Latest news with #OmanBusiness
Muscat Daily
05-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman's intensified digitalisation driving economic transformation
Muscat – Oman is intensifying efforts to digitalise business processes and attract investment by expanding the use of smart digital platforms, aimed at streamlining services, boosting local industries and enhancing the country's competitiveness. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has introduced a range of platforms supporting investors, entrepreneurs and exporters. These include Oman Business, Invest in Oman, Oman Exports, Made in Oman, Hazm, and Maroof Oman. At the core of this initiative is the Oman Business platform, which enables electronic registration, licensing, intellectual property services, and the management of commercial agencies. The platform integrates with 17 government entities and exchanges data with 35 others, making business procedures more efficient. Since April 2021, over 328,000 automatic licences have been issued, with 89% of commercial activities now licensed without prior approvals. Foreign investors can register and operate via the platform without a residence card, thanks to a facial recognition system that verifies identity using over 140 biometric data points. A simulation tool under the 'Investment Guide' also helps new investors understand the licensing process. The Invest in Oman platform, launched in February 2023, has already received 90 investment applications valued at RO5.38bn. Of these, 43 projects have been localised in key sectors, including health, food security and renewable energy, with a total value of RO2.25bn. The Made in Oman platform promotes local products by awarding the official logo to qualifying manufacturers. Over 5,000 products from 380 factories have been certified since February 2024. The platform connects SMEs to procurement opportunities and strengthens local supply chains. Oman's e-commerce strategy is also gaining ground. The Maroof Oman platform authenticates online stores, boosting consumer trust and growing digital sales. Since its inception, it has seen a 236% increase in registered stores. The ministry has also launched Hazm, a quality assurance platform, listing products that require conformity certificates and linking them with accredited bodies. So far, 333 certificates and nearly 3,800 energy efficiency cards have been issued. To support exporters, the Oman Exports platform – described as the world's first interactive platform dedicated to exporting – provides digital marketing and matchmaking tools for local manufacturers seeking entry into global markets. The Sanad Service Centres network complements these efforts, having completed over 872,000 electronic transactions in 2024 across nearly 920 centres. The network has created more than 2,300 jobs, with women comprising 60% of its workforce. Mubarak bin Mohammed al Dohani According to Mubarak bin Mohammed al Dohani, Director General of Planning at the ministry and Head of the Digital Transformation Team, the platforms are integral to Oman's shift to a knowledge-based economy. He noted that the ministry has fully implemented three e-commerce initiatives outlined in a national plan prepared in line with UNCTAD guidelines. He said digital platforms will serve as 'smart growth engines', enabling the localisation of technology, stimulating innovation, and equipping young Omanis to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. Oman continues to monitor the performance of these platforms, tracking licence issuances and growth in listed products. Dohani noted that linking platforms to inspection and certification processes helps raise product standards and boost confidence among consumers.
Observer
05-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Transforming Oman's business landscape
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion is spearheading efforts to modernise Oman's business environment by leveraging digital platforms that simplify procedures, foster innovation, and enhance investor confidence. These initiatives support international best practices, aiming to boost the ease of doing business and attract investment across sectors. At the centre of this transformation is the "Oman Business" platform, offering a comprehensive suite of digital services. These include commercial registration, licensing, agency and intellectual property management, certificate issuance, and company liquidation. The platform operates as a unified digital interface, designed to streamline operations and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. The platform is integrated with 17 government entities and exchanges data with 35 others, including the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Ten government entities have activated the compliance register, reinforcing a collaborative ecosystem that enhances service efficiency. As of the end of 2024, over 76.5% of the Ministry's services were digitised, and 89% of commercial activities were automatically licensed. Since April 2021, more than 328,000 licences have been issued automatically. Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence are embedded in services like "Know Your Customer", enabling foreign investors to register remotely without a residency card, using biometric verification. The "Investment Guide" simulates the registration process, providing step-by-step guidance on required documents, approvals, and fees—making the investor journey more seamless. Complementing this is the "Invest in Oman" platform, a digital gateway to the country's investment landscape. It offers insights into incentives and opportunities across free zones and economic zones, while facilitating communication with potential investors. Since its launch in February 2023, the platform has received 90 investment applications valued at RO 5.38 billion, with 43 projects worth RO 2.25 billion localised in key sectors such as industry, healthcare, food security, and renewables. To support local businesses, especially SMEs, the "Made in Oman" platform plays a strategic role. Since its launch in February 2024, over 5,000 products from 380 Omani factories have received the "Made in Oman" label. The platform promotes these products domestically and internationally, enhancing their visibility, increasing production, and creating