The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) recently organized the Sanad Service Centers Forum, along with an exhibition centered around ‘Empowerment and Sustainable Growth’ at the JW Marriott Hotel, Madinat Al Irfan in Muscat. The event, held under the patronage of Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, aimed at developing and supporting the Sanad Service Centers, a key initiative in Oman’s digital transformation journey that provides job opportunities for Omani youth. The forum, which took place from December 31, 2024, until January 1, 2025, saw the participation of distinguished officials, CEOs, specialists, and representatives from the public and private sectors.
Nasra bint Sultan Al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at MoCIIP, underscored the importance of Sanad Service Centers as a crucial element in creating job opportunities and supporting the nation’s youth. Emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for youth to achieve their aspirations, Al Habsi highlighted that investing in their skills is essential for a brighter future. The event included the signing of agreements and cooperation programs with private entities, the launch of new services through the Sanad e-portal, and recognition of outstanding Sanad Service Centre owners and employees for their contributions.
Mohammed bin Salem Al Mashaikhi, Director of Sanad Service Centers at MoCIIP, stressed the Ministry’s focus on empowering Omani youth through these centers. He highlighted the role of Sanad Service Centers in creating job opportunities, facilitating business environments, and integrating entrepreneurs with larger corporations, aligning with Oman Vision 2040’s objectives. The Ministry signed agreements with various public and private entities, focusing on sectors such as telecommunications, public services, finance, insurance, and banking, aiming to enhance services through the Sanad Service Centers.
During the opening ceremony, new services were launched to strengthen the role of Sanad Service Centers as drivers of local development and partners in facilitating services for citizens and residents. The Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, introduced services like certifying medical reports and various insurance services through partnerships with private entities. Additionally, the recognition of outstanding Sanad Service Centre owners and employees aimed to celebrate excellence in service delivery, fostering job stability and promoting a culture of service excellence within the centers.
To highlight the evolution and sustainability of Sanad Service Centers over the past 18 years, an exhibition was opened during the forum, showcasing their growth, services offered, and technologies used for service delivery. The exhibition emphasized the significance of the Sanad e-portal in delivering services from various entities. The forum featured workshops on customer service excellence, development, and sustainability, information security, and marketing and promotion skills, along with a session addressing challenges and strategies for improvement in Sanad Service Centers operations.
The Sanad Service Centers have witnessed a growing demand for their services, with over 1.1 million transactions and e-services completed in the first ten months of 2024. By the end of October 2024, there were 913 Sanad Service Centers nationwide, providing nearly 2,500 job opportunities. The forum marked the launch of new services aimed at enhancing the centers’ efficiency and improving service quality, reinforcing their role in Oman’s digital transformation journey and contributing to the achievement of Oman Vision for e-Government.
