What started as a vision in 2006 has blossomed into a powerful force for youth employment across Oman. The country's Sanad Service Centres recently marked their 20th anniversary with inspiring news: they've successfully created more than 2,350 jobs for young Omanis over the past two decades, and they're just getting started.

At a celebratory forum in Muscat, government leaders, business representatives, and Sanad Centre owners gathered to reflect on this remarkable journey and unveil exciting new initiatives that promise to open even more doors for the nation's youth. The energy in the room reflected a shared commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive workforce.

Today, approximately 900 Sanad Service Centres operate throughout Oman, processing over one million electronic transactions annually. But these numbers tell only part of the story. Behind each statistic are real young people gaining valuable work experience, developing professional skills, and building careers that support their families and communities.

Mohammed bin Salim al Mashaikhi, Director of the Sanad Service Centres Department at the Ministry, spoke warmly about how the centres have evolved over two decades. They've become much more than service delivery points—they're launching pads for young careers, connecting Omani youth with meaningful opportunities while bridging government, private enterprise, and local communities.

The most exciting announcement from the forum was the launch of a comprehensive on-the-job training initiative, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Labour. This innovative program is set to create more than 1,000 additional employment opportunities specifically designed for young Omanis. The focus on practical, workplace-based training ensures that participants gain skills that truly match what employers need, setting them up for long-term success.

The forum also introduced several thoughtful enhancements to strengthen the entire Sanad ecosystem. The new Sanad Excellence Award will celebrate centres that go above and beyond, inspiring others to reach higher. A classification system will help standardize performance and create clear professional development pathways, giving employees exciting routes for career advancement.

Innovation continues with the introduction of the Munjaz Card, a smart solution that allows centres to handle transactions on behalf of clients, freeing up staff to focus on more meaningful work and improving overall service quality.

Looking forward, five new partnership agreements with government agencies, banks, and technology companies will expand digital services through Sanad Centres. These collaborations aren't just about technology—they're about creating more opportunities for growth, better service delivery, and additional employment prospects for Omani youth.

As Oman works toward its Vision 2040 goals, the Sanad Centres stand as a shining example of what's possible when government, business, and community work together with young people at the heart of their mission. The next chapter promises to be even more impactful, with thousands more young Omanis ready to discover their potential and build fulfilling careers that contribute to their nation's bright future.