• Total FDI doubled to over OMR 30.9 billion by Q3 2025
• Improved ranking in the Global Innovation Index (GII) and Economic Freedom Index, driven by regulatory and legislative reforms
• Operation of 9 integrated digital platforms to serve investors and entrepreneurs
25 February 2026 — Muscat, Oman: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) affirmed that the Sultanate of Oman is advancing towards building a diversified and competitive economy, based on flexible legislation, advanced digital platforms, an integrated quality system, and active investment promotion. This approach enhances investor confidence, increases market efficiency, and supports the achievement of the goals of Oman Vision 2040. The MoCIIP pointed out that over the past five years, the Sultanate of Oman has continued to implement a comprehensive reform path that has contributed to a tangible transformation in the business environment, strengthened the competitiveness of commercial, industrial, and investment sectors, and achieved qualitative progress in several international economic indicators.
It explained that economic indicators during the period from 2020 to 2024 showed significant growth in non-oil foreign trade, with non-oil exports rising from OMR 3.4 billion to OMR 6.2 billion, representing a growth rate of 21.9%. This reflects the success of government policies supporting the diversification of income sources, expanding the productive base, and opening new markets for Oman’s products, supported by trade promotion programmes and integration with regional and international partners.
Mubarak bin Mohammed Al Dohani, Director General of Planning at the MoCIIP, affirmed that the results achieved during the 2020–2025 period reflect the effectiveness of the approach based on strategic planning linked to the goals of Oman Vision 2040. He noted that the growth in non-oil exports, the increase in the value added of the manufacturing sector, and the doubling of the foreign direct investment stock were not isolated indicators but the result of integrated financial, legislative, and digital policies, aligned with sectoral programmes and economic diversification priorities.
Al Dohani also explained that the Directorate General of Planning continuously works on developing economic monitoring and analysis tools, enhancing the efficiency of performance indicators, and strengthening integration between national data. This ensures evidence-based decision-making, supports sustainable growth, and enhances the competitiveness of the national economy in the medium and long term.
The national accounts recorded growth in the value added of the manufacturing sector from OMR 2.4 billion in 2020 to OMR 4.1 billion in 2024, representing a growth rate of 14.2%, alongside an increase in the value added of wholesale and retail trade from OMR 2.6 billion to OMR 3.3 billion, a growth of 6.6%, which contributed to the expansion of commercial activity and improved efficiency of supply chains and related services.
In the area of investment promotion, Khalid bin Hamed Al Kharusi, Director General of Investment Promotion at the MoCIIP, indicated that the continued growth of the foreign direct investment (FDI) stock to over OMR 30.9 billion by Q3 2025 reflects increasing confidence in Oman’s investment environment and success in attracting quality investments in high value-added sectors.
Al Kharusi highlighted that promotion efforts have focused on strategic sectors including manufacturing, renewable energy, advanced technologies, and the circular economy, alongside the activation of the Invest Oman platform and enhancing Oman’s presence at international economic events. He confirmed that the next phase will intensify quality investment partnerships and maximise benefits from signed economic agreements, supporting sustainable investment flows and the transfer of knowledge and technology.
Total FDI doubled from OMR 14.2 billion in 2020 to around OMR 30 billion in 2024, achieving growth of 15.4%. The latest data indicate that total FDI reached over OMR 30.9 billion by Q3 2025, representing a 16.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024, demonstrating the continued inflow of foreign investments and investor confidence in the stability of the investment environment and the attractiveness of the national economy. FDI in the manufacturing sector reached OMR 2.7 billion by Q3 2025, recording growth of 11.1%.
On international indicators, the Sultanate of Oman achieved notable progress, improving its ranking in the Economic Freedom Index from 76 in 2020 to 58 in 2025, and advancing in the Global Innovation Index from 84 to 69 over the same period, driven by regulatory and legislative reforms, expansion of digital transformation, and the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship.
In developing the business environment, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has played a crucial role in implementing a comprehensive digital transformation programme, resulting in the operation of nine integrated digital platforms serving investors and entrepreneurs, including Oman Business Platform, Invest Oman, Oman Exports, Made in Oman, Maroof Oman, Hazm, and Sanad Service Centres, in addition to the Oman Business Forum and the Ministry’s website. The digital system increased the maturity of digital services on the Oman Business Platform to 72% in 2024 compared to 50% in 2020, with over 700,000 licences automatically issued between 2020 and 2025, over 2.8 million digital transactions completed, integration of 50 digital services, around 446,000 active commercial records, and issuance of over 103,900 completed industrial licences.
Data from the Department of Information at MoCIIP indicates that the total number of transactions completed by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion between 2020 and 2025 surpassed 3 million, reflecting the continuous increase in demand for commercial, industrial, and investment services, as well as the expanding base of beneficiaries of digital platforms and regulatory services.
