R&D spend in Oman hits RO 160 million

MUSCAT: Oman’s investment in research and development (R&D) recorded a notable rise in 2024, underlining the Sultanate of Oman’s steady push towards a knowledge-based economy anchored on innovation and scientific capability.
According to the 2025 Oman Research and Development Survey, total spending on experimental R&D reached approximately RO 160.3 million in 2024, marking an increase from previous years. This level of expenditure accounted for 0.42 per cent of GDP at constant prices and 0.39 per cent at current prices, signalling growing national commitment to strengthening research capacity across multiple sectors.
The survey results show that the private sector emerged as the largest contributor to R&D spending, accounting for 46 per cent of the total. This was followed by the government sector at 33 per cent and the higher education sector at 21 per cent. The figures highlight the expanding role of private enterprises as strategic partners in advancing innovation, complementing public sector and academic efforts.
Human capital also posted solid gains. The total number of individuals employed in experimental R&D activities reached 28,768 in 2024. Of these, researchers made up around 47 per cent, with the remainder comprising technicians and support staff. In terms of full-time equivalents, the workforce stood at 9,516, reflecting a continued increase in the participation of Omani nationals in research-related roles.
A key indicator of progress was the growth in the number of full-time researchers per million inhabitants, which rose by 18 per cent compared to 2023. The figure reached 725 researchers per million people in 2024, pointing to improvements in research infrastructure and sustained investment in developing human capital.
From a sectoral perspective, higher education institutions employed the largest share of the R&D workforce at 36 per cent, reinforcing their central role in knowledge creation and scientific research. The private sector followed closely at 33 per cent, while the government sector accounted for the remaining 31 per cent. Together, these figures reflect a more balanced and integrated national research ecosystem.
The Research and Development Survey is one of several specialised statistical studies conducted by the National Centre for Statistics and Information. It measures key R&D inputs such as expenditure, funding sources and human resources, providing critical data to support policymakers in shaping innovation strategies and scientific research policies.
The findings align closely with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which places innovation, research and technology at the heart of economic diversification and sustainable development, positioning R&D as a key driver of long-term growth. — ONA