Oman’s Push to Localize Food Investments: Key Implications for Investors and Entrepreneurs
Dubai: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the supervisory team for promoting Omani products (OPEX), is actively participating in Gulfood 2026 in Dubai, showcasing a prominent national presence that includes both governmental bodies and private sector representatives. This participation emphasizes the competitive investment opportunities within the food sector, aimed at enhancing the localization of value-added projects.
At the Sultanate’s pavilion, various entities are presenting investment opportunities designed to attract and establish food-related projects within Oman’s industrial cities, free zones, and economic zones. These initiatives are bolstered by comprehensive incentives, advanced infrastructure, and investor-centric services intended to strengthen the country’s food value chains.
Hamood Al Balushi, Assistant Director General of Al Suwaiq Industrial City, remarked that Gulfood serves as an exceptional platform to promote the advantages of Madayn’s new industrial city, recently announced in North Al Batinah Governorate. He noted a growing interest among investors and entrepreneurs in Oman’s investment landscape, particularly its capacity to localize industries through competitive incentives and well-developed infrastructure.
Al Balushi further mentioned that representatives from Al Suwaiq, Suhar, Al Buraimi, and Mahas Industrial Cities are actively engaging with potential investors during the exhibition to present the facilities and services tailored for food industries within Madayn’s industrial cities.
Ahlam Al Amri, Director of In-Country Value at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, highlighted the ministry’s focus on food security objectives. She reported that the ministry is showcasing promising investment opportunities in the food sector to bolster localization goals under the ‘Second Billion’ initiative and enhance self-sufficiency rates.
Al Amri explained that the ministry’s involvement aligns with the commitment to strengthen food security as a crucial element of national stability and sustainable development, as outlined in Oman Vision 2040. This is achieved by boosting local production, reducing reliance on imports through domestic food manufacturing, and forging strong partnerships with the private sector, all of which contribute to maximizing economic value and creating sustainable job opportunities.
Meanwhile, Mahmoud Al Yazidi, Head of the Export Promotion Department at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, pointed out the ongoing growth of the global food sector, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality products. He emphasized that participation in specialized international exhibitions like Gulfood is vital for promoting Omani products, increasing non-oil exports, and enhancing the Sultanate’s presence in global markets.
Al Yazidi noted that Omani companies operating under the national pavilion are anticipating favorable outcomes from Gulfood 2026, including improved international marketing exposure, new direct export contracts, and broader commercial opportunities. He also highlighted the exhibition’s role in facilitating knowledge exchange and showcasing the latest trends and technologies in food manufacturing.
Omaima Bahajaj, Marketing and Communication Manager at Salalah Free Zone, added that the participation in Gulfood 2026 aims to promote key investment opportunities in the food sector and attract value-added investments. She emphasized the competitive advantages of the Salalah Free Zone, including its strategic location, integrated infrastructure, and supportive investment incentives, which together enhance food value chains and bolster manufacturing, storage, and logistics capabilities in support of Oman’s economic diversification goals.
Gulfood is recognized as one of the world’s largest annual trade exhibitions for the food and beverage industry. Its 31st edition is taking place from January 26 to 30 at two venues for the first time—the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai—featuring participation from 195 countries and over 8,500 exhibitors and brands.
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The participation of Oman at Gulfood 2026 underscores a strategic push for local investment in the food sector and enhancing food security aligned with Vision 2040. This presents significant opportunities for businesses, particularly in industrial cities and free zones, to engage in value-added projects, while investors should consider the growing market demand and supportive incentives as catalysts for sustainable growth. Smart investors must now leverage this momentum to explore innovative partnerships that capitalize on emerging trends in local production and international market expansion.
