Muscat: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has signed 11 funding agreements, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development and national capacity building. The agreements are valued at approximately RO 830,000 and encompass sectors such as education, healthcare, community infrastructure, and the environment.
According to Oman News Agency, Eng. Mohammed Ali Al Aghbari, PDO’s External Affairs, Government Relations and Communications Manager, highlighted that these agreements underscore PDO’s dedication to delivering long-term social value and fostering collaborations with national organisations. The initiatives are aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030, reflecting PDO’s societal role and responsibility in enhancing well-being and supporting progress.
The agreements include significant national environmental initiatives with the Environment Authority, such as the launch of the National Soil Testing programme, which aims to establish the country’s first Soil Code for sustainable industrial planning and environmental protection. Additionally, PDO will fund the Environmental Accelerator Programme to create Oman’s first centre for environmental and climate innovation, supporting SMEs and startups in developing green solutions.
In the realm of social development, PDO will support Electrical Inspector and Electrical Safety training programmes at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Al Musannah, aiming to build a pool of nationally licensed inspectors. The company will also enhance support for people with disabilities by equipping Sensory Stimulation Rooms in several Al Wafa centres and fund the fourth edition of the Green Schools National Programme, benefiting 120 schools across Oman.
Further initiatives include co-funding the renovation of the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Centre at UTAS Al Musannah, establishing computer laboratories in three schools in Al Wusta, and funding mobile planetariums for students in nine governorates. PDO will also provide mammogram equipment to improve breast cancer early detection services across the Sultanate.
Moreover, PDO will invest in community infrastructure projects to improve local quality of life, such as constructing a public park in Demeet in the Wilayat of Shaleem and providing mobile veterinary clinics for livestock owners in Al Wusta.
The signing event also celebrated the impending completion of 25 Social Investment (SI) projects worth over RO 9.5 million by 2025, marking a milestone in PDO’s sustainable community development efforts. Additionally, the graduation of 29 women from the Banat Oman programme was celebrated. Launched in 2014, this initiative is aimed at empowering women with skills, training, and confidence to enter the job market and contribute to their communities.