Tuesday 16 / June / 2026
Muscat: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised the performance of the Omani economy and its capacity to withstand regional geopolitical developments, supported by continued prudent economic and fiscal policies and a firm commitment to advancing structural reforms.
This commendation came at the conclusion of the meetings between the IMF preliminary mission team and the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, held as part of the 2026 Article IV Consultation.
IMF experts discussed with the Omani side the most prominent recent economic, fiscal, and monetary developments.
The Fund noted the continued growth of the Omani economy, with real GDP growth reaching 2.4 percent in 2025, compared to 1.6 percent in 2024. The IMF projects real GDP growth to reach approximately 3.7 percent in 2026, driven by increased oil production and sustained momentum in non-oil sector activity. Meanwhile, inflation is expected to remain moderate despite accelerated developments in the global economic environment and associated increases in food and transportation prices.
The statement affirmed that fiscal positions and external sector accounts are poised for further improvement, supported by higher oil revenues, robust non-oil export performance, and continued fiscal discipline. Notable surpluses are projected in the fiscal balance and current account, reaching 4.5 percent and 3 percent of GDP respectively, while public debt as a share of GDP continues to decline.
The Fund confirmed that Oman's banking sector continues to enjoy high levels of capital adequacy, liquidity, asset quality, and profitability, which strengthens its capacity to support economic activity and maintain financial stability.
The IMF also noted that persistent uncertainty arising from the current regional situation may pose risks to the economic outlook, and emphasized the importance of continued implementation of fiscal and structural reforms to enhance fiscal sustainability, support economic diversification, and strengthen the competitiveness of the national economy.
The IMF mission team expressed its appreciation to the Omani authorities and all participating entities for their cooperation and for the constructive and productive discussions held during the visit.
