and Ibri. The total number of trainee teachers in the six colleges is 8,720. The future plan is to have an annual intake of 2000 students.

A graduation ceremony for 808 male and 734 female teachers was held in the Qurum Amphitheatre at the end of October 1999.

Private Colleges

The Ministry encourages the private sector to establish colleges and institutes of higher education. There are now nine private colleges with a total of 1,945 students enrolled for the academic year 1999/2000 under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, most of which are in the capital area.

These colleges offer post secondary education in business administration, economics, commerce and computer sciences. The diplomas awarded at the end of one to three year courses allow the students to enter overseas universities. In November 1999, the first batch of 63 students, including 29 women, received their Higher National Certificates from the Muscat College of Science and Technology.

The first women's college in Oman, the Mazoon College for Management and Applied Sciences was established in al-Khuwair during 1999. An affiliation agreement has been signed with an American University.

Council for Higher Education

On 27th September 1998, Royal Decree 65/98 established the Council for Higher Education. The aim of the Council and its Secretariat is to set the general policy for higher education and scientific research in universities and higher education establishments in accordance with the country's requirements. It will also control the numbers of students to be admitted to higher education..

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

The Vocational Training Authority was established in 1991, but in early 1998, responsibility for Vocational Training was transferred to the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour and Vocational Training by Royal Decree and the Authority was abolished. In the academic year 1998/99, RO9 million was allocated as the operating budget for technical colleges and vocational training centres. In addition the Government set aside around RO6 million to train Omanis in private sector institutes.

National Vocational Qualifications

Within the strategy of manpower development put forward at the 1995 "Vision Conference: Oman 2020", an important decision was made to introduce National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) and General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQ) to provide well trained Omanis to strengthen the private sector role in the economy. The certificates are awarded by the British Royal Society of Arts (RSA) and certified by the British National Council for Vocational Qualifications (NCVQ).

The new syllabus was first introduced to the Muscat Technical & Industrial College and the first batch of 99 male and female students to obtain their GNVQ graduated in 1997. Of this number, 36 had qualified in information technology, 12 in business studies, eight in science, 33 in engineering and 10 in construction. In the 1997-98 academic year, 2,272 new students enrolled in the Muscat, al-Musana’a, Nizwa, Ibra and Salalah TICs, making a total of 3,427 students out of whom 793 had graduated. In the 1998-99 academic year it was decided to enrol a further 2,050 students giving a total of 4,684 trainees. The academic year 1999-2000 began in September with the enrolment of 1,597 new students of whom 564 were women. In 1999, the number of students graduating in the second batch of GNVQ students from the five colleges was 920 (504 men and 416 women). The Ministry intends to open two more TICs in the interior in the year 2000.

The GNVQ courses are of three years' duration and because they are conducted in English include a one year foundation course in the language. Some students may be able to obtain the qualification in two years instead of three. GNVQs are a genuine alternative to 'A' Level or equivalent secondary education qualifications for students over 16 years of age, who wish to keep their options open, either to move into higher education or seek employment. As such, GNVQs are a bridge between the vocational and academic systems of education.

The NVQs, which have been introduced into the Sultanate as OVQs (Omani Vocational Qualifications) cover a more limited range of occupational areas and are conducted in Arabic at private training institutes. They are practical and flexible qualifications which can be implemented in the workplace and built into company training schemes.

Vocational Training Centres

For the academic year 1999/2000, the Ministry has developed training programmes at the four VTCs - Seeb, Sur, Saham and Ibri, to suit the needs of the Omani labour market.

The Ministry also signed agreements in 1999 with 38 approved private training centres to run OVQ courses. The Ministry has no plans to open additional colleges or training centres over the period of the next Five-Year plan but will encourage the private sector to take more responsibility for training.

LABOUR

The Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour and Vocational Training is responsible for the national workforce employed in the private sector, as well as for foreign labour employed by private companies. About 120,000 expatriates are employed in the construction industry. Over 50,000 work in agriculture and fisheries, while another 50,000 work in domestic service.

Since the issue of the Social Insurance law in 1992, the Public Authority for Social Insurance (PASI) has registered nearly 4000 companies and establishments in the private sector. At the end of 1999, PASI recorded 50,660 Omanis, compared with 46,171 at the end of 1998 and 34,000 by the end of 1997. Omani workers with their families are provided for in cases of sickness, injury, disability and death. On retirement a worker receives a pension from the authority. During 1999, PASI opened branches in Nizwa, Sur, Ibra, Ibri and al-Buraimi.

His Majesty the Sultan has directed that no Omani should remain unemployed for want of a job, as long as he or she is capable of working. Therefore one important aspect of the Ministry's labour policy is to bring Omani women into the workplace wherever suitable employment can be found.

Over the last two years the highest priority has been given to Omanisation and Omanis are encouraged to take jobs currently performed by expatriates. His Majesty has urged Omanis to do work that was previously considered to be socially and traditionally unacceptable. Young men and women can now be found working in retail businesses at check-outs and as shop assistants, receptionists and cashiers. In 1998, the Ministry set itself a target of providing 20,000 jobs for Omanis and by the end of the year 19,720 had found work in the private sector, representing 60% of those on the manpower register. The target for 1999 of 25,000 was exceeded with a total of 35,588 Omanis finding employment through the Labour Department.

