Oman’s FDI surges over RO 30 billion in Q1 2025
Published: 06:07 PM,Jul 21,2025 | EDITED : 10:07 PM,Jul 21,2025
Inflows during the period reached RO 5.225 billion, up from RO 4.111 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2024.
The Sultanate of Oman has recorded a sharp rise in foreign direct investment (FDI), surpassing RO 30.611 billion by the end of the first quarter of 2025, according to preliminary data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Inflows during the period reached RO 5.225 billion, up from RO 4.111 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2024.
The oil and gas extraction sector remained the dominant magnet for foreign investment, accounting for a staggering 81 per cent of total FDI. Investments in this sector alone amounted to RO 24.701 billion, with inflows of RO 4.812 billion during the quarter. The manufacturing sector followed, attracting RO 2.749 billion in FDI, with RO 592.3 million in inflows, reflecting continued investor confidence in Oman's industrial base.
Financial intermediation drew RO 1.3 billion in investment, supported by inflows of RO 217.8 million. The real estate, rental, and commercial project activities sectors, however, saw a decline, with total investments standing at RO 653.1 million—down 36.8 per cent from the same quarter last year.
In the transport, storage, and communications sector, FDI totalled RO 357.9 million, with limited inflows of just RO 3.2 million. Investments in the electricity and water sector reached RO 292 million, representing an 11 per cent drop year-on-year. The trade sector received RO 262 million in FDI, with cash inflows amounting to RO 14.5 million.
The hotels and restaurants sector recorded investments of RO 116.6 million, marginally lower by 0.5 per cent compared to Q1 2024. Meanwhile, the construction sector attracted RO 88.5 million in total FDI, though inflows dropped by RO 4.9 million. Investments in the 'other activities' category reached RO 89.9 million, with inflows of RO 7.3 million.
The United Kingdom maintained its position as the largest foreign investor in Oman, contributing RO 15.574 billion—equivalent to 50.9 per cent of total FDI. The United States followed with RO 7.824 billion, trailed by Kuwait (RO 1.223 billion), China (RO 894.9 million), the United Arab Emirates (RO 753 million), and Qatar (RO 669.3 million). Bahrain, the Netherlands, India, and Switzerland also featured prominently, while investments from other countries amounted to RO 2.238 billion. — ONA
The oil and gas extraction sector remained the dominant magnet for foreign investment, accounting for a staggering 81 per cent of total FDI. Investments in this sector alone amounted to RO 24.701 billion, with inflows of RO 4.812 billion during the quarter. The manufacturing sector followed, attracting RO 2.749 billion in FDI, with RO 592.3 million in inflows, reflecting continued investor confidence in Oman's industrial base.
Financial intermediation drew RO 1.3 billion in investment, supported by inflows of RO 217.8 million. The real estate, rental, and commercial project activities sectors, however, saw a decline, with total investments standing at RO 653.1 million—down 36.8 per cent from the same quarter last year.
In the transport, storage, and communications sector, FDI totalled RO 357.9 million, with limited inflows of just RO 3.2 million. Investments in the electricity and water sector reached RO 292 million, representing an 11 per cent drop year-on-year. The trade sector received RO 262 million in FDI, with cash inflows amounting to RO 14.5 million.
The hotels and restaurants sector recorded investments of RO 116.6 million, marginally lower by 0.5 per cent compared to Q1 2024. Meanwhile, the construction sector attracted RO 88.5 million in total FDI, though inflows dropped by RO 4.9 million. Investments in the 'other activities' category reached RO 89.9 million, with inflows of RO 7.3 million.
The United Kingdom maintained its position as the largest foreign investor in Oman, contributing RO 15.574 billion—equivalent to 50.9 per cent of total FDI. The United States followed with RO 7.824 billion, trailed by Kuwait (RO 1.223 billion), China (RO 894.9 million), the United Arab Emirates (RO 753 million), and Qatar (RO 669.3 million). Bahrain, the Netherlands, India, and Switzerland also featured prominently, while investments from other countries amounted to RO 2.238 billion. — ONA