Muscat: Dhofar Governorate is witnessing continued growth in construction and development projects across the education sector, with investments focused on increasing school capacity, improving facilities and preparing educational infrastructure for current and future requirements.

Dr. Maysoon bint Bakhit Al-Shahri, Director General of the Directorate General of Education in Dhofar Governorate, said the Directorate is implementing and following up on a wide range of projects across the governorate as part of the Ministry of Education’s efforts to strengthen educational infrastructure and improve the learning environment.

The total value of the projects stands at around RO 19.224 million, covering construction, development, school additions, restoration, maintenance and improvements to the educational environment.

Integrated school buildings account for the largest share of the investment, with projects valued at approximately RO 13.161 million. These include the construction of modern, high-capacity schools in areas witnessing growing student numbers and increased demand.

The projects are currently at different stages, ranging from implementation and the issuance of work orders to budget-related procedures.

The Directorate is also overseeing 16 school expansion projects worth more than RO 3.229 million. The works include the addition of classrooms, halls for teaching staff, laboratories, service facilities and playgrounds, alongside related renovation and maintenance works.

Several of these projects have already been completed and handed over, while work continues at the remaining locations based on the progress of each project.

Dr. Maysoon said government schools in Dhofar have 6,715 teachers during the 2026/2027 academic year, including 2,320 male teachers and 4,395 female teachers.

The total number of students stands at 70,686, comprising 34,904 male students and 35,782 female students.

Students are distributed across 243 schools and educational institutions, including 50 boys’ schools, 22 girls’ schools, 97 mixed government schools and 74 other educational institutions.

The Directorate has also completed procedures related to appointments, transfers, the distribution of newly recruited teachers and the filling of vacancies based on actual requirements.

An orientation programme for new teachers was conducted for more than 1,200 teachers, while school staffing arrangements have also been completed.

Preparations are additionally underway for 21 schools scheduled for external review by the Oman Authority for Quality Assurance of Education, with dedicated support and follow-up plans in place.

Meanwhile, Dhofar is continuing to expand the travel and tourism specialisation under the vocational and technical education track.

A new batch of 100 students has been added this academic year, with 50 students each joining the programme at Al-Saidiya School in Salalah for boys and Khawla Bint Hakim School for girls.

The programme, which was initially limited to Grade 11 students, has now been expanded to include both Grades 11 and 12, marking a new phase in its implementation in the governorate.

Dr. Maysoon stressed that the Directorate will continue monitoring construction projects, educational programmes and the requirements of schools across Dhofar to ensure that resources and development efforts are directed according to the governorate’s educational priorities.