Oman economic zones raised $3.6bn investment in 2025

Investment in Oman’s economic free zones rose 17 percent in 2025 to $3.6 billion, thanks to a higher number of new projects. 

Local and international companies set up 12 fresh projects in the free zones, up from eight in the prior year, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) said in a report. 

The latest projects include a vehicle factory, renewable energy, minerals and a polysilicon plant.

“It is another successful year for the free zones that will boost our exports and diversify our economy. It all comes down to non-stop campaigns by OPAZ to promote investments for Oman,” the report said.

Oman has six free zones, the largest of which are in Sohar, Duqm and Salalah. 

Oman and the UAE signed an agreement in May last year to build the latest economic zone in Al-Rawdah in the Buraimi region, on the border between the two Gulf countries. The cost was put at $2 billion. 

The International Monetary Fund has urged Oman to diversify away from the hydrocarbon revenues that make up about 80 percent of its national income. 

Oman increased non-hydrocarbon activity from around 55 percent of GDP in 2005 to almost 70 percent in 2024, according to an IMF report. 

Further reading:

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• Oman reports record job recruitment for nationals