Saturday 15 / August / 2026
MUSCAT— About 117 companies have benefited from contracts and purchases under local content programmes implemented by Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority, while small and medium enterprises (SMEs) accounted for 39 percent of total contracts and purchases, highlighting their growing role in supporting the national economy.
Hussain bin Salem Al Rahbi, Director General of Support Services at the Civil Aviation Authority, said the Authority is working to establish local content as a fundamental pillar for supporting the national economy and enhancing economic sustainability by empowering Omani companies and increasing their participation in projects and services related to the civil aviation sector.
Speaking to Oman News Agency, Al Rahbi said the increase in the number of companies benefiting from contracts and purchases demonstrates the effectiveness of the policies and initiatives adopted by the Authority to strengthen local content.
He said the Authority gives priority to increasing the participation of the national private sector by providing fair and competitive opportunities, incorporating local content requirements into contracts and procurement processes, and supporting knowledge transfer and the development of national capabilities.
These efforts, he added, contribute to improving the efficiency of the civil aviation sector and enhancing service quality, in line with national development objectives and efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of the Omani economy.
Supporting national companies
The Authority considers local content an important tool for supporting the national economy and developing domestic capabilities. It contributes to the growth and sustainability of national companies, creates employment opportunities for citizens, facilitates the transfer of knowledge, expertise and modern technologies, strengthens local supply chains and reduces dependence on foreign markets.
Local content also increases the private sector’s contribution to gross domestic product and serves as an important pillar of economic and social sustainability by encouraging innovation and stimulating investment in strategic sectors.
Within the civil aviation sector, local content is regarded as a key enabler of partnership between the Authority and the private sector, helping to develop services and improve their efficiency in accordance with best practices and approved standards.
Priority for qualified local firms
The Civil Aviation Authority said it is committed to adopting best practices that support local content by giving qualified local companies priority when tendering projects and bids.
The Authority also encourages the use of national products and services whenever they meet the required quality standards, while incorporating local content requirements into contracts and purchases.
SMEs are being encouraged to participate in a wider range of business activities, while the employment and qualification of national talent is included among the key criteria used to evaluate companies.
The Authority also provides training and development programmes to meet institutional requirements and strengthen the capabilities of local businesses.
According to the Authority, implementing local content policies provides national companies with broader opportunities to participate in projects and services, strengthening their business sustainability and contribution to economic development.
Enabling SMEs and local suppliers
The Authority is supporting local companies through several measures, including opening opportunities to compete for tenders, improving companies’ operational and financial stability through contracts, facilitating knowledge and expertise transfer, and improving the quality of services in the civil aviation sector.
Other measures include empowering SMEs, encouraging local investment, building strategic partnerships, increasing reliance on local suppliers and developing national supply chains.
The Authority has also introduced facilities aimed at making it easier for local businesses to participate, including simplified registration and qualification procedures, transparent access to project and tender information, appropriate implementation timeframes and enhanced direct communication with suppliers.
It also encourages partnerships between Omani companies and international counterparts to expand local capabilities and facilitate the transfer of expertise.
The Civil Aviation Authority affirmed its continued commitment to implementing initiatives and policies that strengthen local content, support the private sector and contribute to the achievement of Oman’s strategic economic and development objectives.
