The Authority for Projects, Tenders, and Local Content is organizing today the launch of the National Program “Imdad", one of the most prominent national initiatives aimed at empowering job seekers and developing national talents across various sectors. The event is held under the patronage of His Excellency Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance, and attended by His Excellency Eng. Badr bin Salim Al Ma'mari, Chairman of the Authority for Projects, Tenders, and Local Content, along with a number of ministers, senior officials, and representatives from both public and private sectors.
The “Imdad" National Program is based on eight key strategies for workforce localization, which include direct employment programs, training linked to employment, on-the-job training, freelance work platforms, the employment sustainability initiative, the industrial training program, the “Imdad" vocational preparation program, and other initiatives aimed at building youth capabilities and preparing them for the labor market.
Coinciding with the launch ceremony is the announcement of the “Imdad Health" Program, introduced by the Ministry of Health to support and empower national talents in the private healthcare sector. This initiative forms part of the national Omanization plan and the government's efforts to develop a sustainable and efficient national workforce.
Additionally, the event marks the launch of the Local Content Certificate and the presentation of the first certificate of its kind in this field. This certificate represents a comprehensive national framework designed to enhance companies' contributions to the Omani economy by evaluating their reliance on local products and services, employment of national talents, and support for knowledge transfer and modern technologies within the Sultanate.
The certificate also aims to unify performance measurement standards across sectors, encouraging companies to adopt a long-term strategic approach toward developing national capabilities and building sustainable local partnerships.
The Local Content Certificate serves as an important economic tool to promote local manufacturing, expand the use of Omani suppliers, and create high-quality job opportunities for Omanis while enhancing their technical and professional skills. It also contributes to improving transparency through accredited auditing processes that ensure the accuracy of data and compliance with national standards. Companies that meet the requirements are granted a competitive advantage in government tenders.
Moreover, the Local Content Certificate supports the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by integrating them into national value chains, enhancing their competitiveness, and improving the quality of their products and services. It also helps certified companies strengthen their commercial reputation and increase investor confidence, making the certificate a key element in building a knowledge- and innovation-based Omani economy and reinforcing the private sector's role as an active partner in sustainable national developmen