Oman Launches Marble Investment Opportunities: What It Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has announced new investment opportunities in Oman’s marble sector, offering two public mineral areas in the Al Sharqiyah North Governorate to both local and international investors. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to expand the Sultanate’s mining investment base.
The offering period is scheduled from December 28, 2025, to April 28, 2026, targeting high-quality, commercially viable projects supported by robust geological and economic foundations. The two designated areas cover a total of 2.55 square kilometers, with preliminary studies indicating the presence of dark marble deposits that hold promising investment potential.
Engineer Saud bin Khamis al Mahrouqi, Director General of Minerals at the Ministry, highlighted that Omani marble has become one of the mining sector’s most distinguished success stories. This is due to its exceptional geological quality and diverse color palette, which enhance its competitiveness in both regional and global markets. Omani marble is widely used in manufacturing tiles, slabs, and decorative stones, with exports reaching numerous international destinations.
Oman currently operates more than 15 active quarries and around 11 integrated marble processing plants, boasting annual production exceeding one million tonnes. Eng. Al Mahrouqi added that production capacity is expected to increase further in response to growing global demand.
The Ministry’s policy prioritizes maximizing local value by limiting the export of raw marble blocks and encouraging the production of higher-value finished and semi-finished products. Beyond increasing output, the strategy aims to enhance operational efficiency, adopt advanced technologies, create employment opportunities, and strengthen environmental sustainability.
Central to the Ministry’s commitment to a circular economy is the recycling of marble waste and its integration with supporting industries, which helps reduce environmental impact while generating additional economic value.
In line with its strategic goals, the Ministry is advancing programs to develop the marble sector, including preparing fully approved public mining sites and implementing a transparent bidding system that guarantees equal opportunities for investors alongside clear regulatory and legislative frameworks.
Omani marble mainly comprises metamorphic limestone and dense, polishable sandstone, available in colors ranging from white and brown to yellowish-brown and black. Significant reserves are found in Ibri, Bahla, Nizwa, Ibra, Al Qabil, Mahadha, and parts of the Western and Eastern Al Hajar Mountains.
Extraction typically occurs in mountainous regions using advanced cutting technologies before marble blocks are transported for processing. Exports are primarily directed to GCC countries, India, and South Korea, in accordance with policies that restrict raw block exports.
This concerted approach aims to position Oman’s marble sector as a model for sustainable growth and increased global competitiveness.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals’ new investment openings in Oman’s marble sector signal a strategic expansion in mining investments, offering local and international investors access to high-potential, commercially viable sites. This creates significant opportunities for businesses to capitalize on growing global demand for Omani marble, especially in value-added processing rather than raw exports, aligning with environmental sustainability and circular economy trends. Smart investors should consider leveraging advanced technologies and integrating into the supply chain of finished products to maximize returns while supporting Oman’s vision for operational efficiency and eco-friendly growth.
