Saturday 03 / October / 2026
Muscat — Business activity in the Sultanate of Oman continued to expand during the first half of 2026, supported by efforts to develop the business environment, streamline procedures and strengthen trade and investment.
Data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information showed that the gross domestic product of the wholesale and retail trade sector at current prices rose 5% during H1 2026 to about OMR1.735 billion, compared with the same period in 2025.
Foreign investment in trade activity also increased by 9.7% to approximately OMR305.3 million, reflecting continued investment flows into the sector and the opportunities offered by the Omani market.
Re-exports recorded the strongest growth among the indicators, rising 13.6% to about OMR1.14 billion. The increase highlights Oman’s growing role in regional and international trade, supported by its strategic location, logistics infrastructure and network of ports, airports and land crossings.
Nasra bint Sultan Al Habsi, Director General of Trade at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said the indicators reflect the continued expansion of commercial activity and underscore the importance of developing an efficient and flexible business environment that supports investment and strengthens Oman’s links with regional and global markets.
She said the growth in re-exports reflects increased utilisation of Oman’s trade and logistics capabilities. The ministry, in coordination with relevant authorities, is working to facilitate trade through various ports, simplify import, export and re-export procedures and enhance integration among government services provided to the private sector.
Al Habsi added that the ministry is continuing to develop the legislative and regulatory framework for the commercial sector, digitise services and simplify procedures through the Oman Business Platform, improve the investor and trader experience, promote e-commerce and competition, and enhance the efficiency of services provided to the private sector.
She noted that the 9.7% increase in foreign investment in trade activities is an indicator of the attractiveness of the sector. The ministry is working to attract quality investments and connect them with available opportunities, while leveraging the advantages offered by economic, free and industrial zones and Oman’s transport and logistics infrastructure.
The ministry is also working to facilitate exports and re-exports, address challenges facing traders and exporters in coordination with government and private entities, and develop digital services and legislation governing commercial activities.
Al Habsi said the H1 2026 indicators confirm the growing links between commercial activity, investment and foreign trade, with re-exports emerging as an increasingly important driver of commercial activity and contributing to economic diversification and Oman’s position as a regional hub for trade, investment and logistics services.
