MUSCAT : The survey is being conducted as part of the research project titled “Promoting Lifelong Learning through Learning Cities in the Sultanate of Oman” and will focus on measuring the level of lifelong learning among Omanis in Muscat, Nizwa and Sur.

It seeks to identify the learning and training opportunities available to community members, assess how easily they can access them, measure levels of participation, and examine the competencies and skills associated with such opportunities.

The survey will be carried out through telephone interviews with a random sample of 1,200 Omani citizens aged 18 and above across the three targeted wilayats.

Hood bin Ibrahim Al Balushi, Acting Director of the Public Opinion Measurement Department at NCSI, said the survey represents an important step towards developing a clearer and more comprehensive picture of lifelong learning in Omani society.

He said the findings would help assess the opportunities available to individuals, their participation levels and the skills they possess, while also identifying key strengths and future requirements.

According to Al Balushi, the results are expected to support the planning and development of future initiatives and programmes and provide indicators that can help improve access to learning opportunities. They will also support national efforts to keep pace with rapid cognitive and digital changes.

The project is expected to contribute to the establishment of a national database for future assessments, generate practical indicators and develop recommendations aimed at improving learning opportunities across Oman.

Dr. Mahmoud bin Abdullah Al Abri, Secretary of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, said the initiative forms part of national efforts to promote lifelong learning as a key driver of educational quality, quality of life and societal well-being.

He added that the survey would provide reliable data to support planning, policymaking and the development of related initiatives.

The findings are also expected to strengthen the role of Muscat, Sur and Nizwa within the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, by providing a deeper understanding of existing learning opportunities and identifying priorities and future needs that support sustainable development in Oman.

Dr. Aisha Salem Al Harthi, Principal Investigator of the project, said Oman Vision 2040 places strong emphasis on developing national capabilities through a lifelong learning system that equips people with future-ready skills.

She noted that learning is no longer limited to a particular age or school environment, but continues throughout an individual’s professional and personal life and across different roles within society.

The study, she said, will examine how accessible learning opportunities are within Omani society and assess the current level of lifelong learning competencies among community members.

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