Al Sharqiyah South’s Commercial Growth Surge: Key Opportunities for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman
SUR: The Al Sharqiyah South Governorate has demonstrated significant growth in trade, industry, and investment promotion during the second quarter of 2025, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. These figures highlight the governorate’s expanding role as a vital contributor to Oman’s economic diversification.
Khalid bin Hamad al Saadi, Director of the Department of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Al Sharqiyah South, noted that economic indicators reflect strong activity particularly in construction, contracting, and small to medium-sized industries, especially within the wilayats of Sur, Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, and Masirah. He credited this progress to the governorate’s strategic location, rich industrial and tourism assets, and the benefits derived from the blue economy, which continues to attract investor interest.
Al Saadi emphasized that the Department is actively enhancing engagement with entrepreneurs and investors through various support, promotion, and awareness programs. These initiatives aim to promote business sustainability and diversify local income sources in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
Official statistics reveal that 348 new commercial registrations were recorded in the second quarter, bringing the total to 20,044 by mid-2025. Construction and contracting led this growth with 300 new licenses—a remarkable increase of over 229 percent compared to 91 licenses during the same period in 2024—reflecting robust urban development across Sur, Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, Al Kamil W’al Wafi, and Masirah.
Overall, 3,617 commercial licenses were issued in the governorate during the second quarter, raising the cumulative number to 51,596 by the end of June. Automatic licenses increased to 53,865, while industrial license applications reached 850 for the quarter, bringing the cumulative total to 18,990.
Foreign investment also showed marked growth, with 23 new foreign investment records registered in the second quarter, accounting for 1.54 percent of all national investment licenses. This underscores Al Sharqiyah South’s rising appeal as a hub for new production and service projects.
Looking ahead, the governorate is poised for continued expansion in construction, tourism, and industry throughout the second half of 2025, supported by increased investment in Masirah and coastal areas, particularly in fisheries and logistics. These developments are expected to further cement Al Sharqiyah South’s position as a key driver of Oman’s sustainable development. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Al Sharqiyah South’s robust growth in trade, industry, and investment signals a strategic opportunity for businesses to capitalize on rapid urban expansion and industrial diversification, especially in construction, tourism, and the blue economy. Smart investors should focus on the governorate’s emerging sectors like fisheries, logistics, and small to medium enterprises, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 to leverage government support and rising foreign investment interest. This growth trajectory also underlines risks for businesses not adapting to the evolving economic landscape and missing the momentum in this dynamic region.
