Muscat: The Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority today organized the 'Government Projects Forum 2026' during which it said that 10,000 tenders were in place to be floated through 57 government departments. Held at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the forum outlined the mechanisms of tendering and awarding, as well as the process of digital transition in the tendering system. According to Oman News Agency, Eng. Badr bin Salim Al Maamari, Chairman of the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority, stated that the forum provided details about government projects-"approved projects" and "projects under study"-that have an approximate value of more than RO 1.5 billion. Of this value, more than RO 475 million were slated for "approved projects" and over RO 1 billion for "projects under study". Al Maamari emphasized that the Authority places significant focus on the active engagement of national companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in these projects. He noted that national companies and SMEs are offered opportunities in "approved projects" to the tune of more than RO 90 million, in addition to opportunities worth more than RO 203 million in the "projects under study". This aims to motivate national supply chains and enhance the added value of the local economy. He further explained that key sectors where the projects are floated include construction, supply, public services, information technology, electromechanical contracting, and consulting. A balanced geographical and sectoral distribution of projects is emphasized to support comprehensive development. Al Maamari affirmed that the forum signifies an institutional approach based on dialogue and partnership, reflecting the Authority's commitment to empowering the private sector and enhancing local content in a manner that aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. Muscat Governorate receives the largest number of tenders under study, followed by South Al Batinah and North Al Batinah Governorates. For approved tenders, Muscat Gov ernorate also tops the list, followed by South A'Sharqiyah and Dhofar Governorates. Eng. Said bin Hamad Al Amri, Director General of Tenders at the Authority, revealed that in 2025, tenders worth more than RO 1.7 billion were awarded through the Tender Board. The forum included four dialogue sessions focusing on managing government projects, the construction sector, the procurement and public services sector, and the information technology sector. Each session addressed various aspects of these sectors, including future needs, tendering mechanisms, and challenges faced by contracting companies.