Oman’s New Initiative to Fast-Track Business Start-Ups: Implications for Investors and Entrepreneurs
مسقط: The Sultanate of Oman has made significant strides in facilitating business start-ups, reducing the average time required to establish a company to just four to five days. This is notably quicker than the regional average of ten days. With only four essential procedures and no minimum capital requirement, Oman enhances its appeal as an attractive investment destination.
In line with Oman Vision 2040, the government has undertaken extensive legislative and regulatory reforms, coupled with digital transformation initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency, transparency, and investor confidence. The entire company registration process has been streamlined via the “Oman Business” platform, a digital solution managed by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), designed to assist entrepreneurs.
The Business Start-Up Index, overseen by a national team under the National Competitiveness Committee, reflects Oman’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and competitive investment environment. This initiative is intended to spur private sector growth, boost exports, and enhance collaboration between public and private institutions.
Digitalization remains a core element of these reforms. By utilizing unified digital platforms, Oman has integrated over 17 government entities, offering services such as company registration, trade name reservation, licensing, and financing applications— all conducted online. The application of artificial intelligence and advanced digital tools has improved transparency, minimized bureaucracy, and accelerated service delivery.
Mubarak bin Mohammed al Dohani, Director General of Planning and Head of the Digital Transformation Team at MoCIIP, reported that more than 50 integrated electronic services are now available through this digital framework. Since its launch in April 2021, the “Oman Business” platform has facilitated the issuance of over 1.26 million licenses, with 89 percent of commercial activities being automatically licensed.
Regarding labor, Saqr bin Saeed al Rubaie, Director of Employment Applications and Job Opportunities Analysis at the Ministry of Labour, emphasized the importance of skilled Omani professionals for the stability and growth of private enterprises. The Ministry continues to roll out employment support schemes, which include wage subsidies for newcomers and various training programs tailored to align workforce skills with market demands.
In special economic and free zones, Dr. Saeed bin Khalifa al Quraini, Director General of Investment Sector Development and Official Spokesperson for the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), noted that integrated infrastructure, digital solutions, and competitive incentives have positioned Oman favorably on the global investment map.
These incentives encompass 100 percent foreign ownership, long-term tax and customs exemptions, competitive land rates, and streamlined labor recruitment procedures. OPAZ also operates an electronic one-stop shop to efficiently address all investor needs.
Together, these initiatives signify Oman’s evolution into a modern, business-friendly economy—establishing it as a regional hub for innovation, trade, and sustainable investment. — ONA
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Oman’s rapid enhancement of its business start-up environment—cutting establishment time to just 4-5 days—positions it as a key player in attracting investments. سرمایهگذاران و کارآفرینان هوشمند should capitalize on the streamlined digital platforms and extensive incentives, which facilitate مالکیت خارجی 100% and offer tax exemptions. However, the focus on aligning workforce skills with market demands is crucial, presenting both opportunities for skilled investment و یک risk of skill gaps if not addressed strategically.
