BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, APRIL 20
Oman is set to welcome global attention this April with the launch of the inaugural Advantage Oman Forum, an exclusive two-day business gathering taking place on April 27-28, 2025 at the St.Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort.
Organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, represented by Invest Oman, the forum will bring together senior figures from government, international business, financial institutions, and strategic sectors to examine Oman’s rising profile as an investment destination and explore new economic frontiers. The forum is held under the strategic partnership of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Sohar International.
The Advantage Oman Forum is expected to play a central role in reinforcing Oman’s economic diplomacy efforts and its commitment to attracting high-quality, sustainable investments in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the country’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. Over the course of two days, the forum will present a comprehensive outlook on Oman’s investment opportunities, sectoral competitiveness, and global relevance, particularly in light of its increasing integration within regional and international trade and investment flows.
The programme will feature a series of curated panel discussions, fireside conversations, and strategic meetings addressing critical global megatrends and their implications for Oman’s future. The discussions will explore how sectors such as clean energy, logistics, advanced manufacturing, mining, agri-food, and tourism are being positioned to attract future-ready investment. With sustainability, resilience, and innovation as key themes, the forum will also address how Oman is preparing for a world of heightened economic competition, climate transitions, and rapid technological transformation.
The Advantage Oman Forum will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers representing both regional leadership and global thought. Among them are Abdulsalam al Murshidi, President of the Oman Investment Authority; Qais al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion; Dr Said al Saqri, Minister of Economy; and Salem al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. From the private sector, high-profile business leaders such as Mohamed Al Abbar, Founder of Emaar Properties; Mohammed al Barwani, Chairman of MB Holding Group; Mohammed Mahfoodh al Ardhi, Chairman of Muscat Stock Exchange; and Yusuff Ali, Founder of LuLu Group, will share their strategic insights.
International voices will include Abdulla al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy; Luigi Di Maio, EU Special Representative for the Gulf Region and former Foreign Minister of Italy; Creon Butler, Director of the Global Economy and Finance Programme at Chatham House; Michelle Karavias, Managing Director and Head of Industry Research at Fitch Solutions; Diana Mangalagiu, Associate Fellow at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford; and Jonathan McClory, Research Associate at Hertford College, Oxford University. Dushyant Thakor Deputy Executive Director at WAIPA, will also offer a global investment promotion perspective. The sessions will be moderated by Dr Florian Klein, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of ananki.ai GmbH, who will guide the conversation toward actionable strategies in an increasingly complex global economy.
One of the headline sessions will be led by CNN Editor-at-Large Richard Quest, titled “The Shape of Things to Come.” The session will explore the megatrends reshaping business and governance, including climate adaptation, renewable energy, AI, and Industry 5.0. It will examine how technologies like edge AI and telemedicine are transforming industries, and how businesses can build resilience amid geopolitical shifts. Framed by global insights and practical strategies, the session will offer a roadmap for thriving in a rapidly evolving world.
The event is not only designed as a convening of high-level minds, but as a platform that allows Oman to actively engage with foreign investors, sovereign funds, and multinational corporations looking to expand their footprint in the region. With a regulatory environment that supports 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, a streamlined investor journey through the Oman Business Platform, and dedicated facilitation by Invest Oman, the Sultanate is offering one of the region’s most investor-friendly environments.
While attendance to the Advantage Oman Forum is by exclusive invitation only, select sessions will be streamed live via the official website. The public and global business community are invited to watch online and engage with the conversations shaping the future of investment in the Sultanate. To view the live sessions and explore more about the speakers and agenda, please visit the official forum website at www.advantageoman.om.
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