Saturday 18 / October / 2025
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has launched the national program "Kafa’a" as a strategic initiative in the field of energy efficiency, aimed at training Omani professionals in energy auditing according to the highest international standards. This move reflects Oman’s commitment to transitioning toward a low-carbon economy and achieving its net-zero targets.
The program, initiated by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Sultan Qaboos University, aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and global recommendations from the International Energy Agency and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. These organizations emphasize that improving energy efficiency is a cornerstone of the net-zero pathway and supports Oman’s obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement.
"Kafa’a" spans six weeks of intensive training, involving 50 male and female trainees in its first cohort. Participants will be prepared to earn the Certified Energy Auditor credential from the Association of Energy Engineers—one of the most prestigious professional certifications globally.
The program follows a phased curriculum beginning with foundational theoretical concepts and standards from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), including a practical project at a university facility. It then progresses to hands-on field training in preliminary and detailed audits, culminating in advanced preparation for the international certification exam.
His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, described the program as a strategic investment in human capital. By equipping the first cohort with internationally recognized qualifications, Oman is building a solid base of national expertise capable of contributing to sustainability goals and accelerating the shift to a low-carbon economy.
He added that each participant will become a certified energy auditor, supporting government, industrial, and community sectors by improving energy consumption efficiency, reducing costs, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions—enhancing Oman’s position in the sustainable development and net-zero journey.
The Minister also highlighted the program as a model of institutional integration, with Sultan Qaboos University’s Sustainable Energy Research Center overseeing academic supervision, training content, and logistics, while the Ministries of Energy and Labour provide strategic support to ensure the program’s success.
Eng. Mohsin bin Suleiman Al Jabri, Director General of the Oman Net-Zero Center, emphasized that "Kafa’a" reflects Oman’s commitment to building national capacities capable of conducting energy audits in high-consumption buildings to improve operational efficiency and reduce energy use. He noted that the program embodies the principles of Oman Vision 2040 and supports the national plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 through enhanced sustainability and energy efficiency across sectors.
He concluded that through this initiative, Oman reaffirms its leadership in sustainable development. The journey toward net-zero will be driven by the competence and dedication of Omani professionals, ensuring that the transition to a green economy is nationally led and globally recognized.
With the launch of "Kafa’a," Oman takes confident strides toward solidifying its regional and international standing in building a balanced and sustainable economy—one that harmonizes economic growth with environmental protection and strengthens its role in addressing climate change for a better future.
