Monday 10 / November / 2025
Muscat: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion on Sunday reviewed, with a number of entrepreneurs in the vehicle repair and maintenance sector, the opportunities available to develop this sector in line with the needs of the local market.
During the meeting, the participants discussed the challenges facing those working in this sector and ways to enhance competitiveness and improve service quality, in addition to mechanisms for facilitating licensing and inspection procedures and encouraging the application of technical standards.
Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, affirmed during the meeting that the Ministry accords great importance to the services and maintenance sectors, considering them an important part of the national economy and a vital area for developing small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He noted that the Ministry continues to support initiatives that contribute to improving the level of services and encouraging entrepreneurs to adopt the best technical practices and technologies.
He also stressed the importance of establishments operating in the sector adhering to approved standards and specifications, and ensuring the availability of certified quality spare parts, which enhances consumer confidence and protects their rights. He pointed out that the Ministry, in cooperation with relevant authorities, is working to develop an effective supervisory system that preserves consumer rights and supports the growth of the sector at the same time.
The meeting addressed initiatives aimed at enhancing the role of national competencies in the sector, through supporting and distinguishing Omani-run workshops and incentivising them to provide high-quality services. This promotes Omanisation opportunities and encourages Omani youth to engage in this vital field.
The entrepreneurs expressed their appreciation to the Ministry for providing this opportunity for direct dialogue, affirming that such meetings contribute to enhancing the partnership between the government sector and entrepreneurs, finding practical solutions, and developing businesses in a way that serves the economic development goals in Oman. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the SMEs Development Authority (Riyada), the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Development Bank, and a number of officials from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.
The number of companies operating in the vehicle repair and maintenance sector across Oman reached 13,573 by the end of June 2025. This includes 2,758 firms in vehicle mechanical repair, 2,426 in axle and brake repair, 3,691 companies in vehicle electrical repair and 1,458 in vehicle oil change.
