When curtain falls on 2021, we see the dawn of a new hope at the horizon, as the world is coming out of the clutches of Covid-19 pandemic. Yes, the threat is still there in the form of Omicron, the new variant of the virus, and we have to be careful about it. However, 2021 comes to a close to welcome the New Year which would bring us cheers for sure.

When it comes to Oman, the country faced the challenges boldly and made sure the pandemic did not affect its organic structure or its projects for future, which have the power to rewrite the economic history of the country.

When many countries, despite their strong health infrastructure, were in a state of confusion and panic before the deadly virus that spreads like wildfire across continents, Oman formulated a clear roadmap for vaccination, rehabilitation and curtailment of the spread of the disease, thus overcoming the challenges successfully in the first lap itself. By September this year, the country opened its borders and was back to near- normalcy, of course with the precautions to prevent the spread, and adhering to the international protocol.

Bold steps

The motive behind the bold decision, thus setting a model for many other countries as well, was quite logical, because we cannot lock down the economy for long, as it would cast shadow on the development of the country as well as its employment front and other areas of sustenance.

The decision to open borders assumes great significance, because Oman is all set to redefine its employment and education fronts, and the aim is to create more employment opportunities for the citizens. Of course, there is concern among the expatriate workforce over the localization, but the possibility is that once the country creates an environment for more industry, especially the environmental-friendly ones, and also strengthens the tourism roadmap, it would generate more opportunities for the nationals as the expatriates. With the focus on education, Oman can definitely have a future-ready workforce, thus becoming more self-reliant.

On the other hand, it has also embarked on strengthening its diplomatic and neighborhood relations keeping in mind the changing world order where geographical boundaries are shrinking.

The official visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik to Saudi Arabia in July is an important move in this connection. The two nations have very strong relationship for the last many decades and this visit would stamp it further. This would naturally be reflected in a positive manner in the bilateral relations and economy of both the countries, especially at the investment front for Oman. Under the 2040 Vision, the country has embarked on a multi-pronged strategy for an economic resurgence, where foreign investment has a perennial role. Once this is materialized, places like Muscat would benefit a lot.

Let Oman be a workstation for ‘digital nomads’

The decision of the country’s leadership to give more focus to economic diplomacy should be viewed from this perspective. When economic power gains more prominence, and it becomes the driving force that leads politics, this move on that part of Oman would definitely have a great impact on its journey to future, especially as a nation with stronger power of mediation.

When the world is entering a new phase following the pandemic situation, which underscored the importance of inclusive development, the steps that Oman is taking will definitely yield great results.

Further, with the remote working becoming the order of the day, professional nomading would definitely be a way of life in the coming days, especially for the techies.  When work from home becomes ‘work from anywhere’, which the corporate are likely to promote, Oman can reap the benefit, because it is still a developing tourist destination where people can stay for long. How to develop the infrastructure in the tourist destination, providing the facilities for the ‘digital nomads’, is something that the authorities should seriously ponder.

Likewise, there is immense scope for developing the health infrastructure here, which would be in tune with the upcoming development projects.

Since Oman is all set to revolutionize its infrastructure, and also the urban connectivity is expected to get a fillip with the upcoming metro rail network, the country could tap new possibilities to strengthen its economy.

When we welcome the New Year, thus heralding a new beginning, we are sure Oman would script an innovative success story thus setting a model for the world to follow in the emerging new order, as the most eco-friendly destination where life is as colourful and lively as an oasis.