HAIMA: Al Wusta Governorate is emerging as a key driver of investment and economic expansion in the Sultanate of Oman, supported by major strategic projects across its wilayats, particularly Al Duqm, which has evolved into a global industrial and logistics hub. Alongside this, the wilayats of Haima, Mahout and Al Jazir are witnessing rapid urban and service development, contributing to the governorate’s overall progress.
Recent economic indicators for the second quarter of 2025 point to steady growth across commercial, industrial and investment sectors, reflecting the government’s efforts to promote balanced development in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Abdoun bin Mohammed al Harsousi, Director of the Trade, Industry and Investment Promotion Department in Al Wusta Governorate, stated that the positive figures highlight growing investor confidence and strong economic potential. He attributed the progress to high-quality projects in Al Duqm and an increasingly attractive business environment.
Al Harsousi explained that the department continues to enhance digital services, streamline procedures and offer technical support to entrepreneurs, particularly in industrial, energy, tourism and logistics sectors. He emphasised that Al Wusta Governorate’s promising potential will drive its growing role in Oman’s economy, supported by private sector empowerment.
The number of new commercial registrations surged by 53 per cent to 153 during the second quarter of 2025, compared to 100 in the same period last year, bringing total active registrations to 6,455. Haima led the growth with a 200 per cent rise in registered businesses, followed by Mahout with 123 per cent and Al Jazir with 80 per cent. Construction contracting remained the most licensed activity, increasing by 300 per cent year-on-year.
During the same period, 984 new business licences were issued, alongside 1,074 automatic licences, bringing the total number of automatic licences in the governorate to about 13,932. Industrial licences also grew by 3.92 per cent, reaching 212, which raised the cumulative total to 3,771 by mid-2025 — a clear reflection of the expansion of industrial and supporting projects around Al Duqm.
Al Harsousi added that one new foreign investor was registered in the second quarter, bringing the total to 121. He noted that the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) continues to promote investment, enhance electronic services and foster SME participation to ensure balanced development across Oman’s governorates.
He stressed that Al Wusta Governorate is steadily consolidating its position as a significant contributor to the national economy through its industrial, logistical and tourism projects linked to Al Duqm and neighbouring wilayats, in line with Oman’s broader economic diversification agenda. — ONA
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