Oman's labor market in 2025 is undergoing significant transformations, driven by government initiatives and evolving workforce dynamics. The Ministry of Labour aims to create 45,000 job opportunities this year, focusing on sectors such as transport, logistics, and information technology. This ambitious plan includes 11,000 training placements, 10,000 government roles, and 24,000 private sector positions, with a strong emphasis on Omanisation and local talent development .
Overall Hiring and Job Market Growth in Oman
- Unemployment rate was 3.16% in 2024
- Total labour force reached 2.58 million in 2023
- Employed persons totaled 2.28 million in December 2023
- Labour force participation rate was 68.31% in 2023
- Female labour force participation stood at 32% in 2023
- Youth unemployment (ages 15–24) was 6.85% in 2023
- Oil and gas sector contributed 72% to GDP and produced 1.064 million barrels per day in 2023
- Omanisation rate in the oil and gas sector was 89% in 2023
- ICT market is projected to grow at a 10% CAGR between 2024 and 2029
- Tourism sector employed 179,750 workers in 2023, including 16,799 Omanis
- Tourism is set to create over 500,000 jobs and attract OMR 19 billion in investments by 2040
- Expatriate workers accounted for 1.45 million private-sector jobs in 2023
- Omani nationals held 376,856 government jobs and 399,803 private-sector jobs in 2023
- SMEs received 16% of oil and gas sector procurement spending, boosting local businesses
- Average daily natural gas production reached 49.703 million cubic meters in 2023
Top Hiring Trends in Oman (2025)
1. Economic Diversification and Demand for Specialized Skills
Oman is actively diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas, focusing on tourism, logistics, technology, and manufacturing. This shift has led to a heightened demand for specialised skills. For instance, there's a growing need for professionals in cybersecurity, data analysis, digital marketing, and specialised engineering roles.
✨Hiring Hack: Collaborate with educational institutions to develop training programs aligned with industry needs, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled candidates
Suggested: Top Recruitment Agencies in Oman
2. Emphasis on Omanization Policies
The Omani government continues implementing Omanization policies, aiming to increase employment opportunities for Omani nationals in the private sector. These policies influence hiring practices, with companies required to meet specific quotas for Omani employees.
✨Hiring Hack: Develop internship and graduate programs targeting Omani nationals to build a talent pool that aligns with Omanization requirements.
3. Integration of Technology in Recruitment Processes
The adoption of digital platforms and AI-driven tools is transforming recruitment in Oman. Employers are leveraging online job portals, social media, and recruitment agencies to attract candidates globally. This technological shift enhances the efficiency of the hiring process.
✨Hiring Hack: Utilize AI-powered recruitment tools to streamline candidate sourcing and screening, reducing time-to-hire and improving candidate quality.
4. Rise in Staff Outsourcing
Staff outsourcing is gaining traction among Omani businesses seeking flexibility and access to specialised skills without long-term commitments. This trend allows companies to adapt quickly to market changes and project-based demands.
✨Hiring Hack: Partner with reputable outsourcing firms to access a broader talent pool and ensure scalability and agility in your workforce.
5. Low Unemployment Rate Indicating a Competitive Talent Market
Oman boasts a low unemployment rate, around 1.46% in 2023. This low rate signifies a competitive talent market, making it essential for employers to offer attractive compensation packages and growth opportunities to attract top candidates.
✨Hiring Hack: Enhance your employer value proposition by offering competitive salaries, benefits, and clear career progression paths to attract and retain top talent.
Navigating Oman's hiring trends in 2025 requires a strategic approach that aligns with the country's economic goals and workforce dynamics. By focusing on specialised skill development, embracing technological advancements in recruitment, understanding and implementing Omanization policies, considering staff outsourcing options, and recognising the competitive nature of the talent market, recruiters and hiring managers can effectively meet the evolving demands of Oman's job market.
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