Al Wusta Governorate’s Robust Economic Growth: Key Opportunities and Impacts for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman
HAIMA: Al Wusta Governorate is increasingly becoming a crucial hub for investment and economic growth in the Sultanate of Oman, driven by major strategic initiatives across its wilayats, especially Al Duqm, which has developed into a prominent global industrial and logistics center. Meanwhile, the wilayats of Haima, Mahout, and Al Jazir are experiencing swift urban and service sector development, significantly contributing to the governorate’s overall advancement.
Economic indicators for the second quarter of 2025 reveal steady growth across commercial, industrial, and investment sectors, reflecting the government’s commitment to balanced development in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Abdoun bin Mohammed al Harsousi, Director of the Trade, Industry, and Investment Promotion Department in Al Wusta Governorate, highlighted that the positive performance underscores increasing investor confidence and robust economic potential. He credited this progress to high-quality projects in Al Duqm and an increasingly appealing business climate.
Al Harsousi noted that his department continues to improve digital services, simplify procedures, and provide technical support to entrepreneurs, particularly in industrial, energy, tourism, and logistics sectors. He emphasized that Al Wusta’s promising potential will further strengthen its expanding role in Oman’s economy, bolstered by private sector empowerment.
New commercial registrations surged by 53 percent to 153 in the second quarter of 2025, compared to 100 during the same period last year, bringing the total active registrations to 6,455. Haima reported the highest growth with a 200 percent increase in registered businesses, followed by Mahout at 123 percent and Al Jazir at 80 percent. Construction contracting remained the most licensed sector, witnessing a 300 percent year-on-year rise.
During this period, 984 new business licenses were issued alongside 1,074 automatic licenses, raising the total number of automatic licenses in the governorate to approximately 13,932. Industrial licenses also grew by 3.92 percent, reaching 212, bringing the cumulative total to 3,771 by mid-2025, which clearly reflects the expansion of industrial and supporting projects around Al Duqm.
Al Harsousi added that one new foreign investor registered during the second quarter, bringing the total to 121. He noted that the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) continues to promote investment, enhance electronic services, and encourage SME participation to ensure balanced growth across Oman’s governorates.
He concluded by stressing that Al Wusta Governorate is steadily solidifying its role as a vital contributor to the national economy through its industrial, logistical, and tourism projects linked to Al Duqm and adjacent wilayats, in alignment with Oman’s broader economic diversification strategy. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Al Wusta Governorate, particularly Al Duqm, is rapidly becoming a strategic investment and industrial hub aligned with Oman Vision 2040, signaling significant growth opportunities in logistics, tourism, and energy sectors. The surge in new business registrations, especially in construction and industrial activities, highlights a robust rise in entrepreneurial confidence and economic diversification. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should prioritize digital-enabled sectors and infrastructure projects while leveraging government-supported facilitation to capitalize on this emerging market potential.
