Training
Ever since the modernization of Oman began in 1970, the government has invested heavily in the school, among other things to build up a well-educated domestic workforce. Today, almost all children start school and more and more Omanias can read and write.
In 1970, about 80 percent of Omani were illiterate. At the beginning of the 2010, the proportion had dropped to 13 percent, partly with the help of adult schools.
- COUNTRYAAH: Country facts of Oman, including geography profile, population statistics, and business data.
The ten-year primary school is free of charge, but no compulsory schooling prevails. After compulsory school follows a two-year high school. Teaching in English is given from the first school year. Lack of own teachers means that some of the teachers’ corps come from other Arab countries.
In 1986, Oman got its first university, the Sultan Qabus University, which was subsequently expanded with new institutions. In addition, there are also some 40 specialized colleges, both state and private. In addition, the Government has given priority to building education in technology and generous scholarships for study abroad are also distributed to Omani citizens. More than 40 percent of those who leave high school go on to some form of higher education.
- Andyeducation: Introduction to education system in Oman, including compulsory schooling and higher education.
FACTS – EDUCATION
Proportion of children starting primary school
94.1 percent (2017)
Number of pupils per teacher in primary school
10 (2017)
Reading and writing skills
94.9 percent (2016)
Public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP
16.0 percent (2017)
Public expenditure on education as a percentage of the state budget
16.0 percent (2017)
2014
December
Oil prices are causing budget deficits
The government announces that next year’s budget will be in deficit due to the large drop in oil prices on the world market. Since June, oil prices have halved. However, the deficit will not affect the standard of living or the availability of jobs, the government assures. The state will continue to subsidize consumer goods and social services.
Famous activist arrested
A regional human rights group states that a leading activist in Oman has been arrested by the authorities. The arrested, Saed Jadad, played an active role in the protest movement in 2011.
November
The Sultan misses National Day celebration
Sultan Qabus is absent from national day celebrations for the first time since he came to power in 1970. The sultan is said to celebrate abroad “for known reasons”. He allows agents to congratulate his countrymen on the occasion of having ruled Oman for 44 years.
September
Support for the fight against IS
Oman, along with other states in the region, pledges to support the US fight against the Islamic State (IS) jihadist movement, which has taken control of much of Iraq and Syria. However, unlike Saudi Arabia and some other neighboring countries, Oman refrains from participating in US-led air strikes against IS positions in Syria.
July
The Sultan travels abroad for care
Sultan Qabus travels to Germany to undergo “medical tests”. What lies behind this is not revealed but the sultan remains in Germany. Later, a diplomatic source in the capital Musqat states that the sultan suffers from stomach cancer.
May
Ex-minister convicted of corruption
A former minister is sentenced to three years in prison and two million US dollars in fines for corruption. This is the first time a minister has been convicted of corruption.
March
State visit from Iran
Iranian President Hassan Rohani visits Oman and the countries agree to build an oil pipeline under the Red Sea so that Oman can buy gas from Iran.
