Why Oman? Discover Tourism & Business Potential

Why Oman? Discover Tourism & Business Potential

Oman isn’t just another Gulf country with deserts and oil. It uniquely combines natural beauty, cultural richness, political stability, and progressive economic reforms that make it compelling both for travellers and for business investors. Here’s what makes Oman special — and what the latest data shows.

Oman’s Top Tourism Attractions — What You’ll Love

Oman offers a diverse palette of experiences: from dramatic mountain ranges and deserts to lush monsoon landscapes (in Dhofar), pristine beaches, historic towns & forts, and richly preserved culture.

Some highlights:

• Muscat: The capital mixes tradition and modernity—whitewashed architecture, old forts & souqs, the Royal Opera House, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque; and easy access to beaches, the Hajar Mountains, and marine experiences.
• Al Hajar Mountains (Jabal Akhdar, Jabal Shams): Scenic mountain treks, “Green Mountain” villages, deep valleys (wadis), cooler climate.
• Dhofar / Khareef: A seasonal monsoon (Khareef) turns the southern area into a lush, almost tropical green land. Unique in the Arabian Peninsula.
• Deserts & Sands: Sharqiyah Sands, Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali) portions, spectacular dunes and “Bedouin” style desert adventures.
• Heritage & Wildlife: Historic forts/cities like Nizwa, Bahla, Sur, Al Rustaq; lush natural preserves; nesting sea turtles (e.g., Ras al Hadd / Ras al Jinz); marine reserves.

Weather-wise, September to March is ideal (moderate, pleasant). Even summer has cooler or moderated weather in mountains / Dhofar.

If you’re after culture + adventure + scenery + calm (versus the hyper-urban), Oman delivers an experience you often can’t get elsewhere in the region.

What Business in Oman Looks Like — Strengths Backed by Data

Beyond tourism, Oman has been putting strong effort into economic diversification, easing business rules, and creating special zones. Here are some of the advantages, backed by official data / credible sources:

Key Industries & Trade — What Oman Produces and Trades

• Oil & Gas: Oman’s backbone. Oil production, natural gas reserves, LNG export are vital. For example, Oman’s oil reserves are about 5.2-5.4 billion barrels; gas reserves are large; Oman LNG is exporting significant quantities and has new long-term contracts.
• Non-Oil Exports: Oman is working to grow non-oil exports. For instance, in 2024, non-oil exports amounted to 6.231 billion Omani Rial, though that was a decline from 2023 (≈7.4 billion OMR).
• Mining & Minerals: Oman has minerals like gypsum (the country is among the largest gypsum exporters by weight), chromite, copper, and others. Many mining areas are still under-exploited, giving room for growth.

Strategic Trade & Free Zones / Incentives

• Free Zones & Special Economic Zones: Oman has Sohar Free Zone, Salalah Free Zone, Al Mazunah Free Zone, plus a large Special Economic Zone at Duqm. These zones offer incentives like tax holidays, relaxed regulations, full foreign ownership in many cases, customs / duty exemptions, and favorable leases.
• Ease of Business Improvements: There are specific regulatory reforms. For example, the Foreign Capital Investment Law (2019) allows 100% foreign investment in many sectors (except a “negative list”), incorporation processes are being digitalized, company registration can be done via online portals.
• International Agreements & Exports: Oman signed long-term LNG contracts (e.g. a 10-year gas supply deal with Shell) which show trust by international partners.

Stability, Ranking & Governance

• Oman is politically stable with relatively low risk (compared to many places).
• Oman ranked 21st globally in 2024 in a ranking of “best countries to invest or do business in” by CEOWORLD magazine.

What Sets Oman Apart: Advantages over Other Gulf Countries

Here are features/advantages you’ll find in Oman that might be less available elsewhere, or at least are particularly well-executed in Oman:

1. Balance of tradition + modernity — Oman retains more preserved culture and nature, less crowded than many GCC hubs. Less high-rise mayhem, fewer extreme density pressures; more possible to do nature travel without being far from infrastructure.
2. Free & Special Economic Zones with strong incentives — While many Gulf countries have free zones, Oman’s zones provide very generous incentives (long tax holidays, 100% foreign ownership in many cases, customs exemptions) and are linked with key ports and logistics corridors.  
3. Diversification push — Oman Vision 2040 is more explicitly pushing non-oil sectors (tourism, mining, logistics, renewables, hydrogen) than some oil-dependent neighbours who have made some moves but are still more reliant. Oman is open to foreign investment in many sectors, with fewer restrictions in recent laws.
4. Strategic geography — Ports like Sohar, Salalah, and Duqm are located on major shipping routes between Asia, Africa, Europe. Oman can serve as a logistics hub. Also the relative ease of exporting, multiple gateways, good port infrastructure.  
5. Stable legal & regulatory reforms — Oman has made recent legal reforms (company law, free zones, foreign investment law), which improve predictability. Also many processes are digitized.
6. Quality of Life & Tourism synergies — For investors / expatriates / talent, Oman offers a more relaxed lifestyle, proximity to nature, scenic beauty, safety. This can help attract and retain talent when compared to ultra-urban centres in some Gulf countries.

