MUSCAT: Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Sultanate of Oman rose 8.7 per cent year-on-year to RO 32.20 billion by the end of the first quarter of 2026, driven largely by continued investment in the oil and gas sector, preliminary data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) showed.
Total investment inflows during the January-March period reached RO 2.57 billion, underscoring sustained investor confidence in the country's key industries despite global economic uncertainty.
The oil and gas extraction sector remained the dominant destination for foreign capital, attracting RO 25.89 billion, up 9.5 per cent from a year earlier. Investment inflows into the sector amounted to RO 2.24 billion during the quarter.
Manufacturing retained its position as the second-largest recipient of FDI, with investments rising 5.4 per cent to RO 2.87 billion, supported by inflows of RO 146.70 million. The financial intermediation sector followed, recording FDI of RO 1.57 billion, up 9.6 per cent, with inflows reaching RO 137.70 million.
The United Kingdom remained Oman's largest foreign investor, with investments increasing 9.9 per cent to RO 16.88 billion by the end of the first quarter.
The United States ranked second, with FDI growing 10 per cent to RO 8.70 billion, while Kuwaiti investment rose 4.6 per cent to RO 1.44 billion. Chinese investment also continued to expand, increasing 9.3 per cent to RO 901.50 million.
The latest figures reflect the continued concentration of foreign investment in the Sultanate's energy sector, while manufacturing and financial services maintained steady growth as Oman pursues economic diversification under Vision 2040. — ONA
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