Muscat:Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) organized the Strategic Partners Forum under the theme 'Together For Oman,' aiming to enhance collaboration and supply chain resilience in the energy sector. The event gathered Chief Executive Officers from over 30 strategic partner companies and more than 250 senior leaders to discuss strengthening national capabilities.
According to Oman News Agency, the forum emphasized the need for a competitive and resilient energy sector amidst geopolitical and market challenges. Key discussions focused on industry collaboration, leveraging local expertise, and bolstering domestic supply chains to ensure operational continuity and economic value for Oman.
The event marked a significant step in PDO's Journey of Transformation, focusing on strengthening sector-wide collaboration. Dr. Aflah Said Al Hadhrami, PDO Managing Director, highlighted the importance of partnerships and local business capabilities in building sector resilience and creating sustainable opportunities for Omani talent and businesses.
A notable outcome was the signing of a memorandum with Oman Energy Association (OPAL) to develop Omani professionals for technical roles, aiming to increase Omanisation from 40% to 80%. This initiative is expected to create around 150 skilled jobs and allocate 20% of contract expenditure to SMEs and local contractors.
Additionally, PDO signed an agreement with ABRAJ Energy Services, Al Baraka Oilfield Services, and Galfar Engineering and Contracting to launch a joint safety leadership program. This initiative will include supervisors from Omani SMEs to enhance safety practices across the sector.
The forum also featured an exhibition of nine Omani SMEs showcasing innovations in satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, and other technologies, highlighting local business capabilities in the energy industry. Through these efforts, PDO aims to support Oman Vision 2040 by fostering a more competitive, efficient, and resilient energy sector.
