The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones OPAZ Launches the Second Edition of the Young Employee Summer Program

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has launched the second edition of its “Young Employee” Summer Program, dedicated to the children of OPAZ employees, as part of its commitment to nurturing young talent, strengthening their connection with the workplace, and fostering a culture of innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship.

Running for two weeks, the program offers an immersive educational experience that combines learning with hands-on application through workshops, practical activities, and field visits. The program is designed to develop participants’ personal and technical skills while providing them with real-world exposure to professional work environments.

The program focuses on four key pillars: investment attraction and entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity alongside soft skills, mental well-being and personal balance, and digital and technical skills. Participants are introduced to fundamental concepts of investment and entrepreneurship, engage in practical experiences with artificial intelligence technologies, and develop creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills. The program also includes awareness sessions that promote self-awareness and emotional management, helping participants build balanced, resilient personalities capable of adapting to future challenges.

In addition, the program features field visits to a number of leading destinations, including Khazaen Economic City, the Industrial Innovation Academy, Oman Makers Centre, and Souq Al-Silal. These visits provide participants with first-hand exposure to work, production, and innovation environments, while offering practical insights into investment and economic opportunities. The program also includes interactive sessions with inspiring professionals from within OPAZ, as well as workplace simulations that give children a deeper understanding of professional life.

The program targets two age groups: children aged 10–13 and teenagers aged 14–16. Activities have been carefully designed to suit the developmental needs of each group, ensuring maximum engagement and learning outcomes.

Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Mutawa, Training and Development Specialist at the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, said: “The second edition of the ‘Young Employee’ Program builds on the remarkable success of the inaugural edition and the enthusiastic participation and positive feedback received from both participants and parents. This success has encouraged OPAZ to further develop and expand the program’s content to align with future skills, providing employees’ children with an enriching experience that combines learning with practical application. The program contributes to preparing a generation that is more aware of innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship, and better equipped to harness modern technologies and artificial intelligence to help shape the future.”