OPAL — is now a prominent business society in Oman. An NGO and a non-profit organization focusing on the Energy & Minerals sector. The organization was originally formed in 1998 when like-minded companies embarked on a common desire to promote industry standards, and create a forum to resolve common problems, and share best practices. Initially known as the Oil Industry Training Board (OITB), it was later amalgamated with Oman Oil & Gas Contractor Forum to form the Oman Petroleum Alliance (OPAL). The industry’s business society was officially registered on the 27th of October 2001, under the regulations governing the formation of societies at the Ministry of Social Development.
OPAL aims to strengthen its services through a single platform for agreeing and promoting work standards to increase competencies and professionalism. The long-term target of OPAL is to have the Oman’s Energy Industry in a world class level, internationally competitive and as a figurehead in the sustainable management of Hydrocarbons and Renewable energy. OPAL aspires to be the foremost facilitating body to align stakeholders’ objectives and moderate and address common challenges for the benefit of its members.
Leaders of the companies (MD’s, CEO’s and GM’s) meet quarterly to discuss areas of mutual benefit and consensus. An elected board governs the society applying the highest standards of good corporate governance. OPAL employs a small and yet effective executive team to implement its programmes and serve its members.
QHSE is OPAL’s key priority. OPAL’s aim is to achieve high aspiration and encourage QHSE best behavior and best practice which remains the top focus in the daily life of the industry. OPAL is working to help maturing companies develop minimum QHSE standards. The imperative remains to strive for ‘Goal Zero’, to achieve no fatalities and no serious injuries.
The Human Resources Development training scheme gives priority to employers’ needs and focuses on targeted training, which aims to enhance competence and work ethics. Employment being the objective and training is the enabler. Within the last 22 years, OPAL has facilitated the training and employment of some 12,300 Omanis. In addition, it has re-employed more than 8,000 during the last several years.
OPAL plays an important role in times of global economic and financial crisis. The role it played and the services it provided during the pandemic of Covid-19 demonstrates the importance of its economic and social role in the Sultanate.