In 1999 there were 25,832 Omanis registered for work with the Ministry. In order to expedite recruitment of these job seekers, the Ministry has banned expatriates from performing a number of jobs, which are now being carried out by Omanis, such as driving school buses, private sector employee transport and agricultural tractors. All taxis are owned and driven by Omanis. Other jobs are now only open to Omanis such as the delivery and sale of domestic gas cylinders. Gradually most other 'blue collar' jobs will be Omanised once the appropriate training programmes are in place. Personnel department heads and real estate offices now have to be Omanised. However the Ministry shows some flexibility and if companies in the private sector have achieved or exceeded their Omanisation target, it is easier for them to obtain clearances to bring in expatriates within the permissible limits. The Ministry has involved the vocational training centres in training Omanis as heavy goods vehicle drivers and plant operators. They will eventually replace an estimated 24,000 expatriate drivers.

Training programmes have also been established for Omanis to work as service station attendants. The Ministry set a target of 50% Omanisation by the end of 1998, which was met by the majority of employers. By the end of 1999, all service stations had met their target.

The Ministry co-operates with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and the Royal Oman Police to ensure that companies are complying with the Labour Law and that foreign workers have labour permits. The Ministry has taken measures to ensure that the number of illegal workers is reduced and remains determined that to prevent expatriates staying in the country illegally.

A total of 45,242 expatriates left the country in the course of 1999, either at the end of the their contracts or they were deported. Besides identifying illegal workers, labour inspectors also carry out occupational health and safety inspections. During 1999, a total of 3,044 persons in the country illegally were deported.

In April 1999, the Ministry introduced a new computerised system of issuing labour cards for expatriates, which will reduce the time and cost involved in the procedure as well as making it easier for employers to apply. Recently, expatriates have been required to show their labour card at the airport on departure. Travel is denied to those whose labour cards have expired and an applicant for a residence permit must first have a valid labour card. The new cards are more secure than the existing cards and carry a digital photo of the employee that cannot be removed or defaced.

CIVIL SERVICE

The Ministry of Civil Service was established in 1988 and in 1992 a Royal Decree was issued defining the functions of the Ministry. The principal aim of the Ministry has been the modernising and streamlining of the Civil Service to make the machinery of government more effective and less bureaucratic. In 1970, the State employed only 1,630 Omanis. Today the Government (excluding the Diwan of Royal Court and other organisations considered as public corporations applying special regulations) employs 59,774 Omanis and 23,131 expatriates.

One of the primary aims of the Civil Service is to provide Omanis with the right qualifications to realize their potential and contribute to the development of their country. In 1988, the new Ministry introduced an Omanisation plan, in accordance with the directives of His Majesty to replace expatriates with trained Omani Personnel without detriment to the efficiency of the Service.

At the end of 1999, the number of Omanis in government service had exceeded the target of 72% set in the current Five-Year Plan. Excluding the Ministries of Health and Education the percentage of Omanis in public sector employment rises to nearly 86% of the total number. The percentage of Omanis in the Ministry of Health is now nearly 70%, while in the Ministry of Education it is just over 50%.

Rules for Early Retirement

In January 1996 important new rules were introduced for early retirement from the Civil Service. After a minimum of 10 years service and provided that the employee was not over 55, he or she could apply for early retirement with the consent of the department head concerned. The pension then paid was calculated on the final basic salary of the employee who was also entitled to receive an end of service benefit equivalent to one month's basic salary for every year of service up to a maximum of 12 months' salary. Under the new rules a pensioner is not allowed to join another Government organisation. During 1999, in accordance with planning policy, a total of 5,069 Omanis and 2,219 expatriates were recruited. In the same period a total of 1,005 Omani employees retired, half of whom had reached the age of 60. The total number expatriates leaving the service, including 1,796 from the Ministry of Health and 774 from the Ministry of Education, was 3,189.

The rules allow the employer the right to request an employee to take early retirement. The aim of these new regulations is to make the public sector more flexible in its employment policy. The Ministry has developed a new system of performance appraisal, whereby employees are evaluated on their achievements and rewarded with promotion on their merits rather than on their seniority.

Salaries, benefits and allowances in the public sector are generally higher than in the private sector. While wishing to recruit the highest calibre of candidate for the Civil Service, the Government seeks to bridge the gap in salaries, benefits and allowances between the public and the private sectors and to encourage young Omanis to seek employment in both areas as rewarding career opportunities.

The Ministry has adopted a professional approach to career planning, job classification, salary and pension administration, as well as training, management information systems and recruitment aptitude tests. At the same time much of the routine administration has been devolved to individual ministries in order to save time and effort and cut down on wasteful correspondence.

On top of its agenda for enhancing the capability of the Civil Service, the Ministry has completed a comprehensive job classification project to determine salary levels for the whole of the Civil Service. The aim of the project has been to eradicate human resources management difficulties resulting from the absence of a rational classification system. The project included the formulation of a salary structure based on the principles of job evaluation, taking into account duties and responsibilities and not merely the qualifications obtained by the incumbent. Job descriptions have been written and titles of the job holders standardised. The plan has been approved in principle by the Council of Ministers and now has to be coordinated within government departments.

The Pension and Service Regulations Law is still under study by a committee appointed for the purpose. It is hoped that the final drafts will soon be ready for approval by the Civil Service Commission and submitted to the Council of Ministers for final consent.