employment opportunities across production, management, and marketing. Additionally, it connects SMEs to procurement opportunities in both public and private sectors, supporting operational growth. The platform also strengthens national supply chains by reducing reliance on imports and improving self-sufficiency. The 'Ma'arouf Oman' platform enhances e-commerce trust by authenticating licensed online stores. It links shops to their official records, increasing consumer confidence. Registered stores have risen by 236.4% since the platform's launch. In the realm of digital commerce, the Ministry developed the National E-Commerce Plan under the 'Tanwee' programme, approved in Q3 2021. The plan comprises 30 initiatives, with three directly managed by the Ministry—now fully implemented. This strategy supports a robust legislative framework and promotes e-commerce expansion until 2027. To ensure product quality and stimulate innovation, the Hazm platform identifies items requiring conformity certification and links them with accredited assessment bodies. As of mid-2025, 21 such bodies were registered, with 333 national conformity certificates and 3,789 energy efficiency labels issued. Hazm supports SMEs by guiding them through regulatory requirements and fostering a competitive, high-quality industrial environment. The Oman Business Forum complements these efforts through knowledge-sharing sessions that bring together experts, policymakers, and investors to exchange views on investment trends and business reforms. Meanwhile, Sanad Service Centres are expanding rapidly, offering 377 electronic services in partnership with 25 government and private institutions. In 2024 alone, these centres completed over 872,000 transactions. By June 2025, there were 920 centres, employing more than 2,365 individuals—60% of whom are women, with 65% of staff aged between 20 and 39. Oman Exports, a groundbreaking digital export platform launched by the Ministry, has revolutionised how Omani products reach global markets. It facilitates export processes, offers promotional tools, and connects local producers with international buyers. Together with the "Made in Oman" platform, it enhances product visibility, competitiveness, and integration into global value chains. These platforms also enable manufacturers to access government services, conduct market analyses, and adapt their products to international standards. Performance metrics show rising numbers of digital licences and increased registration of factories and products, underlining the platforms' impact on Oman's economic growth and the private sector's contribution to GDP. To maintain high standards, platforms are integrated with national inspection systems and quality certification schemes. The Ministry continues to raise public awareness around the superiority of Omani products and their compliance with global benchmarks. Looking ahead, the Ministry is focused on enhancing platform functionality through AI and data science to better serve sector-specific needs. According to Mubarak bin Mohammed al Dohani, Director General of Planning and Head of the Digital Transformation Team, these platforms are now strategic enablers of economic growth, technological localisation, and youth empowerment—key to Oman's sustainable development. — ONA
Observer
25-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's manufacturing sector adds RO 3.6 billion to GDP in 2024
MUSCAT: The manufacturing sector has emerged as a key engine of economic growth in the Sultanate of Oman, recording the highest growth rate among the economic diversification sectors in 2024, according to Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. Al Yousef was speaking during the 13th regular session of the Shura Council's second term meeting on Wednesday, where he presented a detailed overview of the Ministry's achievements, ongoing projects, and strategic vision. His briefing focused on six major themes: GDP contributions from both public and private sectors, the future outlook of the industrial sector, progress on Ministry projects from 2020 to 2023, evaluation of free trade agreements and the Nazdaher programme, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, and future aspirations. Al Yousef reported that the manufacturing sector achieved an 8.6% growth rate by the end of 2024, with its contribution to GDP at constant prices reaching RO 3.6 billion — equivalent to 10% of the national economy. The sector has also proven its ability to attract investment, drawing RO 2.489 billion in FDI by 2024. This underscores the growing appeal of Oman's industrial landscape for international investors. Oman's industrial exports reached RO 6.2 billion in 2024, reflecting the added value and global competitiveness of national industries. Al Yousef emphasised that over 260 initiatives are being implemented in partnership with various stakeholders as part of the 2040 Industrial Strategy. Further strengthening the regulatory and commercial framework, the Ministry issued 7,523 Omani standard specifications by the end of 2024 and simplified 17 technical services. The "Invest in Oman" platform, launched in February 2023, has so far received around 90 investment applications worth RO 5.38 billion. Of these, 43 projects have already been localised, with a combined value of RO 2.25 billion. These include ventures in key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, food security, and renewable energy. FDI across all sectors has continued its upward trend, reaching a cumulative total of RO 30 billion by the end of 2024. Al Yousef also highlighted the role of digitalisation in simplifying business operations. The "Oman Business" platform handled over 800,000 transactions in 2024 and added 24 new digital services. To enhance transparency and promote fair competition, the Ministry has introduced measures to combat hidden trade and mandated the use of electronic payment systems across commercial activities. A ministerial decision has also been issued establishing governance principles for closed joint-stock companies. In support of local economic participation, the Ministry has introduced new regulations to support consumer cooperatives, including incentives such as access to commercial spaces and streamlined registration procedures. Regarding the digital economy, Al Yousef noted that e-commerce regulations have been implemented and the "Ma'roof Oman" platform was launched to verify and promote online stores. This initiative has led to a remarkable 236.4% increase in e-commerce licences within a year. The Minister also outlined several flagship programmes initiated by the Ministry. These include: a. The Industrial Observatory Programme, to monitor sector performance and support supply chains. b. The Automation and Artificial Intelligence Programme, aimed at modernising factories and cutting operational costs. c. The Manufacturing Programme (Tasneea) , which focuses on localising procurement and boosting national product content. d. The Ta'meer Programme, designed to link large-scale urban developments — such as Sultan Haitham City — with domestic manufacturers, enhancing economic integration. — ONA
