SUR: South Al Sharqiyah Governorate continued to strengthen its position as one of Oman's most dynamic economic hubs during the first quarter of 2026, recording robust growth in commercial registrations, industrial activity and foreign investment.
According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the governorate registered 451 new commercial registrations during the first three months of the year, bringing the cumulative total to 20,933.
The Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali led the governorate with 208 new registrations, followed by Sur with 114, Masirah with 56, Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan with 48 and Al Kamil Wal Wafi with 25.
Khaled bin Hamad al Saadi, Director of the Department of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, said the governorate enjoys significant competitive advantages that support its economic growth. These include its strategic location, extensive coastline and strong potential in fisheries, maritime activities, the blue economy and the emerging green economy.
He noted that the governorate's diverse geography, ranging from mountains to fertile plains, supports a wide range of economic activities. Fertile agricultural land offers favourable conditions for crop cultivation, including tropical produce, while abundant mineral resources provide further investment opportunities.
Al Saadi added that South Al Sharqiyah's rich cultural heritage and historical attractions enhance its appeal as a tourism destination. Together with traditional industries and handicrafts, these assets contribute to sustainable economic growth and strengthen the governorate's attractiveness to investors.
The ministry's data showed that 2,563 commercial licences were issued during the first quarter, raising the cumulative total to 27,174. Meanwhile, 3,205 automatic licences were issued, bringing the total number of such licences to 45,938. The figures reflect growing investor confidence in digital government services and streamlined business procedures.
Construction contracting emerged as the leading licensed activity, with a cumulative total of 1,432 licences and a growth rate of 177.3 per cent, underlining the strong recovery and expansion of the construction sector across the governorate.
Industrial activity also recorded steady growth. A total of 454 industrial licences were issued during the quarter, increasing the cumulative total to 8,647. Jaalan Bani Bu Ali accounted for 159 licences, followed closely by Sur with 151, while the remaining licences were distributed across other wilayats. The figures highlight the growing diversity of industrial activities and their contribution to local value creation and employment generation.
Foreign investment activity remained positive, with 23 new foreign investment registrations recorded during the quarter, bringing the cumulative total to 1,700.
Export activity also strengthened significantly. Certificates of origin issued in the governorate rose by 195.1 per cent compared with the first quarter of 2025, reaching 6,478 certificates by the end of March 2026, reflecting increased trade activity and deeper integration among the governorate's economic sectors.
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