The Institute of Public Administration

The Institute of Public Administration (IPA) was established by Royal Decree in 1977 and is an autonomous body which came under the supervision of the Ministry of the Civil Service in 1988. The Director-General of the IPA is appointed by the Minister and a board of directors. The Institute works closely with the Ministry to produce a national training programme and has a permanent cadre of professionally qualified lecturers in public & business administration. Since its establishment the IPA has implemented 987 training programmes, involving 18,474 participants. The Institute has also conducted a number of field and theoretical studies, as well as publishing 75 issues of its administration periodical. During 1999, over 100 training programmes with 1,612 participants from 50 government departments were organised by the Institute.

Agreements have been signed with several training organisations, including the Gulf Institute for Manpower Development to train technicians. The Ministry also offers scholarships for higher studies enabling employees to obtain degrees and doctorates.

The IPA plays an important part in the successful efforts made to meet Omanisation targets in the Civil Service. Training programmes for senior civil servants, including undersecretaries and directors general are arranged as well as courses for staff at lower levels in Government. Courses in accountancy, statistics and English language proficiency are some of the subjects offered by the IPA.

The aim of the IPA is to enhance the professional competence of Omanis in both the public and private sectors.

In addition to its training programmes, the IPA also provides research and consultancy services and maintains a library of reference material in Arabic and English.

The Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, has taken further steps to Omanise more teaching positions by running a teacher training diploma course for university and teacher training college graduates.

OMANISATION

The Ministry has stipulated a fixed Omanisation ratio in six areas of the private sector. Transport, storage and communications are to have 60% Omanisation, finance; insurance and real estate 45%; industry 35%; hotels and restaurants 30%; wholesale or retail trading 20% and contracting 15%.

The Ministry set an extended deadline at the end of 1998 for employers to meet their Omanisation targets. By December 1999, most companies had registered their Omanisation plans, which they had been required to submit during 1996 and 1997. In April 1998, the Ministry introduced a 'green card' for companies that had met their Omanisation targets and complied with the eligibility criteria for labour relations . The names of these companies are published in the local press and give them preferential treatment in their dealings with the Ministry. So far 103 companies are ‘Green Card holders’.

In spite of all the measures taken to provide employment for Omanis, the overall number of expatriates is likely to remain at current levels in the short term due to major construction and development projects being implemented by the private sector.

In 1998, the Ministry stipulated a monthly minimum wage of RO100 for Omani employees in the private sector. The employer also has to provide accommodation and transport, if required by the employee. Alternatively an allowance of RO20 can be paid to cover these expenses.

Working Hours

Working hours are regulated by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour and Vocational Training in the case of the private sector and by the Civil Service Council for the public sector. Working hours for the public sector are Saturday - Wednesday inclusive from 7.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. During Ramadhan the hours are reduced and public sector employees work from 8.30 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. In the private sector working hours vary according to the time of year and nature of the business, but during Ramadhan, Muslims in private companies are only expected to work a six hour day or a 36 hour week.

SOCIAL AFFAIRS

The Sultanate of Oman has created a social welfare system that is second to none in a remarkably short period of time. The aim of this system is to promote stability and security for families in a rapidly changing social environment.

Social Security

In 1999 the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour and Vocational Training spent over RO23 million on a total of 43,774 social security cases. In addition nearly RO2.5 million was paid to needy families for the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. A total of RO25.9 million was paid out during 1999 compared with RO22.7 million in the previous year. Funds are also set aside for emergency assistance, where families or individuals have been the victims of natural disasters or accidents such as floods or domestic fires. Other deserving cases in 1999 included financial assistance to some families to obtain water or electricity connection. In 1999 over RO 1 million were paid in cases of hardship and emergency. The Ministry also distributed the basis essentials in certain circumstances providing food and shelter where necessary.

Royal Decree 97/60 made some important amendments to the existing Social Security Law in accordance with Article 12 of the Basic Statute of the State, which guarantees assistance for the citizen and his family in the event of emergency, sickness, disability and old age. Benefits to families in cases of death or disability of the breadwinner are some of the new provisions of the law. In November 1999, the Ministry began to make social security payments through the banks except in remote areas where there is no bank branch.

Special Needs of the Disabled

Special attention is given to the needs of the disabled, particularly young people, for whom the Ministry provides a specially equipped training centre at al-Khoudh, opened in 1987, where skills such as typing, sewing, domestic science and carpentry are taught. The centre cares for the severely disabled between 14-25 years of age. The Ministry helps to find suitable employment for the newly qualified individuals and provides wheelchairs and any other special equipment that may assist them in their lives. Since the centre opened, 428 young people have been trained. New legislation is being prepared to ensure that facilities, such as access to public buildings and transport, will be provided for all those with special needs.

Since 1993, 11 centres have opened in different parts of the Sultanate for the care and rehabilitation of disabled children. These centres are funded by the Ministry and run by 161 female voluntary staff who care for some 700 disabled children. In 1997, a home for disabled children between the ages of 3-14 was opened. It currently houses 72 children.

