Manufacturing, FDI and exports drive Oman's industrial momentum
Non-oil exports grew 7.2% between January and May 2025 to RO2.7bn. The United Arab Emirates remained the top importer of Omani goods with RO485mn, up 22.9%, followed by Saudi Arabia at RO451mn, up 34.9%, and India with RO280mn, up 38.9%.
H E Dr Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry, said the figures reflect the impact of policies to build a resilient and competitive industrial base, in line with Vision 2040 and Industrial Strategy 2040. He highlighted the role of incentive plans and efforts to improve services in industrial zones.
Khalid bin Salim al Qassabi, Director General of Industry, noted that Omani factories managed to expand production despite global market volatility and supply chain pressures. He attributed this to public-private sector collaboration and reduced operational costs, which led to higher project activity and improved Omanisation rates in industrial zones. MoCIIP continues to support initiatives focused on local value chains and broadening the national production base. Khalid bin Salim al Qassabi, Director General of Industry
Jassim bin Saif al Jadidi, Technical Director at the Undersecretary's Office, said investor confidence remains strong due to improvements in the business environment, updated regulatory frameworks and enhanced incentives. These include targeted industrial financing, logistics upgrades, technology localisation and international partnerships.
The petrochemical and electrical conductors sectors led the growth in manufacturing. Iron and aluminium industries also reported consistent gains, while cement companies began to recover from earlier losses. Tiles and ceramic production showed signs of revival, though glass manufacturers continued to face operational issues. Jassim bin Saif al Jadidi, Technical Director at the Undersecretary's Office
Food processing firms – including milling and beverage producers – posted higher profits, driven by operational efficiency and increased demand across local and regional markets.
Investments were concentrated in sectors identified as strategic – renewable energy technologies aligned with Oman's green economy goals; mineral production and exports; and food and medical industries supporting national security.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
an hour ago
- Muscat Daily
New rules issued for annual increment of Omani workers in private sector
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – Omani workers in the private sector will now be entitled to a performance-based periodic increment every January, under new regulations issued by the Ministry of Labour. Ministerial Decision No 317/2025, published in the Official Gazette (Issue 1606), sets out the minimum allowance rates and conditions for disbursement. The regulation replaces Ministerial Decision No 541/2013 and comes into effect the day after publication. Under the new rules, an Omani worker must have completed at least six months of service at an establishment to qualify. The allowance will be determined based on performance appraisals, with minimum increments as follows: 5% of the basic wage for an 'Excellent' appraisal 4% for 'Very Good' 3% for 'Good' 2% for 'Acceptable' No allowance for a 'Weak' rating Workers have the right to appeal their appraisal results to the competent department at the Ministry of Labour. An administrative fine of RO50 shall be imposed on any employer who violates the provisions of the decision, and the fine shall be multiplied by the number of workers in whose regard the violation occurred.
Observer
2 hours ago
- Observer
IHG Hotels & Resorts announces first voco hotel in Oman
IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement for voco Muscat Al Mouj, a 251-key beachfront hotel set to open in Q4 2025. Alongside Golden Group Holding, the deal marks the first signing of the voco brand in the Sultanate of Oman, further expanding IHG's premium portfolio across the Middle East. The new hotel will cater to both leisure and business travellers. Its prime location offers easy access to Muscat International Airport and proximity to the city's cultural landmarks, making it a strategic addition to Oman's evolving hospitality landscape. Launched in 2018, voco is IHG's fastest-growing premium brand, already making its mark with openings and signings across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Known for its bold identity and thoughtful touches, the brand blends the character of individual hotels with the benefits of a trusted global name, offering guests a reliably different experience. Upon opening, voco Muscat Al Mouj will join the brand's growing portfolio of more than 100 open hotels globally and a robust pipeline of more than 95 properties. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts, India, Middle East & Africa, said: "We are delighted to bring the voco brand to Oman in partnership with Golden Group Holding. Al Mouj Muscat is one of the region's most exciting lifestyle destinations, and we believe voco's distinctive charm and premium hospitality offering makes it a perfect fit for the destination. This signing reflects our commitment to supporting Oman Vision 2040 by contributing to the country's tourism and economic diversification strategy." Sheikh Salem Al Ghazal, Chairman, Golden Group Holding, said, 'Partnering with IHG to introduce voco to Oman is a significant milestone in our journey to enhance Muscat's hospitality offering. voco's blend of informal charm and global quality perfectly complements the dynamic spirit of Al Mouj. We look forward to delivering a hotel that embodies excellence, reflects Omani hospitality, and attracts travellers from across the globe." When it opens later this year, voco Muscat Al Mouj will offer 251 designed rooms and suites, along with five distinct dining experiences, including an all-day dining venue, specialty restaurant, and lobby lounge. The hotel will feature three meeting rooms, a spa, swimming pool, fitness centre, business centre, ample parking, and a barber shop – providing guests with a well-rounded premium stay experience. IHG currently operates 9 hotels across five brands in Oman, including: Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, and Holiday Inn, with 3 hotels in the development pipeline set to open within the next three to five years.
Muscat Daily
17 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Manufacturing, FDI and exports drive Oman's industrial momentum
Muscat – The industrial sector recorded a 27.5% increase in foreign direct investment during the first quarter of 2025, taking total FDI in the sector to RO2.749bn, according to figures released by Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP). The manufacturing sector also posted steady gains, supported by higher demand across regional and international markets. Non-oil exports grew 7.2% between January and May 2025 to RO2.7bn. The United Arab Emirates remained the top importer of Omani goods with RO485mn, up 22.9%, followed by Saudi Arabia at RO451mn, up 34.9%, and India with RO280mn, up 38.9%. H E Dr Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry, said the figures reflect the impact of policies to build a resilient and competitive industrial base, in line with Vision 2040 and Industrial Strategy 2040. He highlighted the role of incentive plans and efforts to improve services in industrial zones. Khalid bin Salim al Qassabi, Director General of Industry, noted that Omani factories managed to expand production despite global market volatility and supply chain pressures. He attributed this to public-private sector collaboration and reduced operational costs, which led to higher project activity and improved Omanisation rates in industrial zones. MoCIIP continues to support initiatives focused on local value chains and broadening the national production base. Khalid bin Salim al Qassabi, Director General of Industry Jassim bin Saif al Jadidi, Technical Director at the Undersecretary's Office, said investor confidence remains strong due to improvements in the business environment, updated regulatory frameworks and enhanced incentives. These include targeted industrial financing, logistics upgrades, technology localisation and international partnerships. The petrochemical and electrical conductors sectors led the growth in manufacturing. Iron and aluminium industries also reported consistent gains, while cement companies began to recover from earlier losses. Tiles and ceramic production showed signs of revival, though glass manufacturers continued to face operational issues. Jassim bin Saif al Jadidi, Technical Director at the Undersecretary's Office Food processing firms – including milling and beverage producers – posted higher profits, driven by operational efficiency and increased demand across local and regional markets. Investments were concentrated in sectors identified as strategic – renewable energy technologies aligned with Oman's green economy goals; mineral production and exports; and food and medical industries supporting national security.
