Investment in Oman: Loans and Financial Facilities for Businesses
Oman, with its robust financial infrastructure, offers a wide range of credit services and banking facilities to investors. The Oman Development Bank plays a major role in this sector by actively financing projects and supporting the country’s economic growth. It provides specialized loans to the industrial and service sectors.In addition, the Muscat Securities Market and the Oman Stock Exchange serve as key sources of capital for private companies, facilitating the financing of large-scale projects.

Government Support and Incentives for Businesses
To attract both domestic and foreign investment, the Omani government offers various incentives and financial exemptions to economic actors. The most notable include:

• Exemption from customs duties on imported factory equipment

• Exemption from customs duties on raw materials for production

• Integrated land and infrastructure services in selected industrial zones

• Corporate tax exemptions for up to 10 years

• Export credit facilities through “Credit Oman”

• Active membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO)

Corporate Taxation in Oman
All companies registered in Oman, regardless of the proportion of foreign or local investment, are subject to a standard corporate tax rate, which currently stands at an average of 15%. This equal tax treatment promotes a fair and competitive environment for businesses and encourages foreign investors to enter the Omani market.

Global Market Access for Omani Companies
Thanks to its strategic location, Oman lies close to emerging and densely populated markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
By 2025, the global middle class is expected to grow by one billion people, with a significant portion of that growth occurring in regions neighboring Oman.

With advanced trade infrastructure, a young and skilled workforce, and comprehensive connectivity policies, Oman has successfully expanded its non-oil exports to more than 135 countries. In 2017 alone, Oman’s non-oil exports reached USD 8.2 billion.

Oman’s active membership in the GCC Customs Union (with a market of over 53 million people), the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) (covering 18 countries with more than 270 million people), and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (with a population of 2.7 billion) gives the country high potential for regional and global trade expansion.

Moreover, free trade agreements with the United States, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland and Singapore open the door for Omani companies to enter diverse and promising new markets.

Investment in Oman: Foreign Investment Law
Oman’s Foreign Investment Law has significantly eased ownership regulations in order to attract international investors. Under this law, foreign investors are automatically allowed to own up to 70% of their businesses in Oman, with 100% ownership permitted for special projects.
The new regulations also emphasize tax rate equalization and financial exemptions for both local and foreign companies, fostering a transparent and fair competitive environment.

Oman’s Infrastructure for Business Operations
Thanks to its rapidly developing infrastructure, Oman offers exceptional opportunities for both international and domestic businesses. The country’s most important infrastructural advantages include:

• Port of Salalah:
  One of the most advanced container ports in the region, operated by Maersk, playing a major role in maritime logistics.

• Sohar Industrial Port:
  Managed by the Port of Rotterdam, this key hub is recognized as one of Oman’s major industrial and commercial centers.

• Duqm Special Economic Zone (SEZAD):
  Featuring a dry dock and the specialized Port of Duqm, this zone provides a prime platform for industrial, logistics, and export-oriented investments.

• Madayn Industrial Cities:
  A network of seven integrated industrial parks with modern infrastructure, managed by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn).

• Muscat Innovation Oasis (Knowledge Oasis Muscat):
  A leading technology and innovation park in the Gulf region, offering ideal conditions for knowledge-based companies and startups.

• Standardized Transportation Network and Global Connectivity:
  Oman has developed a transport system in line with international standards, along with strong global communication links, making trade and export activities more accessible and efficient for businesses.