Omani Non-Oil Exports Surge to RO 5 Billion: What This Growth Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman
MUSCAT: Oman’s non-oil exports demonstrated robust growth in 2025, signaling a positive shift in the nation’s economic landscape aligned with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) continues to advance initiatives designed to boost exports and elevate the global presence of Omani products, thereby diversifying the country’s income sources and solidifying Oman’s reputation as a dependable partner in international trade networks.
Official statistics reveal that non-oil exports reached approximately RO 5.002 billion by the end of September 2025, marking a 10.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growth highlights improved competitiveness of Omani goods and successful market expansion efforts. The progress stems from a comprehensive support system including international promotion, streamlined export procedures, participation in global exhibitions, and enhanced product quality—all crucial to sustaining Omani products’ competitive edge worldwide.
Sector-wise, the export surge was driven predominantly by base metals and related products, which exceeded RO 1 billion in value. This was followed by chemical industry products valued at nearly RO 658 million and electrical machinery and equipment exports totaling around RO 460 million. Omani exports reached a diverse array of regional and international markets, with the GCC countries at the forefront, complemented by Asian, African, and European markets. This diversification reduces dependence on any single market and strengthens the resilience and growth prospects of Oman’s export sector amid global trade fluctuations.
Strengthening Competitiveness
Ibtisam bint Ahmed al Farooji, Under-Secretary for Investment Promotion at MoCIIP, emphasized that the strong export performance reflects the success of national policies aimed at boosting economic competitiveness. The Ministry is focused on building an integrated export support ecosystem that empowers Omani products, enhances company preparedness, and expands the network of trade partners. These efforts aim to raise the contribution of non-oil exports to Oman’s GDP and advance economic diversification goals.
She highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to improving market access for Omani goods through promotional and trade facilitation tools, active participation in international events, and leveraging trade agreements. Support for capacity-building initiatives ensures that exporters meet global market standards, further enhancing product competitiveness.
Al Farooji underlined the critical role of export development as a pillar of the national economy and a driver of economic diversification. Reflecting this priority, MoCIIP launched the “Oman Exports” initiative and its integrated digital platform on February 26, 2025, during the ‘Together We Move Forward’ Forum. This initiative aims to modernize trade promotion, expand global market access for non-oil products, and foster an integrated business environment in partnership with public and private sectors.
Oman Exports Initiative
Lubna bint Mohammed al Harthy, Director of the Export Development Department, described the Oman Exports initiative as a transformative advancement in export support. The digital platform offers Omani exporters access to market intelligence, advisory services, and direct links to international importers, facilitating market expansion and boosting non-oil export growth.
The platform simplifies export procedures, provides specialized trade reports and market studies, supports certification and licensing needs, and addresses exporters’ queries and complaints. By the end of September 2025, 365 companies had registered on the platform, with 37 more applications pending, indicating rising private sector engagement.
To promote awareness of Oman Exports, MoCIIP conducted five workshops across Muscat, Dhofar, Al Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah North, and Al Sharqiyah South. These sessions introduced platform features and demonstrated its role in easing export operations and accessing global markets.
Throughout 2025, Oman participated in 17 local and international trade exhibitions under the Omani Products Promotion Committee (OPEX), resulting in confirmed and potential trade agreements, agency partnerships, and new connections with global importers.
In parallel, preparations are underway for a national strategy to further develop Omani non-oil exports. This strategy will analyze current conditions, identify promising products and target markets, and propose solutions to exporters’ challenges, guiding future trade policies.
Oman Exports also produced around 67 trade exchange reports, market studies, and feasibility assessments for trade event participation in 2025, supporting data-driven decisions.
Moreover, over 20 field visits to factories across sectors helped introduce export services and foster direct industry relationships. Memoranda of understanding with regional and international partners, including Egypt’s Ministry of Investment and Trade and Qatar Development Bank, have strengthened trade ties and opened new markets for Omani products.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s robust 10.3% growth in non-oil exports, driven by diversified sectors and markets, signals a strategic shift towards economic diversification and enhanced global competitiveness under Oman Vision 2040. For businesses and investors, this creates key opportunities to leverage new digital export platforms like Oman Exports and expand into emerging regional and international markets, while also highlighting the importance of aligning with government-led export support initiatives to mitigate risks related to global trade volatility. Smart entrepreneurs should focus on innovating product quality and market readiness to capitalize on Oman’s strengthening export ecosystem and the evolving international trade landscape.
