Tourism Breaking News
Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development, has launched the second edition of the “GIFTED” program—one of its flagship social investment initiatives. The program forms part of the Group’s #IAmTourism strategy, which aims to empower national talent and strengthen its presence in the tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman. This edition builds on the success of the first phase, which was implemented at dusitD2 Naseem Resort in Al Jabal Al Akhdar and achieved positive outcomes in both training and integration. The current edition includes 13 participants with disabilities who are undertaking a six-month intensive program designed to provide them with the practical skills and knowledge required to work in the tourism and hospitality industry.
The program represents a practical step toward inclusive employment, offering promising opportunities for participants to join a number of OMRAN Group’s leading hospitality assets in Muscat Governorate, including W Muscat, InterContinental Muscat, JW Marriott, Crowne Plaza at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Barceló Mussanah Resort.
Hilal bin Rashid Al Mukhaini, Assistant Director at the Department of Specialized Rehabilitation Centers at the Ministry of Social Development, affirmed:
“The Ministry of Social Development is committed to developing a comprehensive framework that enables persons with disabilities to fully integrate into the labour market, in line with its developmental vision to promote independence and self-reliance. The ‘GIFTED’ program, launched in partnership with OMRAN Group, stands as an important practical model of this approach, by providing tailored training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the tourism sector, in line with their abilities and potential.”
He added: “Partnerships between the public and private sectors are a cornerstone in the rehabilitation and empowerment of persons with disabilities. Such collaborations create pathways for training and employment within inclusive work environments that embrace national talents with disabilities, while taking into account their professional needs.”
Mohammed Hamed Al Rasbi, Social Investment Lead at OMRAN Group, commented: “The GIFTED program reflects OMRAN Group’s strategic direction in developing social investment initiatives with tangible impact — grounded in a clear understanding of community needs and aimed at shaping more inclusive and sustainable development models. This program embodies that commitment by offering specialized vocational training opportunities that enable persons with disabilities to participate in the tourism workforce within supportive and balanced work environments.”
He added: “What sets this program apart is that it serves as a practical platform for redefining the concept of community participation and reinforcing diversity as a key driver of both institutional and societal advancement.”
The GIFTED program is the first of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman dedicated to training persons with disabilities for employment in the tourism sector. It aligns with OMRAN Group’s vision of creating inclusive and diverse workplaces that reflect Oman’s social values. The Group also plans to expand the program to other governorates in future phases as part of its strategic direction to broaden impact.
