MUSCAT – The presence of young Omani women in non-traditional sectors is no longer an exception or merely a social indicator of gender equality. It has become a firmly established national pathway, supported by strategic plans that place the knowledge-based economy, innovation, advanced technologies, and sustainability at the core of development priorities.
This transformation is evident in the growing prominence of Omani women in specialised fields such as energy and minerals, cybersecurity, chemical engineering, artificial intelligence, and medical equipment engineering. Women are no longer limited to implementation roles but are increasingly contributing to planning, decision-making, and the development of future-focused solutions that support the national economy.
A number of young Omani women working in these sectors have shared their professional journeys, highlighting the nature of their roles and how their daily work contributes to economic growth and future readiness.
Zainab bint Ali Al Saadi, Director of the Health, Safety and Environment Department at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, said that her scientific background and specialized training in the energy and minerals sector, followed by her focus on health, safety and environment, helped build a strong professional foundation. This enabled her to understand the sector’s regulatory and operational requirements and acquire the skills needed to work efficiently in one of the most demanding work environments.
She explained that hands-on training played a key role in transforming theoretical knowledge into practical application, strengthening her ability to manage risks and comply with safety and sustainability standards. She noted that her decision to pursue a non-traditional career stemmed from her belief in its strategic importance to the national economy and its role in achieving comprehensive development, particularly given the central importance of health, safety and environmental protection in ensuring responsible operations.
Al Saadi outlined her academic and professional journey, which began with a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum and Mineral Resources Engineering, with a minor in Chemical and Petrochemical Engineering, from Sultan Qaboos University, followed by a master’s degree in Process Safety and Loss Prevention from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom. She also completed extensive on-the-job training at Petroleum Development Oman and the Oman Energy Society, and represented the oil and gas sector in the National Zero Neutrality Program under Oman Vision 2040. Her career progression culminated in her appointment as Health, Safety and Environment Manager in 2021, following nearly two decades of professional experience.
She emphasised that Oman’s operational and scientific environment is witnessing rapid development in the adoption of modern technologies, contributing to improved efficiency, enhanced safety, environmental protection, and the development of national competencies capable of balancing economic growth with sustainability.

In the cybersecurity sector, Iman bint Mohammed bin Khamis Al-Rawahi, Director of the Electronic Information Security Department in the Governorate of Muscat, said that scientific knowledge and technical skills formed the foundation of her career. She noted that a strong background in information technology, including operating systems, networks, databases, programming, and systems analysis, enabled her to understand modern digital infrastructure and address cybersecurity threats, particularly amid rapid digital transformation.
She explained that continuous engagement with global best practices and specialized references has helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, strengthening institutional frameworks for information protection and digital sustainability. She added that direct involvement in system monitoring, policy development, and compliance oversight has been instrumental in building professional expertise and adapting to emerging technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Eng. Ibtisam bint Khamis Al Halwani, Head of the Chemicals Management Department at the Environment Authority, highlighted that her career in chemical engineering was shaped by a strong scientific foundation and a passion for applied sciences. She noted that chemical engineering plays a vital role in transforming raw materials into economically valuable products and improving industrial processes with environmental and economic efficiency across sectors such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, and fertilizers.
She emphasised that chemical engineering is among the most in-demand specializations globally due to its significant impact on national economies and its close connection to daily life. She pointed to the sector’s role in supporting innovation, sustainability, and industrial transformation, particularly in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 priorities, including zero carbon neutrality, renewable energy, waste management, water desalination, green hydrogen, and climate change mitigation.
In the private sector, biomedical engineer Hajar bint Nasser Al Shandoudi described biomedical engineering as a qualitative shift in non-traditional engineering roles. She explained that the field integrates medical knowledge with digital technologies, requiring expertise in biology, anatomy, biophysics, and data analysis to design safe and effective medical devices.
She noted that biomedical engineers play a critical role in developing and maintaining advanced medical equipment, improving diagnostic and therapeutic efficiency, and supporting patient safety. She added that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, surgical robotics, and 3D printing have the potential to reshape healthcare delivery, while also presenting technical and ethical challenges that require rigorous regulation and responsible innovation.
Together, these experiences reflect the growing role of Omani women as active contributors to knowledge-driven sectors, reinforcing their position as key partners in shaping a sustainable, innovative, and diversified national economy.