Since 1990, the work of the Ministry has been supplemented by the Association for the Welfare of Handicapped Children, a charitable organisation which opened its first centre al-Qurum. The Association also has centres at al-Khoudh, Quriyat and Bilad Banu Bu Hassan, caring for 240 disabled children. In 1998 the foundation stone was laid for a new centre at al-Azaiba on land donated by an Omani businessman.

Sport is an important part of the disabled welfare programme. The Ministry ensures that Oman is represented at Gulf, Arab, Asian and International sporting events. The disabled sports team won gold, silver and bronze medals at the International Sports Championship for the Disabled at Stoke Mandeville in England in 1994. Preparations have been made for a disabled sports team to compete in the Sydney Olympiad in the year 2000.

Women and Children

Woman and children form one of the most important responsibilities of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour & Vocational Training. Women who wish to work are encouraged to do so.

According to the 1993 population census, the mean age of marriage for women was 20.7 years, compared with 24.7 years for men, but recent indications show that a social transformation is under way with women tending to marry later and have smaller families, thanks to educational and health training programmes.

The Ministry has established seven women's training centres in different parts of the Sultanate, while other centres have been set up with voluntary contributions. The centres train women in needlework, embroidery and home economics, as well as in traditional local crafts, which they sell through marketing facilities provided by the Ministry. Women are encouraged to open tailoring shops in rural areas after attending a training course. In April 1999, 240 women were awarded certificates on completion of their tailoring courses. They were among over 1000 women trainees who enrolled in the third phase of the training programme. Over 200 women’s tailoring shops have been established, employing some 400 women. Women are also opening beauty salons. The number of women working in the private sector has risen steadily in recent years and at the end of 1999 there were 8,750 registered with the Public Authority for Social Insurance (PASI).

The voluntary centres also organise a variety of activities, including lectures and literacy classes. In conjunction with the Ministry of Health, women are given courses in hygiene, birth spacing and other health matters. The centres have play-group corners where mothers can leave their children while they carry on with their activities.

There are now 36 day-nurseries established for small children in various parts of the Sultanate. These are run privately, but are carefully supervised by the Ministry which lays down regulations for their activities. One of the important events in 1995 was the opening of the Children's Care Building in Muscat, which aims to ensure adequate living standards for children, such as proper nutrition, suitable clothing and equipment, health care and hygienic surroundings.

In March 1999, a symposium was held in Muscat on the International Agreement for Children's Rights, which was signed by the Sultanate in 1996.

Women's Associations

Women's Associations play an important role in the voluntary sector. In 1999 there were 25 Associations with a membership of 3,991 women who co-operate with Ministry staff in carrying out social work within the local community. There is an annual competition between the Associations for which the Ministry awards prizes.

Community Development

Community development programmes have now reached all areas of the Sultanate. An important aspect of these projects has been the dissemination of information through the distribution of newspapers, magazines, videos and educational materials.

With the co-operation of the other ministries concerned, programmes have included the maintenance of aflaj, the building of walls to protect agricultural land, adult literacy classes, Koran schools, drinking water projects and repair of mosques. By the end of 1999, a total of 164 projects had been completed at a cost of RO230,836. The Ministry also launched 45 campaigns and presentations during the year to heighten social awareness and self-reliance.

HEALTH

For a country that only 30 years ago hardly had any health care worthy of the name, the achievements of Oman in the development of its health services are outstanding. In 2000 the World Health Organisation (WHO) hailed the Sultanate’s excellent health achievements and placed it 8th with regard to providing the best comprehensive health care at world level. It also won the first position at world level in health system efficiency and good utilisation of financial resources in health services, in an analysis of 191 countries.

Hospitals & Health Centres

In 1970 the average life expectancy was under 50 years; today it is over 70. At that time there was only one small hospital in Muscat, whereas now there are 47 hospitals, 13 of which are considered referral hospitals. The total bed capacity has increased to 4,443 beds. In addition there are 116 health centres for primary health care, of which 57 have maternity beds and seven are extended health centres. At the end of 1997, the new ultra-modern 363-bed hospital at Sohar (costing about RO24.6m) came into operation. In 1998 the new Nizwa hospital with 301 beds was established (at a cost of about RO18.6m). The latter two hospitals had replaced old buildings. They have been equipped to handle secondary and tertiary cases. The referrals from the North Batinah and Dakhliyah regions to the Capital Area hospitals have thus been dramatically reduced. Only tertiary care cases for certain specialities like Neurosurgery, Plastic and Cardiothoracic have to be referred.

The Ministry has also been active in expanding and improving the facilities of existing hospitals. In accordance with the Ministry's policy of health care decentralisation, RO1.2 million was spent on extensions to a 24 bed hospital, opened in 1996 to serve some 25 villages in the Jebel Akhdar, while in Musandam a further RO1 million has been spent on extensions to Khasab hospital.

The new Sur hospital, with a capacity of 250 beds and costing R015 million, became operational in September 2000 as part of the development linked to the Oman LNG project. Plans for regional hospitals in Ibra and Dibba are also underway. Extensions to the Jaalan Bani Bu Ali hospital were completed by the end of 2000.

Two new health centres, the Obstetric & Gynaecology unit at al-Wattayah and the Abu Baqrah health centre in the northern Batinah, were opened in 1999. Six new health centres were completed by the end of 2000. Generous donations from prominent individuals and businessmen have made it possible for the Ministry to build and equip a number of health facilities. In November 1998, a renal dialysis unit with 28 beds was opened at Baushar thanks to a donation of over RO600,000. Construction of the Baushar Maternity unit, which will cost RO1 million was started in October 1999.

