Strategic Direction
A Society that is Proud of its Identity and Culture, and Committed to its Citizenship
Strategic Direction
A Society that is Proud of its Identity and Culture, and Committed to its Citizenship.
Oman’s cultural identity is one of its genuine competitive advantages. A seafaring history spanning millennia, the frankincense trade route, a tradition of religious tolerance, a unique geographic position bridging Arabia, Africa, and Asia — these are assets that distinguish Oman from neighbours with shallower historical roots.
Performance Indicators
| Indicator | Baseline | 2030 Target | 2040 Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security, Global Competitiveness | 94.6 / Rank 4 (2018) | >94.6 / Top 5 | >94.6 / Top 5 |
| Social Capital, Legatum Prosperity | 51.2 / Rank 68 (2018) | >60.062 / Top 20 | >63.905 / Top 10 |
2025 Progress
UNESCO Recognition:
- “Oman Youth Ship for Peace and Sustainable Cultural Dialogue” programme included in UNESCO’s list of best practices for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage of humanity
- Omani manuscript “Al-Nuniya al-Kubra” by legendary Omani navigator Ahmed bin Majid included in UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” programme
These recognitions mark a significant achievement: international validation of Oman’s cultural diplomacy strategy and the unique historical legacy of Omani seafaring and navigation.
Security: Oman has maintained its position as one of the four safest countries in the world by the Global Competitiveness Index — a reflection of social stability, low crime, and effective conflict prevention.
Structural Context
Oman’s cultural strategy navigates a difficult balance. The country must be open enough to attract international investment, skilled labour, and tourism while preserving the Omani identity that citizens value. Too open risks cultural dilution; too restrictive forecloses economic opportunity.
Vision 2040’s approach is to treat culture as economic capital — the museums, the UNESCO heritage sites, the frankincense landscapes, the historical forts — as assets that generate tourism revenue and international respect while reinforcing national identity.
The “Oman brand” — neutral, stable, culturally rich, diplomatically sophisticated — is an asset that few countries possess and that Vision 2040 explicitly seeks to leverage.
Key Institutions
Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Ministry of Education, National Media Group, Oman Authority for Partnership for Education.