Digital services and merit-based leadership feature in Oman Vision 2040

Oman seeks to simplify government services through digital technology and strengthen accountability for public spending under Vision 2040’s plans to improve institutional performance.

The strategy combines changes to public administration with merit-based leadership recruitment, results-based budgeting and closer cooperation with businesses and civil society.

Its objectives include better services for citizens, residents and companies, alongside effective resource management and institutions capable of responding to economic, social and technological changes.

Digital services and institutional coordination

The vision calls for administrative structures that support planning, regulation, monitoring and evaluation.

Modern management practices would improve service delivery and coordination between government bodies. Institutional objectives would be aligned with national priorities to support consistent policy implementation.

Digital technology and integrated administrative systems would simplify procedures, improve access and reduce inefficiencies.

Government institutions would also work with private companies to design and deliver smart services. New technologies and service models are intended to make public bodies more responsive to community needs while improving their operations.

Transparency and public sector leadership

Public access to information and institutional disclosure are priorities for strengthening confidence in government decisions.

The strategy calls for clear administrative procedures and responsible management, supported by monitoring that assesses performance and the use of public resources.

Performance-based systems would recognise productivity and creativity while holding institutions and individuals accountable for negligence.

Leadership appointments would follow competitive recruitment standards, with candidates selected according to qualifications, professional competence and their ability to manage institutional responsibilities.

Professional development and recognition of achievement would support better decision-making, innovation and a culture of responsibility.

Budgeting and project management

Results-based budgeting would link resource allocations to national priorities and measurable outcomes.

The vision seeks stronger financial planning and expenditure management, with increased development spending on major national and strategic projects alongside control of overall public expenditure.

Government bodies would improve revenue generation and financial efficiency while ensuring resources are distributed effectively across governorates.

Transparent project management and coordination between institutions are intended to increase the economic and social benefits of public investment.

Partnerships in public services

The strategy supports long-term partnerships between government, private businesses, civil society and individuals.

Defined roles and responsibilities would help coordinate their work and improve administrative efficiency.

Private participation would bring technology, specialist expertise and management experience into public services. Cooperation on smart government solutions would also support productivity and economic diversification.

The vision seeks to redefine the public sector’s role so that other sectors can contribute more actively to service delivery and national development.

Government performance benchmarks

The strategy measures progress against historical baselines, rather than the current rankings of Oman’s institutions.

In the E-Government Development Index, Oman recorded 0.685 on a scale from zero to one in 2018, ranking 63rd among 193 countries. The goals are a value above 0.8301 or a top-20 position by 2030, followed by above 0.8783 or the top 10 by 2040.

For government effectiveness in the Worldwide Governance Indicators, the 2017 baseline was 0.21 on a scale from −2.5 to 2.5, placing Oman 81st among 209 countries. The vision seeks a value above 1.260 or a top-30 position by 2030, rising to above 1.800 or the top 10 by 2040.

In the rule of law measure, Oman recorded 0.43 in 2017, ranking 72nd among 209 countries. The goals are above 1.20 or the top 30 by 2030, followed by above 1.80 or the top 10 by 2040.

Two additional indicators are under development. One would measure the number of smart government solutions jointly developed or delivered with private enterprises. The other would assess privatised government services as a proportion of all government services.

The supplied material specifies no numerical baselines or goals for these two measures.

The broader objective is public administration that supports sustainable development and a knowledge-based economy through effective services, accountable institutions and responsible use of national resources.