Wednesday 28 / October / 2026
Muscat: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) on Wednesday hosted its Strategic Partners Forum under the theme “Together For Oman”, bringing together the Chief Executive Officers of more than 30 strategic partner companies and over 250 senior leaders from across the energy sector to advance collaboration, strengthen supply chain resilience and develop national capabilities.
The Forum focused on the growing importance of building a competitive and resilient energy sector amid evolving geopolitical and market challenges. Discussions explored how closer industry collaboration, local expertise and stronger domestic supply chains can support operational continuity, improve efficiency and create lasting economic value for Oman.
The event marked a further step in PDO’s Journey of Transformation, extending its focus beyond internal performance improvements to strengthening collaboration across the wider energy sector.
Dr. Aflah Said Al Hadhrami, PDO Managing Director, said: “Our ability to grow production, improve efficiency and remain competitive increasingly depends on the strength of the wider energy sector. No company can build resilience in isolation. It requires strong partnerships, capable local businesses and a supply chain that can respond effectively to changing operational demands.
“Through our Journey of Transformation, we are strengthening the way we operate and work with our partners. Our ambition is to build capabilities that endure, create greater opportunities for Omani talent and businesses, and deliver sustainable value for Oman.”
A key outcome of the Forum was the signing of a memorandum of collaboration with Oman Energy Association (OPAL) to develop Omani professionals for specialised technical roles across the sector. The initiative will initially focus on Mud Logging and Early Kick Detection Services, targeting an increase in Omanisation from 40% to 80%, creating approximately 150 skilled jobs for Omanis and directing 20% of contract expenditure towards SMEs and local community contractors.
Recognising safety as a shared industry priority, PDO also signed a memorandum with ABRAJ Energy Services, Al Baraka Oilfield Services and Galfar Engineering & Contracting to establish a joint safety leadership programme for frontline supervisors. The programme will extend beyond PDO’s contracting network to include supervisors from Omani SMEs, supporting consistent safety leadership practices and stronger capabilities across the sector.
The Forum also featured an exhibition showcasing nine Omani SMEs offering innovative solutions in satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, drilling chemicals, water treatment and additive manufacturing. The exhibition highlighted the growing capabilities of local businesses to deliver specialised technologies and services for the energy industry.
Through the Forum, PDO reaffirmed its commitment to working with strategic partners to strengthen national supply chains, accelerate capability development and support a more competitive, efficient and resilient energy sector, in line with Oman Vision 2040.
