Unified Investment Map in Dhofar: How It Accelerates Business Growth and Investment Opportunities
SALALAH, SEPTEMBER 7 — Dr. Ahmed bin Mohsin Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, emphasized Oman’s wealth of resources, ranging from oil and gas to agriculture and related sectors. He highlighted that foreign investments are increasing alongside stronger domestic investment. However, he noted that the primary challenge lies in procedural issues rather than legislative ones, suggesting that these processes could be simplified and harmonized across various government agencies.
Dr. Al Ghassani was speaking at a seminar titled “Governance and its Role in Protecting Public Funds and Enhancing Transparency,” organized by the State Audit Institution at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah. The event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and attended by Shaikh Ghosn bin Hilal al Alawi, Chairman of the State Audit Institution, along with other officials.
He stressed the need to accelerate the investment cycle by unifying procedures across government entities and publishing a clear investment map for Dhofar Governorate. Dr. Al Ghassani advocated for a single, transparent governance framework for investment, outlining clear pathways and requirements for investors. He also called for the establishment of a comprehensive, interconnected platform that integrates existing government systems, enabling services to be delivered as a cohesive package with pre-approved opportunities to reduce timelines and boost investor confidence. Emphasizing digital transformation, he noted it should function as an effective, unified tool rather than a collection of isolated systems.
Dr. Al Ghassani recalled the announcement of the Dhofar Investment Committee in November 2023 and urged for the activation of its role to streamline efforts and enhance the business environment. An updated formation decree for the committee was approved in December 2023, and the committee remains active in 2025 under the Governor’s leadership, continuously reviewing investment opportunities and simplifying procedures.
The seminar featured presentations on the State Audit Institution’s role in reinforcing transparency and accountability; the impact of governance and sustainability on performance; the Oman Investment Authority’s experience in corporate governance and risk management; and Dhofar Municipality’s governance initiatives related to investment and local services. This event is part of Oman’s broader national strategy to strengthen governance, integrity, and the protection of public funds, aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
Regarding investment planning, official reports indicate ongoing development of an investment map for Dhofar aimed at identifying opportunities and challenges and aligning them with the national economy. Dedicated working groups under the Governor’s Office are actively monitoring progress, supporting Dr. Al Ghassani’s call to deliver the investment map in a unified and actionable format.
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Oman’s Dhofar region is poised for strategic growth as efforts to unify and simplify investment procedures gain momentum, signaling a stronger, more transparent business environment. For businesses and investors, the push towards a comprehensive, interconnected digital platform and a clear investment map offers unprecedented opportunities to engage confidently, reduce bureaucratic delays, and capitalize on a resource-rich governorate aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Smart investors should monitor the activation of the Dhofar Investment Committee and leverage early access to vetted opportunities to maximize competitive advantage.