Private Sector Health Care

The Ministry also supports and encourages the opening of hospitals and clinics in the private sector. In 1999, there were two private hospitals and 491 private clinics in the Sultanate. The first private hospital was opened in Salalah in 1995. In November 1996 the first consultant -based private hospital with 30 beds, built to international standards was opened at Shatti al-Qurum. The Ministry has since received further applications to build private hospitals in various other areas of the Sultanate.

The catering, maintenance, cleaning and other non-medical services have long been privatised in all Ministry hospitals.

In addition to the hospitals and health centres built and run by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Defence, the Royal Oman Police and Petroleum Development Oman provide a total of four hospitals and 45 health centres between them for the treatment and health care of their employees and families. The Sultan Qaboos University hospital has 332 staffed beds and is the principal training ground for Oman's medical staff.

As a result of this extensive hospital and health network, access to treatment has become much easier for the great majority of the population. The remote areas are still served by visiting medical teams. There has also been a gradual but impressive reduction in the number of patients sent abroad for treatment. Only those patients requiring highly specialised treatment, such as radiotherapy, now need to receive treatment overseas.

Immunisation against disease

In the 1980's a mass immunisation programme was introduced for children. Almost 99% of all children in Oman are now being immunised against the main childhood killer diseases such as poliomyelitis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tuberculosis, measles, rubella, mumps and hepatitis. No poliomyelitis cases have been reported since 1993 and the country has been diphtheria-free since 1992. There were only nine confirmed cases of measles in 1999. Neo-natal tetanus and congenital rubella syndrome have been eliminated. The Ministry aims to further develop the immunisation coverage achieved so far.

There has been a significant decline in the infant mortality rate from more than 118 per 1000 live births in 1972 to 17 per 1000 live births in 1999. The UNICEF Report for 1997 listed Oman as a top achiever in reducing the deaths in children under the age of five.

Malaria

In 1990, the problem of malaria peaked with 32,720 confirmed cases. The Ministry decided to wage war on the disease in phases. The first phase, covering a quarter of a million people in the Sharqiyah region, was started in 1990. Within two years the incidence of malaria had fallen dramatically and malaria transmission was successfully arrested in 1994. It was decided to cover the Batinah and the wilayats close to the Capital Area in 1993. Results similar to those in the Sharqiyah region were obtained. The project was then implemented in other parts of the Sultanate, in Muscat in 1993 and in the Dhahirah in 1997. The number of cases of malaria recorded in 1999 was only 696, compared with 1091 in 1998, of which less than100 cases were due to local transmission.

With the rapid development of the country and the socio-economic change in people's lifestyles, there is an increase in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular illness. The older generation who are now living longer are particularly prone to disease of this kind, while the younger generation tend to be victims of traffic accidents which accounted for 512 deaths in 1999. The incidence of hospital cancer cases is very low in Oman compared with other developed countries, but health officials are aware that the number will increase and are taking steps to encourage a healthy diet and to reduce smoking in the community. At the beginning of 1996 a total ban on smoking was imposed in all Government offices and the Ministry has an on-going public awareness campaign to highlight the heath risks associated with smoking. Smoking has been banned on all Oman Air domestic flights. Although there is no legislation at the moment on tobacco advertising in Oman, no tobacco advertisements are shown on television. Promotion of tobacco is discouraged. A joint campaign initiated in 1998 between the tobacco industry and the Ministry, entitled 'We don't sell cigarettes to those under 18', aimed at preventing the sale of cigarettes to the young. In March 1998 the duty on tobacco went up from 50 to 75% and in March 1999 was raised to 100%.

Mental Health

The Ibn Sina Hospital and the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital are equipped to deal with mental health problems and are in the process of developing psychiatric services in Oman. Fortunately drug addiction is not a serious problem, thanks to co-operation between the Royal Oman Police and the Ministry. Recorded cases of AIDS/HIV infection, which are all reported to the WHO, have increased slightly due to better testing and screening of high risk groups. The Ministry goes to considerable lengths to produce educational material and to heighten public awareness of the risks involved. The import of blood and blood products has been banned since the end of 1990 and all blood used in transfusions is screened not only for AIDS but also for other infections such as the hepatitis virus.

Blood Transfusion Services

In early 1997, the Ministry published a booklet to encourage blood donation and to help dispel the misconception that giving blood is harmful to the donor. About 30,000 units of blood are required annually mainly for the treatment of road accident victims, hereditary diseases, open heart surgery and other related cases. The Ministry's ongoing public awareness campaign in the media, in schools, clubs and societies, as well as donor sessions in companies and organisations, has had a positive effect in providing the quantities of blood required, but a greater public commitment is needed, if donations are to keep pace with future requirements. However, there has been a steady increase in the number of donors who now number around 25,000.

