Tuesday 03 / February / 2026
MUSCAT: The growing presence of young Omani women in non-traditional sectors is no longer viewed as an exception or merely a social milestone.
It has evolved into a national trajectory aligned with Oman’s strategic vision to build a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, advanced technology and sustainability.
Across key sectors such as energy and minerals, cybersecurity, chemical engineering and biomedical equipment engineering, Omani women are taking on influential roles in planning, decision-making and developing future-ready solutions that directly contribute to the country’s economic progress.
Zainab bint Ali Al Saadi, Director of the Health, Safety and Environment Department at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, said her academic background in petroleum and mineral resources engineering and her specialised training in health, safety and environment enabled her to build a strong professional foundation in one of the most demanding work environments.
She noted that practical, on-site training helped translate theoretical knowledge into applied skills, particularly in risk management and sustainability practices. Al Saadi holds a master’s degree from the University of Sheffield and previously worked with Petroleum Development Oman and the Oman Energy Association.
She also represented the oil and gas sector in the national Net Zero programme under Oman Vision 2040. Her career spans nearly 20 years, progressing from production engineer to director of HSE in 2021.
In cybersecurity, Iman bint Mohammed Al Rawahi, Director of Information Security at Muscat Governorate, highlighted the importance of building a strong foundation in information technology, including networks, databases, programming and systems analysis, to understand evolving cyber threats amid rapid digital transformation.
She said continuous learning, exposure to global best practices and direct involvement in drafting policies and ensuring compliance have been key to strengthening institutional cyber resilience. She added that technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence require flexible security frameworks that balance innovation with risk management.
Eng Ibtisam bint Khamis Al Halouni, Head of Chemical Materials Management at the Environment Authority, said chemical engineering plays a crucial role in transforming raw materials into valuable products while maintaining environmental and economic efficiency.
She explained that the discipline is closely linked to sustainability goals, renewable energy, waste management, water desalination, green hydrogen and climate action — all of which align with Oman Vision 2040. Her work focuses on managing chemical materials and supporting safe industrial practices that protect both people and the environment.
Meanwhile, Hajar bint Nasser Al Shandoudi, a biomedical equipment engineer in the private sector, described biomedical engineering as a field that combines medical knowledge with advanced digital technologies. She said engineers in this field contribute to improving diagnostic and therapeutic devices, ensuring their reliability and integrating smart systems capable of real-time data analysis.
She pointed out that artificial intelligence, robotic surgery and 3D printing technologies are shaping the future of healthcare, while also presenting challenges related to data protection, device safety and ethical standards.
These examples reflect how Omani women are not only entering non-traditional professions but are actively shaping sectors that are critical to the Sultanate’s future economy, reinforcing the role of knowledge, innovation and sustainability in national development.
