Oman targets four universities in global top 500 by 2040

Oman aims to place four universities among the world’s top 500 by 2040 and improve its international standing in innovation and skills through education reform, scientific research and national talent development.

The targets form part of Oman Vision 2040’s plans for a knowledge-based economy, with inclusive education and lifelong learning intended to prepare Omanis for changing employment demands.

The strategy links educational quality to economic competitiveness while retaining Islamic principles, Omani identity, history, cultural heritage and social values within curricula.

Education quality and employment

The vision calls for improvements at every educational level, including modern curricula and stronger learning outcomes. Graduates would be equipped with qualifications, practical skills and competencies needed to compete in local and international labour markets.

Diversified learning pathways, modern teaching methods and internationally recognised academic standards are among its priorities.

Developing educational institutions, strengthening teachers and academic staff, and improving accreditation would support these changes.

An integrated, independent system for governing and evaluating education would assess institutions against national and international standards. Partnerships with society would also contribute to educational development.

These measures are intended to improve graduate employability and public confidence in the education system.

Research and industry partnerships

Oman seeks an effective national research system that supports creativity, technological development and practical responses to economic and social needs.

The strategy calls for greater investment in research and development, particularly applied research, with diversified and sustainable funding for education, research and innovation.

Cooperation between universities, research institutions and private companies would help turn findings into practical solutions, support entrepreneurship and contribute to economic diversification.

National talent and lifelong learning

Education and vocational training would prepare Omanis for employment, improve workplace productivity and strengthen the country’s competitiveness.

Lifelong learning and continuous professional development are intended to help workers adapt to technology and emerging industries.

The vision also calls for a national system to identify and develop talent, creativity and entrepreneurial potential.

Merit-based opportunities, qualifications linked to demonstrated performance and professional excellence would support institutional efficiency and encourage achievement.

Public-private cooperation would help expand employment opportunities and improve job security in the private sector, contributing to long-term economic development.

University and innovation targets

The framework sets targets for 2030 and 2040 against historical baselines. These figures represent the starting points used in the strategy rather than current rankings.

Under its 2018 QS World University Rankings baseline, Oman had one university among the world’s top 500, ranked 450th. The target is three universities by 2030 and four by 2040.

The vision also seeks to improve the average ranking of Omani universities within the top 500 to the top 300 by both deadlines.

For the Global Innovation Index, Oman’s 2018 baseline was 32.8 out of 100, ranked 69th among 127 countries. Targets are a score above 41.19 or a top-40 position by 2030, followed by above 51.98 or the top 20 by 2040.

The Education for All Development Index baseline was 0.938 in 2015, placing Oman 51st among 92 countries. The strategy targets a value above 0.984 or the top 20 by 2030, rising to above 0.989 or the top 10 by 2040.

In the skills component of the Global Competitiveness Index, Oman recorded 71.6 out of 100 in 2018, ranking 36th among 140 countries. Targets are above 76 or the top 20 by 2030, and above 83.2 or the top 10 by 2040.

For the Global Talent Competitiveness Index, the 2018 baseline was 43.93, ranked 56th among 119 countries. Oman aims for a score above 55.57 or a top-30 position by 2030, followed by above 62.63 or the top 20 by 2040.

The wider objective is an inclusive, internationally competitive education and research system that develops a skilled workforce and a society able to contribute knowledge, creativity and productivity to sustainable economic growth.