Logistics Investments Exceed RO 2.6 Billion: Key Opportunities for Business Growth in Oman
MUSCAT: Oman’s logistics, maritime, and communications sectors continue to show impressive growth, bolstered by significant public and private investments and increased activity across ports, digital platforms, and comprehensive Omanisation initiatives.
As reported by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT), investments in logistics have surpassed RO 2.6 billion as of September 2025, while the information and communications technology (ICT) sector has attracted RO 140 million during the same timeframe.
The Ministry has disbursed over RO 1.2 billion in outstanding payments to the private sector for development projects from 2020 to 2025, with RO 227 million allocated between January and August 2025 alone. These funds have primarily supported national road development, port expansions, maritime services, and IT projects. Additionally, government revenues from the ministry’s operations totaled RO 26.6 million by August 2025, reflecting a RO 3.3 million increase compared to the previous year.
Omanisation remains a focal point of the government’s strategy. In the ICT sector, the Omanisation rate has reached 67 percent across technical, specialized, and leadership roles, while in logistics, the rate was 59 percent as of September 2025. Efforts to develop the maritime workforce are also progressing, with 230 Omani seafarers trained and employed through targeted programs. Furthermore, an initiative to regulate express delivery has facilitated the employment of 140 Omani nationals. Through the Makeen digital skills program, more than 10,000 Omanis received training from 2021 to 2025.
Omani ports play a crucial role in the nation’s economic development. In the first half of 2025, maritime trade accounted for 66.2 percent of the total import and export value. Exports via ports made up 74.4 percent of all export value, while maritime imports constituted 64.9 percent of total imports, with re-export activities reaching 47 percent.
From January to August 2025, ship arrivals rose by 11.3 percent compared to the same period in 2024. Ports managed over 3.8 million TEUs between January and September 2025, marking a 16.4 percent year-on-year increase, while cargo volumes exceeded 105.9 million tonnes, indicating steady trade growth.
Maritime revenue exceeded RO 1 million in 2025, a 31 percent increase from the previous year. The Ministry issued 212 foreign vessel permits, registered 584 vessels under the Omani flag, renewed nearly 1,900 registrations, and issued over 1,000 seafarer certificates. Licenses for maritime activities totaled 1,578.
With the growth of digital logistics services, robust port performance, and consistent investment, Oman’s logistics sector is solidifying its position as a vital component of economic diversification and the facilitation of international trade. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s logistics and maritime sectors are rapidly evolving, fueled by over RO 2.6 billion in investment and a robust Omanisation strategy that enhances national workforce capabilities. This presents significant opportunities for businesses in logistics and ICT, as increasing trade volumes and digital platforms create new avenues for growth. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should focus on leveraging government initiatives and expanding partnerships in these thriving sectors to capitalize on Oman’s strategic position in international trade.
