HM Visit Signals Strong Support for Oman’s Energy Sector: What It Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s visit to Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) on Tuesday highlighted the Sultanate’s ongoing dedication to advancing the energy sector through digital transformation, operational excellence, and cutting-edge technologies in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
During the visit, His Majesty inaugurated the Integrated Operations Centre at Bait Al Haitham, a pivotal strategic facility designed to centralize the remote monitoring and management of PDO’s oil, gas, and energy assets within a unified operational framework.
This inauguration represents a significant milestone in PDO’s corporate transformation and underscores the national initiative to adopt Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies across vital economic sectors.
The state-of-the-art centre facilitates real-time operational coordination, integrated decision-making, and enhanced efficiency across PDO’s expansive production network. It supports remote operations and boosts reliability and safety through continuous monitoring and collaboration across company assets.
The centre oversees 227 producing oil fields, 39 producing gas fields, 29 key production facilities, and 15 power generation plants with a combined capacity of 1,400 megawatts. Over 13,000 active wells are connected via an integrated network of pipelines and transportation systems managed through this facility.
PDO stated that the project aligns with its long-term strategy to increase operational resilience, optimize resource management, and reinforce Oman’s status as a leading regional energy producer.
Dr. Aflah bin Said al Hadhrami, Managing Director of PDO, described the royal visit as an exceptional national event and a defining moment in the company’s transformative journey under the theme “For Oman.”
He emphasized that the inauguration of Bait Al Haitham reflects the sustained support from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for the energy sector and highlights the critical roles of innovation, digital transformation, and operational excellence in driving sustainable economic growth.
Al Hadhrami added that the visit is a source of pride and motivation for PDO employees, especially Omani professionals who are instrumental in shaping the company’s future.
He further noted that the visit signifies the confidence placed in PDO as a strategic national institution that significantly contributes to economic growth, energy security, and long-term sustainability.
The centre also underscores PDO’s commitment to developing national talent and promoting localisation within the energy sector. It currently employs 279 staff, achieving an Omanisation rate of 95 percent.
In 2025, PDO reported outstanding operational performance, reaching its highest oil production levels since 2002 while maintaining an overall Omanisation rate of 92.7 percent.
As part of its workforce development, PDO launched the “Ruwwad” leadership programme in collaboration with London Business School, aimed at preparing the next generation of company leaders.
The company also made notable advancements in occupational and operational safety. It marked 10 years without lost-time injuries in exploration operations, while lost-time injuries across all operations dropped by 15 percent compared to the previous year.
Vehicle accidents decreased by 40 percent, and Level 1 and Level 2 operational incidents fell by 85 percent compared to 2020 figures.
Technology and innovation remain central to PDO’s strategy, with 30 major technology initiatives underway focusing on associated water management, energy optimization, artificial lift systems, enhanced oil recovery, and production measurement.
Additionally, PDO is implementing 22 more technologies aimed at improving well construction, energy efficiency, and water management.
The company also reinforced its economic contribution through local value creation efforts, retaining nearly RO 1 billion of its supply chain expenditure within Oman and allocating RO 350 million to small and medium enterprises and local community contractors.
RO 273 million was invested in products manufactured in Oman, while PDO’s local content initiatives generated 2,552 employment opportunities for Omanis.
On the social investment front, PDO completed approximately 25 corporate social responsibility projects valued at nearly RO 3.5 million in 2025 and committed to 45 additional projects.
The company renewed its scholarship programme with RO 2 million allocated to support 150 students from concession areas. Educational programmes such as Masar, Ma’rifa, and Ta’aziz attracted over 300 students.
Separately, PDO achieved ISO 20121 certification for Sustainable Event Management, becoming the first entity in Oman and the first oil and gas company in the Middle East to receive this international accreditation. This milestone reinforces PDO’s commitment to sustainability and low-carbon practices. — ONA
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His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s inauguration of PDO’s Integrated Operations Centre signals a bold commitment to digital transformation and operational excellence in line with Oman Vision 2040, positioning Oman as a regional energy technology leader. For businesses, this creates opportunities in tech-driven energy services and local supply chains, while smart investors should focus on companies aligned with digital innovation and sustainability initiatives. The emphasis on Omanisation and SME engagement also highlights a growing ecosystem for national talent and small business development, which savvy entrepreneurs can leverage for growth.
