MUSCAT – The seminar is part of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (OCCI) strategic approach towards improving the business environment, supporting economic diversification pathways and enhancing private sector competitiveness by enabling modern economic models that open broader horizons for creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It also contributes to generating sustainable employment opportunities and maximizing the contribution of individuals and institutions to the national economy.
The seminar further serves as a platform for dialogue and the exchange of expertise among various partners, including government entities, the private sector, freelancers, and experts, to explore ways of developing the freelance work ecosystem and reviewing associated challenges and opportunities. This strengthens the role of this promising sector in supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and building a more diversified, sustainable, and competitive economy.
Saleh Juma Al Balushi, Assistant Director General for Board Affairs at Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, underscored the importance of freelance work as one of the promising economic streams contributing to labour market flexibility, empowering national competencies, and supporting economic diversification pathways. He noted that the growth of modern work patterns necessitates keeping pace with global changes and providing a supportive and enabling environment for freelancers.
In his address, he stated that freelance work is witnessing rapid global growth and has become one of the modern economic models offering vast opportunities for creativity, innovation, and professional independence. It contributes to creating high-quality job opportunities, improving labour market efficiency, and enhancing productivity.
Omar Abdulaziz Al Maamari, Supervisor of the Freelance Work Ecosystem at the National Employment Programme, delivered a visual presentation highlighting Oman’s freelance ecosystem as a promising pathway to empower national competencies and boost self-employment through regulatory frameworks and integrated financial, legislative, and insurance incentives.
Mahmoud Hamdan Al Majarfi, Head of Business Solutions and Product Development at the Development Bank, delivered a visual presentation on “Financing and Banking Products for Freelance Work,” through which he reviewed the “Masirah” product. This product aims to support freelancers and enable them to establish and develop their projects by providing financing solutions tailored to the nature of this sector, thereby contributing to enhancing self-employment and supporting entrepreneurship.
The first session, titled “Freelance Work: Reality, Challenges, and Opportunities,” discussed the freelancer’s journey from registration to practicing activity, as well as the available incentives, facilities, and financing programs. It also reviewed experiences and success stories from the Omani context, the most prominent challenges facing freelancers, and the future opportunities for freelance work in light of digital transformation.
The second session, titled “The Regulatory Framework and the Role of Institutions in Supporting Freelance Work,” addressed Oman’s freelance work regulations, the complementary roles of government and private entities, the role of the Chamber and the General Federation of Workers in enhancing the freelance environment, and policies encouraging young people to choose freelance work as a professional career path.
The seminar was attended by Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, along with a number of officials and business owners.