Muscat Daily
09-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Obtaining an E-Commerce licence made easier
Muscat – Aspiring entrepreneurs in Oman can now obtain an e-commerce licence quickly and securely through the Oman Business platform, streamlining the process for individuals and businesses looking to establish an online presence. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has simplified the steps for applying for an e-commerce licence. The initiative aims to support digital transformation and boost confidence in online trade across the Sultanate. To apply, users must visit the official website – – and follow these steps: Navigate to Manage a Business > Licences > My CR Licences and select the relevant Commercial Registration (CR). Click on Submit Licence Application and choose the desired activity. Update the CR data to include e-commerce as an activity. Select the activity location – for companies, choose the address type as Default. Tick Yes when asked if the activity is to be licensed as e-commerce. Enter a physical address or e-commerce URL. Fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the applicable fees. Upon successful submission, the licence will be issued automatically, offering a seamless experience for applicants.
Observer
08-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman strengthens standards and quality sector
MUSCAT: Oman has made significant strides in the specifications and standards sector, driven by strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing product quality, improving competitiveness, and supporting the national economy. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion has outlined a comprehensive vision to further develop this sector, aligning with the country's broader economic diversification efforts under Oman Vision 2040. Imad bin Khamis al Shukaili, Director General of Specifications and Standards at the Ministry, highlighted that the coming years will witness the implementation of several key initiatives, including the launch of the national standardisation and quality strategy for the period 2026–2030. This strategy aims to strengthen regulatory frameworks, introduce new quality standards, and expand the scope of conformity certification services. One of the most significant advancements in the sector has been the exponential growth in revenues, surging from RO 56.9 million in 2022 to RO 362.9 million in 2024, marking an impressive 537% increase. This remarkable expansion has been attributed to a series of policy reforms, enhanced legislation, and digital transformation initiatives. The introduction of the "Hazm" platform has played a crucial role in streamlining certification processes, facilitating electronic standardisation services, and expediting product compliance procedures. Additionally, the Ministry has focused on strengthening the sector's infrastructure by adopting international best practices in standard specifications and expanding the network of authorised conformity assessment bodies. The drive for higher quality standards has extended across various industries, with new specifications being introduced for essential products such as water meters, smart bricks, and precast ceilings. The Ministry has also intensified efforts to implement quality management systems, ensuring that locally manufactured and imported products meet strict regulatory requirements. As part of a broader market surveillance plan for 2025, authorities will conduct extensive inspections to monitor compliance and prevent the circulation of substandard goods. The precious metals sector has also witnessed substantial growth, with revenues amounting to approximately RO 203.7 million between 2020 and 2024. This reflects increased consumer confidence in certified gold, silver, and platinum products, supported by rigorous quality control measures and a robust licensing framework. The Ministry has introduced a set of electronic services to enhance efficiency, including an automated system for issuing conformity certificates through the "Oman Business" platform. In 2024 alone, a total of 13,526 permits were issued, significantly reducing bureaucratic delays and improving ease of doing business. Oman's focus on standardisation is not only aimed at improving local market conditions but also at enhancing the country's export potential. By ensuring that Omani products adhere to global quality benchmarks, businesses can gain greater access to international markets, strengthening trade relations and attracting foreign investment. The government's commitment to reducing import dependency has also been evident, as sustainable industrial strategies have led to a sharp decline in the number of product release permits—from 6.3 million in 2020 to just 22,005 in 2024. This shift underscores the growing capability of domestic industries to meet market demands while maintaining high standards of production. Oman plans to expand its electronic standardisation services further, integrating artificial intelligence and automation to enhance efficiency and accuracy in regulatory compliance. The Ministry is also exploring new partnerships with international standardisation bodies to facilitate knowledge exchange and ensure that Omani regulations remain aligned with evolving global trends. In addition, efforts are being made to boost consumer awareness of quality standards through public campaigns and industry collaborations, reinforcing the importance of compliance for businesses operating in the Sultanate of Oman.
