Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman celebrated Omani Industry Day in a ceremony held in Muscat under the patronage of Abdulsalam Mohammed Al Murshidi, Chairman of Oman Investment Authority. Marked annually on 9 February, this year's event was held under the theme: "From Oman to the World: Competitive Industry and Global Vision."
According to Oman News Agency, this year's celebration underscores the pivotal role industrial exports play in strengthening the Sultanate of Oman's economic presence regionally and internationally, highlighting the quality and competitiveness of Omani products in global markets. It also aims to enhance coordination and integration between government entities, manufacturers, and exporters to address challenges and develop the export ecosystem. Furthermore, it seeks to leverage the outcomes and recommendations of the 2025 Industry Day events in shaping future policies and initiatives, aligning with the goals of Oman Vision 2040 to achieve economic diversification and enhance added value.
Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), affirmed that the industrial sector is a priority sector in the 11th Five-Year Plan, noting its steady growth in export volumes. He explained that the OCCI, as the representative of the private sector, serves all factories in the Sultanate and promotes Omani products through specialized exhibitions worldwide. He stated that the OCCI pays significant attention to the industrial sector, having formed a specialized industry committee to discuss ways to develop the sector by proposing initiatives and overcoming all challenges faced by industrialists and entrepreneurs in the field.
Khalid Salim Al Qasabi, Director General of Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, affirmed the Ministry's commitment to implementing the targets of the Industry Strategy 2040. This strategy aims to build a technologically advanced industrial base founded on innovation and enhanced added value. In his speech, he clarified that the Ministry is proceeding with implementing a package of initiatives and policies supporting the industrial sector's contribution to the GDP, consistent with the national priorities of Oman Vision 2040 for diversifying income sources and enhancing economic sustainability.
He pointed out that by the end of 2025, the industrial sector recorded tangible achievements reflecting its robust performance and growing role in supporting the national economy. The contribution of manufacturing industries to the GDP reached approximately RO 3.879 billion, achieving a growth of 7.2% compared to RO 3.620 billion in 2024. Foreign investment in the industrial sector also increased to around RO 3.490 billion during 2025, a growth of 24.6% compared to approximately RO 2.800 billion in 2024, an indicator reflecting rising investor confidence in the industrial sector and the attractiveness of its investment environment.
He stated that non-oil exports achieved remarkable growth, reaching about RO 6.885 billion during 2025, an increase of 10.5% compared to RO 6.232 billion in 2024, confirming the expanding presence of national products in foreign markets. The Director General of Industry added that regarding employment, the number of workers in the industrial sector rose to approximately 248,000 by the end of 2025, an increase of 3% compared to 240,761 workers in 2024. This reflects the sector's growing role in providing job opportunities and enhancing job stability.
Dr. Hilal Abdullah Al Hinai, Chairman of Oman Association for Manufacturers, explained in his speech that the upcoming phase requires a shift from focusing on export volumes to deepening production knowledge and enhancing the complexity of industrial products. He announced the development of "Oman Association for Manufacturers Award" into the "Oman Industry Excellence Awards 2026." These awards will focus on future-oriented criteria, including awards for High-Complexity Product, Knowledge Transfer and Qualitative Omanization, Export Resilience, and Local Added Value.
The ceremony included a visual presentation titled "From Oman to the World: Competitive Industry and Global Vision," embodying the Sultanate of Oman's industrial ambition to transcend geographical boundaries and launch into international markets. Digital platforms were launched, and an expert committee was formed, representing the first phase of the "Industrial Observatory," serving as a national center for accurate industrial data and information in the Sultanate of Oman.
Several strategic programs, agreements, and initiatives were inked during the event, including the "Kafa'a" program for lean manufacturing and an agreement for a strategic partnership with "ITHCA" Group to support and operate the Advanced Automation Center. These initiatives aim to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the industrial sector in the Sultanate of Oman and employ innovation and modern technologies in developing production processes.
The celebration program also included a video titled "Harak" showcasing the development of the industrial sector in the Sultanate of Oman. The Office of the Governor of North A'Sharqiyah presented a visual presentation highlighting the Governorate's efforts to attract qualitative industrial investments. Shell Oman Marketing Company presented a working paper showcasing its industrial experience, particularly its oil blending plant in the Sultanate of Oman and its role in enhancing local added value and expanding exports to regional markets.
A panel discussion titled "Omani Exports - From Factory to Global Markets" was held, featuring in-depth discussions on ways to empower Omani exports and enhance the competitiveness of national products in regional and international markets. The ceremony was attended by Anwar Hilal Al Jabri, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, along with a number of ministers and officials from the government and private sectors.