Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development, has launched the second edition of its pioneering “GIFTED” program, a flagship initiative designed to strengthen the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Sultanate’s fast-growing tourism and hospitality sector.
The program forms a key pillar of OMRAN’s #IAmTourism strategy, which champions empowerment of national talent and reaffirms Oman’s commitment to building a more inclusive, diverse, and competitive tourism industry.
Building on proven success
The first edition of the program, held at dusitD2 Naseem Resort, Al Jabal Al Akhdar, proved to be a milestone for inclusive tourism, achieving tangible results in training and integrating persons with disabilities into the workforce. Building on this success, the new edition is even more ambitious: 13 participants with disabilities are now undertaking a six-month intensive training program to develop practical skills in hospitality and tourism management.
Upon graduation, participants will have direct employment pathways into some of Oman’s most prestigious hospitality assets, including W Muscat, InterContinental Muscat, JW Marriott, Crowne Plaza at OCEC, and Barceló Mussanah Resort—ensuring inclusive employment translates into meaningful, long-term opportunities.
Hilal bin Rashid Al Mukhaini, Assistant Director at the Department of Specialized Rehabilitation Centers at the Ministry of Social Development, emphasised:
“The Ministry of Social Development is committed to developing a comprehensive framework that enables persons with disabilities to fully integrate into the labour market… The ‘GIFTED’ program, launched in partnership with OMRAN Group, stands as an important practical model of this approach, by providing tailored training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the tourism sector.”
Mohammed Hamed Al Rasbi, Social Investment Lead at OMRAN Group, highlighted the program’s wider impact:
“The GIFTED program reflects OMRAN Group’s strategic direction in developing social investment initiatives with tangible impact… What sets this program apart is that it serves as a practical platform for redefining the concept of community participation and reinforcing diversity as a key driver of both institutional and societal advancement.”
Why inclusive tourism matters
Globally, persons with disabilities represent one of the largest underserved traveller groups, with the accessible tourism market valued at over USD 200 billion annually. By integrating inclusivity into tourism development, Oman is positioning itself at the forefront of this growing segment while also addressing national employment priorities.
Key benefits of programs like GIFTED include:
- Workforce empowerment: Unlocking career opportunities for persons with disabilities, fostering independence and reducing dependency.
- Tourism growth: Attracting travellers with disabilities and their families, who often travel in groups and contribute significantly to tourism spending.
- Reputation & competitiveness: Enhancing Oman’s standing as a progressive and inclusive destination compared to other GCC states.
- Social impact: Embedding diversity and inclusivity into Oman’s economic growth story, reflecting the Sultanate’s values of community and compassion.
GCC’s leadership in accessibility
The GCC countries have been making significant strides in accessible tourism. Dubai has emerged as a global hub, driven by initiatives like the “Dubai Way” and “My Community… A City for Everyone,” which have led to notable growth in attracting travellers with disabilities, particularly from Europe. This proactive approach has not only enhanced the city’s reputation, but also catered to a previously underserved market.
Over in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 has been instrumental in integrating disability-friendly infrastructure into its tourism megaprojects. This forward-thinking approach has resulted in improved accessibility across various touchpoints, including airports, hotels, attractions, and heritage sites.
Qatar’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2022 led to significant investments in accessibility across transport and hospitality sectors. The country’s commitment to creating an inclusive experience for visitors has established a benchmark for hosting major events and developing tourism infrastructure that caters to diverse needs. These efforts demonstrate the potential for tourism to be both economically viable and socially responsible.
Looking ahead
By launching and expanding “GIFTED,” Oman is not only aligning with these regional best practices, but importantly, carving out its own leadership position by focusing on the employment and empowerment of persons with disabilities within the tourism sector. This presents a sustainable model that complements infrastructure upgrades.
The GIFTED program is the first of its kind in Oman, setting a strong precedent for inclusive workforce development in tourism. OMRAN has confirmed plans to expand the initiative to other governorates, scaling its impact and embedding inclusivity into the heart of Oman’s hospitality industry.
Also read: The future of travel is accessible and why travel agents should be on board
