by Oman sets aside 100 million riyals for human resource development
One thousand external scholarships for graduate and specialised studies on offer
By Sunil K. Vaidya, Bureau Chief
Published: 13:22 November 26, 2010
Muscat: Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed has asked to set aside 100 million Omani riyals in the Eighth Five Year Plan for human resource development programme, according to Ahmad Bin Abdul Nabi Macki, Minister of National Economy and Deputy Chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources.
In a statement, issued through ONA, the minister said that as part of the 40th National Day celebrations, the Omani leader has ordered to keep 100 million riyals aside for developing the country’s human resource during the Eighth Five Year Plan (2011-2015).
Abdul Nabi Macki also added that the grant also included 1,000 external scholarships for Omani students to pursue graduation studies as well as study in specialised fields as may be required by the State.
Macki said that the focus of 1,000 scholarships would be on technical disciplines in the fields like medicine, engineering, economics, accounting and financial analysis and information technology.
"The external scholarship will be in addition to the 130 million riyals set aside for study grants in the Eighth Five Year Plan," he said.
The national Economy Minister said that the grant was intended to develop potential and scientific capabilities of Omani citizens so that they play a key role in the development of the country.
Abdul Nabi Macki said that the National Economy Ministry will coordinate with the relevant ministries for the effective implementation of the programme.
He said that the allocation of the 100 million riyals funds in the Eight Five Year Plan was the reflection of Sultan Qaboos's care and importance given by him for the development Omani human resources.
