Non-Oil Growth Drives GDP Stability: Key Insights for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman
MUSCAT: Oman’s gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices reached RO 10.414 billion in the third quarter of 2025, marking a slight decline of 0.4 percent compared to RO 10.454 billion in the same period of 2024.
According to preliminary data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information, this marginal decrease was primarily driven by weaker performance in the oil sector. Oil activities dropped by 6 percent to RO 3.4713 billion in the third quarter of 2025, down from RO 3.6932 billion in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
Conversely, the non-oil sector continued to show growth, expanding by 2.5 percent to RO 7.2916 billion, up from RO 7.1162 billion in the third quarter of 2024.
Within the non-oil economy, construction activity increased by 2.2 percent to RO 817.4 million. Wholesale and retail trade grew by 2.1 percent, contributing RO 880.1 million, while public administration and defense rose by 2.8 percent to RO 966.8 million during the quarter. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s slight GDP contraction in Q3 2025, driven by a 6% decline in oil sector output, highlights the continued vulnerability of the hydrocarbon-dependent economy. However, the 2.5% growth in non-oil sectors like construction, trade, and public administration signals diversification opportunities and resilience. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should focus on non-oil sectors to capitalize on emerging growth areas and mitigate risks associated with oil price fluctuations.
