Dhofar Allocates RO19.22 Million for Educational Facilities Expansion
The Dhofar Governorate is actively advancing a comprehensive package of educational infrastructure projects valued at approximately RO19.224 million. Overseen by the Directorate General of Education in Dhofar, the initiative encompasses new school construction, building extensions, renovations, and maintenance across various wilayats. Dr. Maysoun bint Bakheet Al Shihri, Director General of Education in Dhofar, confirmed that these targeted investments aim to expand student capacity, modernize school facilities, and support the Ministry of Education's overarching strategy to elevate learning environments across the region.
New Integrated Schools and Facility Extensions Lead Capital Investment
The investment package prioritizes high-capacity school construction and functional facility upgrades to accommodate growing student enrollment:
- Integrated School Construction: Allocates RO13.161 million—the largest share of the budget—toward building modern, high-capacity schools in areas experiencing rapid demographic growth.
- School Extension Projects: Oversees 16 extension projects valued at over RO3.229 million, adding new classrooms, science laboratories, teachers' halls, service facilities, and sports grounds.
- Staffing and Professional Onboarding: Completes administrative appointments for 6,715 teachers (2,320 males and 4,395 females) and executes induction programs for over 1,200 newly recruited educators.
- Vocational Pathways Expansion: Expands the travel and tourism specialization within the vocational track, admitting 100 new students across Al Saidiyah School for Boys and Khawla bint Hakim School for Girls in Salalah.
Supporting Enrollment Growth Across Government Schools for 2026/27
The infrastructure expansion directly supports a growing student population across southern Oman. For the 2026/27 academic year, government schools in Dhofar accommodate 70,686 students, comprising 34,904 boys and 35,782 girls. Educational services are delivered across 243 institutions, including 50 boys' schools, 22 girls' schools, 97 co-educational government schools, and 74 additional educational facilities. Furthermore, the directorate is executing targeted support plans to prepare 21 schools for comprehensive external quality reviews.
Strengthening Vocational Training and Regional Workforce Readiness
Integrating specialized vocational pathways, particularly in travel and tourism, directly aligns educational outcomes with local economic demands in Dhofar. As a key tourism hub in Oman, offering technical tourism education in Salalah equips Omani youth with practical skills required by the hospitality and travel sectors. Upgrading traditional school facilities alongside specialized vocational programs ensures that the region’s youth receive well-rounded academic and professional preparation.
Building Human Capital Aligned with Oman Vision 2040 Objectives
Ultimately, the RO19.22 million education infrastructure package in Dhofar reinforces the core pillars of Oman Vision 2040, which prioritizes high-quality education, human capability development, and sustainable regional growth. Modernizing educational infrastructure, expanding vocational learning, and maintaining high teacher-to-student ratios build a resilient, knowledge-based economy. As project implementation continues, Dhofar strengthens its academic capacity to nurture the Sultanate’s future generation of leaders and professionals.