Birth Spacing

Oman has a high fertility rate which not only doubles the population every 20 years but also creates health problems for mother and child. His Majesty the Sultan has advised his people to limit the number of children per family and the Ministry has launched a campaign to put across the message that birth spacing is not against the customs of Oman, but is essential for the well-being of the whole family. Advice is given to mothers in all health clinics on how to limit the number of pregnancies. Breast-feeding is also encouraged for the health of the child. Since the introduction of birth spacing services in 1994, there has been a marked decline in the total fertility rate of Omani women, which went down to 4.8 children per woman in 1998 from 7.8 children in 1988. The natural increase rate has declined from well over 3% in the 80's to 2.5% today. In order to obtain better statistical information there are plans to introduce birth and death certificates as part of a general policy of civil registration, which is currently being considered by the Government.

Community Support Groups

As part of the Baby Friendly Hospital initiative supported by UNICEF, the Ministry has successfully recruited over 2,500 women, who are either mothers or potential mothers as volunteers to work alongside its own staff to assist other mothers with breast-feeding and complementary feeding techniques. The Community Support Groups which were started in 1992, have become a country-wide network, working in collaboration with other ministries and the Omani Women's Association.

During 1997 a joint team from the Ministry and UNICEF conducted a field study in 167 villages, representing all 10 health regions, to understand the perceptions of women involved in the movement about the changes taking place in society, their attitudes to voluntary work and their commitment to the community. The study will be of value in planning other voluntary work within the community and in assisting the Ministry with plans for future health education campaigns.

Health Education

The Ministry lays great emphasis on all aspects of health education, believing that prevention is better than cure. Attention is paid to hygiene and sanitation in order to eliminate common communicable diseases like diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection to which children are particularly vulnerable. In September 1996, the Ministry with the help of UNICEF launched a booklet entitled 'The Facts for Life' in Arabic for distribution in schools, which discusses a variety of health issues. Both the WHO and UNICEF have endorsed the rapid health transition in the Sultanate with a booklet entitled 'Oman's Leap to Good Health' which presents the findings of a team of international scientists in the field of public health.

Training of Medical Staff

The Faculty of Medicine at Sultan Qaboos University started functioning in 1986 and is currently training 596 Omani doctors. The Ministry is responsible for 11 nursing institutes distributed throughout all health regions, currently training 1,280 Omani nurses. Since 1984, 2,016 nurses have graduated from these institutes, of whom 1,560 are women. There are 32 nursing graduates who have been sent abroad to obtain degrees qualifying them to join the teaching staff of the institutes on their return.

There are three other health training institutes in Oman run by the Ministry. The Institute of Health Sciences has trained 236 medical laboratory technicians since 1986, 139 radiographers and 95 physiotherapists since 1990 and 72 dental surgery assistants since 1994.

The Oman Institute of Public Health has qualified 164 public health inspectors since 1993 and 98 health educators since 1995. The Oman Institute of Assistant Pharmacists has qualified 199 assistant pharmacists since 1994. There are now 50 students studying nutrition and dietetics at the Oman Institute of Public Health. Other courses of study have been added recently, such as post-basic nephrology nursing, midwifery and health management.

With the increased efforts to train and subsequently employ Omani nationals in place of expatriates, the proportion of nationals among medical staff has been increasing slowly but surely. At the end of December 1999, there were 297 Omani doctors and nearly 2000 nurses employed by the Ministry, representing 15% and 31% of the total manpower respectively. However, half of all staff employed by the Ministry are Omani, which is no mean achievement, considering the challenge of keeping pace with the expansion of health services over the last few years. The Ministry policy has been to decentralise more and more of the health services, allowing them freedom to operate at regional level with their own budgets and administration. To keep track of developments the Ministry has a management information system which is fully computerised at both national and regional levels.

In 1992 The Ministry of Health issued a policy statement, reiterating Oman's commitment to provide comprehensive integrated, preventive, as well as curative and rehabilitative health services through regional health programmes in order to achieve the goal of health for all by the year 2000. There is no doubt that this target has not only been met but exceeded far beyond expectation.

SPORT AND CULTURAL YOUTH ACTIVITIES

The General Organisation for Sport and Cultural Youth Activities GOSCYA

The General Organisation for Sport and Cultural Youth Activities (GOSCYA) oversees every aspect of sporting or cultural youth activities and promotes the balanced development of the younger generation. This includes providing opportunities to participate in sporting, cultural and other related activities within the Gulf, Arab and international arenas.

GOSCYA is headed by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Marhoon al Ma’amari.

The National Census held in December 1993 confirmed the importance attached to the young in the development of Omani society. The results of the Census revealed that 54% of the population was aged 15 or under.

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos has always encouraged the organisation of sporting and other activities for young people as an integral part of building the nation and developing human resources for the future. 1983 and 1993 were declared Years of Youth. His Majesty has presented a trophy to be competed for by the sports clubs under the title 'His Majesty's Cup for Youth'. With this prestigious award, His Majesty has given a generous grant to be distributed in cash prizes. In 1989 responsibility for youth affairs was transferred from the Ministry of Education to the Higher Council of Youth, which initiated a master plan for the construction of sports and youth centres throughout Oman. In 1990, all sports and youth activities were placed under an autonomous body, the General Organisation for Sport & Cultural Youth Activities (GOSCYA) which has its headquarters in Ruwi. GOSYCA is responsible for more than 50 clubs throughout the Sultanate. As well as encouraging sport at home, GOYCA is keen to encourage links with other countries to improve standards and give experience to young players. In February 2000, a four-nation soccer tournament was held by the Oman Football Association in the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex between Oman, the UAE, Switzerland and Slovenia.