Commercial activity and trade system development
In terms of regulating commercial activity and developing the trade system, Nasra bint Sultan Al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at the MoCIIP, explained that the positive movement in commercial register indicators, along with the expansion of e-commerce licences and marketing activities, reflects the vitality of the Oman’s market and confidence of entrepreneurs in the modern regulatory environment.
She noted that regulatory efforts have focused on simplifying procedures, enhancing inspection efficiency, cleansing commercial records, and regulating discount and promotional activities, achieving a balance between stimulating commercial activity and protecting consumers. She affirmed that the National E-Commerce Plan is progressing on an upward trajectory to achieve its targets by 2027.
49 Legislative and regulatory decisions
The MoCIIP issued 49 decisions and regulatory rules over the past years, contributing to the modernization of the business environment and enhancing its competitiveness. These included regulations governing e-commerce, the practice of marketing and promotion through websites and social media, licensing of national product identity, the quality mark, regulation of activities prohibited for foreign investment, as well as legislative updates related to foreign capital investment and industrial and commercial licensing regulations, all of which strengthen transparency and governance while keeping pace with market developments.
It plays an active role through Oman’s Centre for Strategic Partnerships and Foreign Trade in managing economic agreements, expanding trade partnerships, opening markets for national exports, and maximising benefits from bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. During this period, the Sultanate of Oman signed the Economic Partnership Agreement with the Republic of India and the Preferential Trade Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran, alongside launching the Golden Residency programme, the Elite Companies initiative, and opening the Oman Business Platform lounges in Muscat and Dhofar Governorates.
The total amount of patent applications submitted between 2020 and 2025 reached approximately 4,424. In 2025 alone, 25,785 trademarks were examined, more than 11,500 trademark notices were published in the Official Gazette, 2,922 trademarks were renewed, 11,078 trademarks were archived, 879 patent applications were examined, 40 acceptance notices and 40 patent grants were published, and technical fees for 666 applications were paid.
In commercial activity regulation, indicators from the commercial register showed increasing vitality. During 2025, thousands of transactions related to commercial agencies were completed, including the registration of new agencies, renewal, updating, and cancellation of existing agencies, alongside the deletion of 42,000 commercial records as part of efforts to cleanse the register and enhance its reliability.
In the e-commerce sector, the amount of active e-commerce licences reached 9,637, alongside 929 licences for marketing and promotion via social media. The number of certified stores on the Maroof Oman platform rose to 178. The Tajawob platform handled 1,172 requests, including 63 closed proposals, 516 closed complaints, 379 closed reports, and 214 closed inquiries. The National E-Commerce Plan (2022–2027) showed steady progress, with completion rates of 46% in 2023, 73% in 2024, and 83% in 2025, targeting full completion by 2027.
In market activation and commercial activity regulation, the MoCIIP issued approximately 15,910 licences for marketing activities in 2025. These were led by discount licences with 10,724 approvals, followed by promotional offers with 3,870 licences, in addition to 1,220 advertising posts and 96 marketing cards. The past year also saw the organisation of 253 exhibitions and economic events, including specialised, national, and GCC-level exhibitions, conferences, and workshops.
Industrial sector
In the industrial sector, the MoCIIP continued implementing the targets of the Industrial Strategy 2040. In 2025, 159 National Product Identity certificates were issued for domestic factories, the Made in Oman services were activated, and industrial cooperation programmes were advanced. During the same year, the copper waste recycling plant in the Sohar Industrial City was inaugurated.
Engineer Khalid bin Salim Al Qasabi, Director General of Industry at the MoCIIP, affirmed the commitment to implementing the Industrial Strategy 2040, which aims to build a technologically advanced industrial base focused on innovation and enhancing value added. He explained that the Ministry continues to implement a package of initiatives and policies to increase the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP, in line with national priorities of Oman Vision 2040 of income diversification and economic sustainability.
Industrial sector performance indicators
By 2025, the industrial sector achieved tangible results reflecting its robustness and growing role in supporting the national economy. The contribution of manufacturing industries to GDP reached approximately OMR 3.879 billion, marking growth of 7.2% compared to OMR 3.620 billion in 2024.
Foreign investment in the industrial sector rose to around OMR 3.490 billion in 2025, recording a growth rate of 24.6% compared to OMR 2.800 billion in 2024, reflecting rising investor confidence in the sector and the attractiveness of its investment environment.
Non-oil exports achieved notable growth, reaching approximately OMR 6.885 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.5% compared to OMR 6.232 billion in 2024, confirming the expanding presence of Oman’s products in foreign markets.
Employment in the industrial sector increased to around 248,000 workers by 2025, a rise of 3% compared to 240,761 in 2024, highlighting the sector’s growing role in job creation and workforce stability.
The amount of industrial establishments holding the National Product Identity reached 166 by 2025, while approved exemption requests totaled 439, demonstrating the effectiveness of incentives and facilitation measures in supporting industrial activities and enhancing the competitiveness of national products.
