Central Bank of Oman Launches Two New Government Debt Bonds: What Investors and Businesses Need to Know
MUSCAT: The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has announced the issuance of two new Government Development Bonds (GDBs) available for public subscription through a competitive auction. These are identified as Issue No. 80 and Issue No. 81.
Issue No. 80 is valued at RO 100 million, features a five-year maturity, and offers a coupon rate of 4.05% per annum. Issue No. 81 is valued at RO 25 million, with a 10-year maturity and a coupon rate of 4.30% per annum.
Subscriptions for both bonds will be accepted from January 25 to January 29, 2026. The competitive auctions are scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026, with bond issuance and settlement set for Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Interest payments on both bonds will be made semi-annually, on February 3 and August 3 each year, continuing until their maturity dates of February 3, 2031, and February 3, 2036, respectively.
The CBO confirmed that these bonds are open to all investors, both within Oman and internationally, irrespective of nationality. Subscriptions must be made via commercial banks operating in Oman during the subscription period, using the competitive auction method.
Additionally, direct applications for bids of RO 1 million or more will be accepted, provided they are endorsed by the applicant’s bank.
The Sultanate’s Ministry of Finance guarantees these bonds as a direct and unconditional obligation. The bonds form part of the government’s domestic debt programme, providing expanded funding options in the local market.
Investors are able to borrow against these bonds through licensed banks in Oman. The bonds are also tradable on the Muscat Stock Exchange at market prices. Details of bondholders will be maintained in a dedicated register managed by the Muscat Clearing and Depository Company. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The issuance of new Government Development Bonds with attractive coupon rates and flexible terms signals expanding investment avenues for both local and foreign investors in Oman. For businesses, this creates an opportunity to leverage increased liquidity in the financial market, while smart investors should consider these bonds as a stable, government-backed asset class amid evolving economic conditions. Entrepreneurs and financial players can also explore financing strategies using these bonds as collateral, fostering growth and market dynamism.