Sports Facilities

The original sports complex was built at Bausher and named after His Majesty. Since then other similar complexes have been built in Salalah, Sohar, Sur and Nizwa. Many other sports clubs and grounds have been built all over the country and even some of the smallest villages boast football pitches. A fully equipped sports and youth complex was built in Ibri at a cost of around RO6 million for the 29th National Day celebrations.

A sports health centre, the first of its kind in Oman, has been established at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. With an area of 1200 square metres, it will provide seating for 15,000 spectators, facilities for treatment of sporting injuries, as well as medical advice on diet and first aid for those taking part in sports. This centre is seen as an essential facility for future participation in competitive sport.

In 1999, GOYSCA allowed clubs to promote local and foreign products on their clothing at local sports events. This will help clubs raise funds for their activities.

Honours and Awards

It has become the annual custom for GOSYCA to honour sporting personalities and those involved in youth activities for their sporting prowess and achievements. In March 2000 awards were presented to the top sportsmen, successful clubs and those who had achieved distinction in cultural activities during 1999. Some 40 sportsmen’s achievements were recognised. HM the Sultan’s Cup was won by Seeb Club in 1999.

Among those honoured were the winning football teams - the first team and the under-16s, also Oman's motor rally champion and athletes who had participated successfully in the Ninth Arab Games, where Oman won one Gold, one Silver and one Bronze Medal for the 200 metres and relay races. Other sports for which prizes were given included swimming, hockey and volleyball. The National Shooting Team won 13 medals, including three Gold at the Arab Games held in Jordan. The Science Club were congratulated on gaining first place in the Young Scientists’ competition held in the UAE in February 1999. Nizwa Club gained second place in the AGCC Cultural Competition held in Kuwait in 1999. Those who had run community projects in the villages and organised summer camps also received recognition of their efforts.

In March 1998, the Oman Lawn Tennis Association's junior team won the silver medal in the 11th AGCC junior tournament. The national football team was ranked fourth in the 14th AGCC tournament in Bahrain. In April 1998, it was Oman's turn to host the 7th AGCC Athletics meeting at the Sultan Qaboos Sports complex. The Omani team acquitted itself well carrying off one gold and several silver and bronze medals, ranking fourth in the overall results.

In previous years, Omanis have shown particular prowess when representing their country in a number of regional and international sporting events. In Japan in 1992, Omanis carried off a gold medal, two silver medals, four bronze medals and seven certificates from the 22nd Nippon Competition.

In December 1998 the first annual Oman Open figure skating competition was held at the al-Khuwair rink in which 40 competitors aged between 4 and 13 years old took part. Like golf and cricket in Oman, the organisation and administration of this sport is a private venture. However GOSYCA encourages the introduction of new sports and recently both the Olympic sports of fencing and weightlifting have been introduced.

Oman Olympic Committee

The Oman Olympic Committee was set up in 1982 and joined other international Olympic bodies in the same year. Having participated in the Asian Games in 1982 and 1986, Oman participated in the Olympic Games in 1984 and 1988, in the Friendship and Peace Championship in Kuwait in 1989, in the 11th Asian Games in China in 1990 and in the 25th Olympic games in Barcelona in 1992.

At the 26th Olympic Games held in Atlanta in 1996, Oman participated in the following sports: athletics, cycling, shooting, swimming and tennis. Oman also participated in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. In 1996, the GOSYCA office in Salalah organised the first Olympic 'fun run' in Oman which attracted some 2000 participants for the 5km event. It has now become an annual event in the sports calendar. In 1999 it was held in Sur.

The National Paralympic Team has acquitted itself well in the weightlifting, javelin and shot events and individual members of the team improved on their previous performances in Kuwait and in the U.K. In 1998, one member of the team set a new Gulf weight lifting record in the 56kg category at the 4th Championship in Riyadh with a lift of 133kg for which he was awarded a gold medal; his team mate won a silver with a lift of 110kg. Other members of the team carried off three silver medals and a bronze. The Omani team was keen to qualify for the Sydney 2000 Paralympics. In the 1999 Special Olympics for the mentally disabled in the USA, the Omani athletics team won one Gold and four Silver Medals. The Omani team came second in the AGCC Wheelchair Basketball Tournament.

Women in Sport

GOSYCA has established a wing for women's sporting activities. The Women's Games, held in 1994 and comprising volleyball, basketball, squash, tennis and table tennis proved extremely popular and were enthusiastically supported. Young women are also becoming increasingly prominent in the educational and cultural activities organised by GOSYCA. In March 1997, at the UAE open ice skating competition, a seven-year old Omani girl won a silver medal in the freestyle event, thus becoming the first Omani girl, or boy, to achieve international recognition in the sport.

The Sultanate was represented by a delegation at the Women's Games in Iran in December 1997.

Cultural Activities

Every year GOSYCA plans a number of cultural activities to take place during Ramadhan. Plays are staged, chess competitions are held and quiz competitions take place. During 1998, GOSYCA opened its own theatre complex in Ruwi, which will be used for a number of cultural activities as well as performing plays and showing films.

A Youth Theatre Group was established in 1980 and other activities include concerts, poetry readings, and literary and religious evenings. Computer training courses are very popular.