Standards and metrology
Regarding the achievements of the Directorate General of Standards and Metrology, Imad bin Khamis Al Shukaili noted that the 2025 accomplishments within the 2025–2028 strategic pathway illustrate the crucial role of the national quality system in enhancing the competitiveness of Oman’s products and raising confidence in local and international markets.
He pointed out that the signing of international memoranda of understanding, adoption of national and GCC standards, and development of specifications in the fields of innovation, artificial intelligence, energy, and the circular economy reflect a clear commitment to keeping pace with global industrial transformations. The expansion of digital conformity certificates, as well as enhanced accreditation and calibration services, contributes to accelerating procedures for investors and manufacturers, ensuring product safety and fair market competition.
In 2025, the Sultanate of Oman signed memoranda of understanding with the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Republic of India, Belarus, and Tunisia to strengthen mutual recognition in precious metals and conformity systems. The Sultanate of Oman also increased its presence in international standardisation organisations, including ISO, the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML), and the Arab Industrial Development and Mining Organization, enhancing its integration into the global quality system.
In standards development, the Directorate prepared five new national projects covering traditional Oman’s ships, frankincense products, cosmetics, energy efficiency for lighting products, and smart water meters. Nine new standards were adopted in 2025, alongside 1,009 unified Omani-GCC standards, including 196 prepared by Oman in areas such as innovation management, measuring innovation processes, circular economy performance evaluation, artificial intelligence management systems, AI application guidelines, small hydropower plant technical requirements, condition monitoring for power transformers, child carriers for bicycles, unleaded gasoline standards, rubber product classification for automotive applications, plastic recycling contamination separation techniques, perforated concrete pipes, petrographic examination of concrete aggregates, thermal insulation panels (VIPs), and ceramic floor tiles. The number of Omani representatives in GCC technical committees increased to 285 members.
In conformity assessment, the MoCIIP continued efforts to simplify procedures for importers and manufacturers, issuing over 135,000 electronic conformity certificates in 2025, alongside 166 national certificates, 85 To Whom It May Concern certificates, and more than 2,068 energy efficiency cards for products under the second stage of the technical regulation.
In accreditation, the Oman Accreditation Centre launched its logo publicly, accrediting five new testing laboratories, registering and renewing over 109 testing and calibration laboratories. The number of registered conformity assessment bodies increased by 6 by 2025 compared to the previous year, with 96 new bodies licensed during the year.
In 2025, 970 devices and equipment were calibrated at the National Calibration Centre, the mobile laboratory for fuel pump testing and calibration was operated, the Oman Accreditation Centre was inaugurated, and the Quality Mark regulation was activated, enhancing market quality and ensuring fair commercial practices.
Competition protection and monopoly prevention measures
Ahmed bin Salim Al Rasbi, Director General of the Competition Protection and Monopoly Prevention Centre, confirmed that the completion of service automation, implementation of specialised sector studies, and investigation of complaints related to anti-competitive practices reflect the Centre’s commitment to upholding transparency and market fairness.
He explained that the implementation of advanced recommendations from the hypermarket sector study and the vehicle price variation study helped reduce unjustified concentration and enhance pricing transparency, achieving a balance between the interests of consumers and commercial establishments. Al Rasbi added that the Centre operates using a data-driven analytical approach aimed at promoting a competitive, investment-friendly environment that stimulates innovation and supports the growth of small and medium enterprises in a regulated and stable market. The Centre has completed automation of its services, prepared regulatory guides, conducted specialised market studies, and monitored pricing practices across several sectors, enhancing transparency and protecting consumers.
The Centre forms a key regulatory pillar in the national economy, not only through its market oversight role but also as an influential element in the cohesion of the economy at various levels. From a microeconomic perspective, the Centre contributes to regulating business conduct, preventing monopolistic practices, ensuring fair pricing, and improving market efficiency through enhanced competition. This directly impacts consumer choice, protects business owners, and enables SMEs to compete fairly in a healthy and well-regulated environment. The Centre operates with a data-driven regulatory and analytical approach, addressing challenges with direct market impact at both the enterprise and broader economic levels.
Among the Centre’s main achievements in 2025 was the investigation of anti-competitive practice complaints, completing 19 investigations that helped strengthen compliance, enhance market efficiency, and promote a healthier, more stable market.
The Centre also implemented advanced recommendations in sensitive sector studies, including the hypermarket sector study, where 87% of recommendations were executed to address high concentration and improve pricing fairness, and the vehicle price variation study, with 88% of recommendations implemented, enhancing market transparency and reducing unjustified disparities.
The Sultanate of Oman signed several MoUs with friendly and neighbouring countries to develop fair competition policies in Oman’s market and identify anti-competitive practices. These included agreements with the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Turkey, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Additionally, the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) evaluated the Sultanate of Oman as having an advanced level in competition law, the application of the Competition Protection and Monopoly Prevention Centre’s regulations, and its performance.
