Oman Vision 2040 targets wider social protection, higher living standards

Oman Vision 2040 seeks to expand social protection, improve access to essential services and increase economic participation, with long-term targets for human development, living standards and reduced inequality.

The strategy places particular emphasis on women, children, young people, persons with disabilities and vulnerable communities. Its stated direction is to provide a decent and sustainable life for all, supported by cooperation between government, businesses and civil society.

Social protection and economic independence

The vision calls for a fair, effective and financially sustainable social safety network covering insurance, healthcare, education and social assistance.

Integrated programs would address the immediate needs of vulnerable households while creating opportunities for long-term economic independence. Support would extend beyond financial assistance to help individuals and families become self-reliant, economically productive and able to contribute to national development.

Social justice is identified as a foundation for cohesive, peaceful communities capable of withstanding social and economic pressures.

The strategy also seeks stronger welfare institutions and services that respond to changing needs. Accessible support systems and coordinated social policies would help reduce inequalities and improve living conditions for present and future generations.

Opportunities for women, youth and persons with disabilities

Specialized programs would develop skills, improve access to opportunities and support participation in economic and community life.

Young people are identified as important contributors to Oman’s future, with the vision encouraging their political, social and economic participation.

For persons with disabilities, priorities include skills development, accessible services and adequate social protection, enabling them to develop their capabilities and participate fully in society.

The wider objective is to ensure that women, children, youth and vulnerable groups have the support and opportunities needed to contribute to development.

Community partnerships and social responsibility

Government institutions, private companies and civil society would work together on social development programs, with corporate social responsibility supporting community welfare and addressing local challenges.

The vision calls for clear rules governing these initiatives. Programs should respond to actual community needs, have sustainable financing and be assessed against measurable social outcomes.

Responsible investment and voluntary contributions would support an organised system of social responsibility. Civil society organisations would also contribute through volunteering, community initiatives and welfare programs.

Sports and healthy communities

Sports development forms part of the strategy to improve physical and mental health, encourage community participation and support young people.

The vision seeks an environment that encourages participation across age groups while developing athletes capable of competing internationally.

Investment in facilities, talent development and competitive opportunities would strengthen Oman’s participation in regional and international events. Sports are also recognised as a source of social development and economic opportunity.

The framework sets out international benchmarks for assessing social progress, human development, youth participation and living standards. Its baseline figures refer to earlier years rather than current rankings.

Oman’s Social Progress Index baseline was 68.2 out of 100 in 2018, placing it 66th among 146 countries. The targets are a score above 76.27 or a top-40 position by 2030, followed by above 86.76 or a top-20 position by 2040.

For the Human Development Index, the 2018 baseline was 0.821, ranked 48th among 189 countries. The vision targets a value above 0.871 or a top-30 position by 2030, rising to above 0.908 or the top 20 by 2040.

The Youth Development Index baseline was 0.611 in 2016, placing Oman 99th among 183 countries. Targets are above 0.717 or the top 40 by 2030, followed by above 0.737 or the top 30 by 2040.

Real GDP per capita stood at OMR6,264 in 2017, ranked 49th among 187 countries. The strategy targets increases of 40 per cent by 2030 and 90 per cent by 2040 against that baseline.

For inequality, the framework records a Gini coefficient of 0.31 from the 2010 Household Expenditure and Income Survey, placing Oman 23rd among 82 countries. The target is to maintain 0.31 through 2030 and reduce it to 0.28 by 2040. A lower coefficient indicates less income or expenditure inequality.

Four further indicators were under development in the supplied framework: living standards, accessibility for the most needy groups, civil society’s contribution to welfare, and the number of Omani athletes or teams winning sports competitions.

These measures are intended to assess whether economic and social development translates into improved living conditions, wider participation and lasting protection against vulnerability.