In January 1998, an Omani youth delegation travelled to Tokyo to participate in the "10th Ship of World Youth Voyage" organised by the Japanese Government. The ship docked at Mina Sultan Qaboos in March. The arrival of the ship coincided with the sixth festival of AGCC folklore being hosted in Oman at the time.

GOSYCA hosted joint celebrations of various kinds, in which 350 young people took part from 14 countries, in addition to over 300 folklore artistes.

In September 1998, GOSYCA represented Oman at the 3rd AGCC cultural festival of youth held in Paris. Previous festivals have been held in Japan and Italy. The purpose is to show the culture of the region through music, dance, art, costume and handicrafts. In July 1999 GOSYCA hosted the 5th AGCC Poetry and Short Story Writers’ Week.

The Arts and Science Club now have new premises beside the GOSCYA building in Ruwi. Each activity has its own room, where young people can learn computer skills, photographic processing, video editing, drawing and painting. Materials and instruction are provided free of charge. There is also a small library stocked with books and manuals in Arabic and English.

Raleigh International Adventurers

Operation Raleigh was established in 1984 to develop self-reliance and character building in young people by giving them demanding community and conservation projects to carry out. Each year about 1000 volunteers from all over the world participate in expeditions to different countries. Oman is the first country in the Middle East to be chosen for a Raleigh International Project. In 1999, young Omanis joined the Raleigh Adventurers in a number of projects across Oman, such as small building projects, wildlife surveys and repairing water channels. GOSYCA sponsored and entertained the Adventurers, who must raise their own funds to take part in an expedition. International and local companies also provided financial and material assistance.

Summer Camps

GOSYCA organises summer camps in different parts of the Sultanate. In 1998, the 10th national camp was held in the Jebel al-Akhdar. Apart from sporting and cultural activities, the young people are shown how to participate in social and environmental projects, such as tree planting and maintenance of afalaj and dams. Around 1000 young people participated throughout the summer. During 1999, GOSYCA arranged with the Ruwi Club to offer recreational facilities during the summer vacation. A national camp was also organised at Khasab and the fourth annual youth camp arranged with the Ministry of Water Resources.

Equestrian Events

His Majesty, the Sultan has encouraged young people to take part in equestrian events, which are a reminder of Omani heritage and the traditional relationship to the horse and camel as part of the Arab way of life. Under the auspices of the Oman Equestrian & Camel Federation, show-jumping events, steeplechases and flat races are held at regular intervals and on national holidays.

SCOUTS AND GUIDES

The origins of scouting in the Sultanate can be traced back to 1932 when a movement was started by a school master. In 1948 the first organised scout pack was formed in the Saidiya School in Muscat. Shortly after this, packs were started in the other two schools for boys in Muttrah and Salalah. Scouting for girls was not introduced until 1972. In 1997, the Oman Girl Guides celebrated their Silver Jubilee. An exhibition of arts, crafts and photography was organised to mark the occasion. In 1998, the Arab Scouting Movement celebrated its 85th anniversary.

The National Organisation for Scouts and Guides (NOSG) was established in 1975, with the aim of inculcating in young people a sense of service and devotion to their country and to His Majesty, helping them to develop a sense of self-reliance, responsibility and public spirit. In 1983, in recognition of the keen interest he has shown in the scouting movement, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos was installed as Chief Scout and under his patronage the movement has expanded in all areas of the Sultanate. There are 655 packs, comprising 14,781 Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Girl Guides, as well as 1,128 Scout and Girl Guide leaders, including 454 Rover Scouts from the University and colleges of higher education.

This is a result of the progressive and interesting programme organised by NOSG throughout the year with a variety of activities such as annual summer camps, scout meetings, Ramadhan evenings, training sessions and scouting competitions which have been entered into by large numbers of boys and girls and their leaders. In addition to this activity NOSG co-ordinates special programmes with ministries and other Government bodies, such as health awareness, traffic week, student municipality weeks, world civil defence day, naval courses, community projects, assistance to pilgrims during the Hajj and Friends of the Police.

The scout movement had a significant and important role to play during the Nation's Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1995. NOSG also ensures that Omani scouts and girl guides show the flag at international scouting jamborees, as well as at AGCC and other Arab occasions, like the 35th Jamboree in South Africa and meetings in Saudi Arabia. NOSG has participated in the Arab-European meeting in Switzerland, the World Scout Camp in Holland, the Arab Scout Camp in Tunis and other events. Oman hosted the 4th & 5th AGCC Scout Camps in 1994 and 1996. In February 1997, Omani scouting groups attended the 51st Annual Scout Camp in Kuwait and in 1998 participated in the 6th AGCC Scout Camp in Bahrain. The National Organisation's annual camp was held in Dhofar in July and August 1999. It was attended by delegations from the UAE and Kuwait with some 200 girl guides and 250 scouts from Oman. They assisted with the Kharif Festival and held an exhibition in Salalah. In March 1999, a total of 50 scouts participated in a falaj cleaning project organised in co-opoeration with the Ministry of Water Resources. In April a similar project was launched by scouts in Salalah to clean the Ain Garziz spring and basin. In January 2000, the 17th Annual winter camp was held at al-Musana’ah and attended by around 250 scouts and their leaders. At the same time the girl guides held their camp at Saham.

The NOSG publishes a magazine twice yearly and in 2000 issued numbers 24 and 25.

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