Since its founding in 1976, state-owned Development Bank has evolved from financing microbusinesses to becoming a major force behind national infrastructure. In recent years, it has expanded lending activity, broadened its geographic reach, and aligned with government frameworks supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, sustainability and...
Oman’s maritime sector accounts for 77% of the nation’s trade, with its ports handling more than 137 million tons of cargo in 2024, up 15% from the previous year. Why is Oman well placed to be a regional trade and logistics hub? In many ways, Oman...
Around 77% of Oman’s trade passes through its seaports, which handled more than 137 million metric tons of cargo in 2024, an increase of 15% compared to the previous year. Over the same period, Port of Duqm recorded 152% growth in cargo throughput. Can you...
Energy accounts for nearly 60% of Oman’s export revenues. Could you explain how the sector is serving as both the foundation of the country’s economy and the launchpad for its Vision 2040 strategy’s goals? The energy industry contributes two-thirds of Oman’s public revenues, making it vital...
Launched in 2025, the Oman Trade Office US serves as a direct economic bridge for expanding commercial cooperation and bilateral investments between the two countries. Can you explain its mission and share the journey that led to you heading the office? We are a bilateral trade...
The Oman Vision 2040 strategy positions aviation and tourism as core pillars of national diversification, aiming to boost annual visitor numbers from 3.8 million in 2024 to 12 million in 2040. How would you assess Oman’s value proposition as a tourism destination? Oman is truly unique,...
Oman has big ambitions in the space sector, as demonstrated with the launch of its 10-year National Space Program in 2023. The national space economy was valued at $155 million in 2024 by the government and is expected to triple by 2030 — putting the...
Oman views hydrogen as central to transforming its hydrocarbon-based economy. Therefore, the government has introduced policy reforms, regulatory frameworks, auction mechanisms and fiscal incentives through Hydrom to attract international investments in green hydrogen projects. To start, could you summarize where hydrogen fits within Oman’s wider...
Oman’s gross domestic product is forecast to expand by 3.7% this year, with growth being catalyzed by non-oil sectors. How is the country progressing toward its goals for economic diversification? Ali Daud: In the past few years, we’ve seen diversification move beyond plans into tangible results....
What are JPX’s current priorities in strengthening cooperation between Japanese and U.S. capital markets, and where do you see the greatest opportunities for deeper collaboration? We maintain strong, long-standing relationships with U.S. exchanges, particularly the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, supported by multiple partnerships and...