Business Data Highlights & Trends

Here are some figures that show where Oman stands (most from government or well-regarded sources):

• In non-oil exports: 6.231 billion OMR in 2024, down from ~7.4 billion in 2023. So non-oil exports have growth potential but volatility.
• Oil & gas remain major: Oil & gas revenues are a large portion of government income; Oman continues to discover / develop fields.
• LNG exports: Oman LNG continues exporting under long-term supply agreements; capacity expansion planned (for example, the Qalhat complex expansion by 2029) to increase liquefaction capacity.
• Mining/minerals: Oman has large reserves of gypsum, chromite, prospect for copper etc. Mining law allows foreign investment and concession bidding.
• Ease of doing business ranking: In “Doing Business” reports (archived since the global Doing Business project ended), Oman’s rank was modestly good; in 2019 it was ranked 68 among 190 economies; Oman is striving to move up.

Ease of Doing Business in Oman — What Investors Should Know

If you’re considering Oman for business, here are the concrete “ease-of-business” features and what caveats to watch.

Things to keep in mind / caveats:

• Even though many reforms are in place, some bureaucratic steps can take time depending on sector / location.
• Omanisation (that is, employing a certain proportion of Omani nationals) requirements can increase cost / complexity for foreign firms in some sectors. Though in free zones these are often relaxed.
• Infrastructure is good and improving, but in more remote areas (e.g. some mountainous / desert zones) logistics can still be more challenging.
• Non-oil sectors are growing, but the markets are smaller compared to, say, UAE or Saudi Arabia in some sectors (consumer goods, fashion etc.). So there is both opportunity and competition.

Why Go for Oman — Big Picture Benefits

Putting it all together, here are reasons someone might prefer Oman versus alternatives in the Gulf:

• Greater authenticity + quality of environment: cleaner, less crowded, nature experiences are more accessible.
• More generous business incentives in free zones and SEZs, especially for sectors beyond oil (tourism, mining, logistics, renewables).
• Political stability and moderate risk, which matter for long-term investments.
• Strategic trade location: access to Asia, Africa, Europe via ports; good gateways.
• Government is serious about Vision 2040 — diversifying the economy, investing in infrastructure, renewables, environmental sustainability. This creates policy certainty for non-oil sectors.

Where Oman Trades — Major Import / Export Partners

While the full breakdown is complex and fast-changing, here are the verified facts:

• Oman exports a large volume of oil and natural gas / LNG to many Asian countries (China, India, etc.).
• Non-oil exports include minerals (gypsum, chromite), possibly metals, and also downstream products of petrochemicals etc.
• In particular, Oman’s trade with the United States: the U.S. is a significant source of imports (vehicles, aircraft, industrial goods etc.) and also a destination for some exports.

This we conclude:

If you’re a traveller, Oman gives you something rare: beauty, calm, culture, adventure—all without sacrificing comfort or accessibility. If you’re an investor or business, Oman is laying out the red carpet: incentives, zones, legal reforms, and a strategy (Vision 2040) that aims to make non-oil sectors central.

Oman might not have the flash of some GCC hubs yet—but that’s a strength: less saturated competition, more room for growth, more attractive cost-to-quality balance, and a government that seems committed to steady, sustainable development.

