Oman recorded a 20.6% year-on-year increase in the volume of foreign direct investment by the end of the first quarter of 2025. According to preliminary data released by National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) total FDI reached OMR 30.6 billion (USD 79.5 billion).
Oil And Gas Sector Attracted Majority of FDI
Notably, FDI flows reached OMR 5.3 billion (USD 13.77 billion) during Q1 2025, compared to OMR 4.1 billion (USD 10.65 billion) in the same period of 2024. NCSI data revealed the oil and gas sector accounted for 81% of total FDI, amounting to OMR24.7 billion (USD64.16 billion). Inflow into this sector alone stood at OMR 4.8 billion (USD 10.39 billion) during the first quarter.
FDI Spread Across A Variety Of Sectors
The manufacturing sector attracted foreign investments totalling OMR 2.7 billion (USD 7 billion) by the end of Q1 2025, with quarterly inflow of OMR 592 million (USD 1.54 billion). In the financial intermediation sector, FDI reached OMR 1.3 billion (USD 3.38 billion). In real estate, rental and commercial project activities sectors, FDI totalled OMR 653.1 million (USD 1.7 billion). The transportation, storage and communications sector attracted OMR 357.9 million (USD 929.84 million) in total investment, with Q1 inflow of OMR 3.2 million (USD 8.31 million). Investments in the electricity and water sector amounted to OMR 292 million (USD 758.67 million). The trade sector recorded OMR 262 million (USD680.58 million) in total FDI, with Q1 inflow of OMR14.5 million (USD37.67 million).
FDI in the hotels and restaurants sector reached OMR 116.6 million (USD 302.95 million) by the end of Q1 2025. The construction sector saw total FDI of OMR 88.5 million (USD 229.98 million.
UK Remains Largest Foreign Investor In The Sultanate
Regarding investment origin, the United Kingdom was the largest foreign investor in Oman, accounting for 50.9% of total FDI. British investments in the Sultanate stood at OMR 15.6 billion (USD 40.54 billion) by the end of the first quarter. The United States followed with OMR 7.8 billion (USD 18.19 billion). Kuwait placed 3rd with OMR 1.2 billion (USD 3.12 billion).
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