Saturday 18 / July / 2026
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman recorded an 8.7 percent increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) by the end of the first quarter of 2026, with total investments reaching OMR 32.197 billion, reflecting continued investor confidence in the country's economy.
According to preliminary data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), FDI inflows during the January-March 2026 period amounted to approximately OMR 2.567 billion.
The oil and gas extraction sector remained the largest recipient of foreign investment, attracting OMR 25.889 billion, up 9.5 percent from the same period a year earlier. Investment inflows into the sector totalled OMR 2.238 billion, underscoring its continued dominance in Oman's investment landscape.
The manufacturing sector ranked second, with FDI reaching OMR 2.870 billion, marking a 5.4 percent year-on-year increase. The sector attracted investment inflows of OMR 146.7 million during the quarter.
The financial intermediation sector followed, recording foreign investments worth OMR 1.565 billion, up 9.6 percent compared to the first quarter of 2025. Investment inflows into the sector stood at OMR 137.7 million.
Among investing countries, the United Kingdom retained its position as the largest foreign investor in Oman, with investments rising 9.9 percent to OMR 16.885 billion by the end of the first quarter.
Foreign direct investments from the United States increased by 10 percent to OMR 8.696 billion, while investments from Kuwait rose 4.6 percent to OMR 1.444 billion. China's investments also posted strong growth, increasing 9.3 percent to OMR 901.5 million.
The latest figures highlight Oman's success in attracting foreign capital across key sectors as it continues to pursue economic diversification and strengthen its investment climate under Oman Vision 2040.