Upcoming Business Events or Tradeshows in Oman 2025-2026

1. TRANSPORT MIDDLE EAST

• Date: 22 Sept 2025 (3 days)
• Title: Largest Annual Ports, Shipping and Logistics Exhibition & Conference
• Description: Transport Middle East is the biggest event in the region for ports, shipping, and logistics professionals.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

2. EDUTRAC OMAN

• Date: 29 Sept 2025 (3 days)
• Title: Advancement of Education, Career and Training in Oman
• Description: A premier platform for showcasing opportunities in higher education, training, and careers.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

3. PROJECT OMAN

• Date: 3 Nov 2025 (3 days)
• Title: International Construction Technology & Infrastructure Expo
• Description: Focused on construction, infrastructure, and building materials to boost Oman’s development.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

4. OFSEC – OMAN FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY EXHIBITION

• Date: 11 Nov 2025 (2 days)
• Title: Fire, Safety & Security Industry Exhibition
• Description: Connects suppliers, manufacturers, and experts from the safety and security industry.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

5. LOGISTEX

• Date: 16 Nov 2025 (2 days)
• Title: Leading Logistics Event in the Middle East
• Description: Aims to strengthen Oman’s role as a global logistics hub.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

6. FOOD & HOSPITALITY OMAN

• Date: 1 Dec 2025 (3 days)
• Title: International Food & Hospitality Exhibition
• Description: Showcasing food, beverages, catering equipment, and hospitality services.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

7. OMAN AGROFOOD

• Date: 1 Dec 2025 (3 days)
• Title: Agriculture & Fisheries Trade Show
• Description: Focuses on sustainable growth in Oman’s agriculture, food, and fisheries industries.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

8. STUDY IN INDIA EXPO – OMAN

• Date: Dec 2025 (?)
• Title: Indian Education Expo
• Description: Showcases Indian universities, government institutions, and colleges.
• Venue: Al Falaj Hotel, Muscat

9. OMAN PLAST

• Date: 9 Dec 2025 (3 days)
• Title: International Plastics & Chemicals Exhibition
• Description: Covers plastics, petrochemicals, fertilizers, recycling, and packaging industries.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

10. OMANI TURKISH INTERNATIONAL FORUM & EXHIBITION

• Date: 15 Dec 2025 (3 days)
• Title: Oman-Turkey Trade & Investment Forum
• Description: Promotes bilateral trade in construction, textiles, food, machinery, and technology.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

11. IDF OMAN

• Date: 2 Feb 2026 (3 days)
• Title: Interior Design & Décor Exhibition
• Description: Features products and services for home, retail, and commercial design projects.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

12. KBS OMAN

• Date: 2 Feb 2026 (3 days)
• Title: Kitchen & Bathroom Show Oman
• Description: Showcasing global kitchen and bath brands. Co-located with IDF Oman.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

13. LIGHT OMAN

• Date: 2 Feb 2026 (3 days)
• Title: Lighting Innovation & Technology Expo
• Description: Displays modern lighting products and smart building technologies.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

14. SMART LIVING & WORKSPACES

• Date: 2 Feb 2026 (3 days)
• Title: Smart Technologies Exhibition
• Description: Showcases innovations in smart home and office solutions.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

15. TSS OMAN

• Date: 2 Feb 2026 (3 days)
• Title: Tile & Stone Show
• Description: Dedicated to tile, stone, and innovative surface designs.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

16. HI DESIGN MEA

• Date: 11 Feb 2026 (4 days)
• Title: Hotel Interior Design Forum
• Description: Connects hotel groups, designers, and procurement specialists with top suppliers.
• Venue: The St Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort

17. GHEDEX MUSCAT

• Date: April 2026 (?)
• Title: Gulf Higher Education Exhibition
• Description: Attracts over 20,000 visitors including students, parents, and education experts.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

18. OMAN DESIGN & BUILD WEEK

• Date: 11 May 2026 (3 days)
• Title: Building Construction & Real Estate Expo
• Description: Premier exhibition for design, construction, and real estate, featuring OREX.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

19. OMAN SUSTAINABILITY WEEK

• Date: 17 May 2026 (5 days)
• Title: Future Energy, Water, and Mobility Event
• Description: Oman’s national event for sustainable development and green innovation.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

20. OMAN PETROLEUM & ENERGY SHOW (OPES)

• Date: 18 May 2026 (3 days)
• Title: Oil, Gas & Energy Industry Show
• Description: Comprehensive expo covering upstream, midstream, and downstream activities.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

21. IADE OMAN

• Date: Sept 2026 (?)
• Title: International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition
• Description: Features 200+ exhibitors and global delegations in aerospace and defense.
• Venue: Salalah Airport, Salalah

22. HORECA OMAN

• Date: 14 Sept 2026 (3 days)
• Title: Hospitality, Catering & Food Industry Expo
• Description: Leading platform for hospitality and catering industries in Oman.
• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

MUST CHECK THE EVENT DETAILS BEFORE MAKING A PLAN FOR EVENT

9th OMAN PLAST 2025