Muscat: This increase brings the total applications to 3,095, up from 1,897 in the same period last year. Additionally, certificates of origin issued soared by 34.9%, totalling 5,348 compared to 3,963 in early 2023.

Commercial activity has also surged, with 2,560 new commercial records registered, pushing the total to 73,520. Foreign investments are on the rise, too, with 253 new investment records added, bringing the total to 11,480. By mid-2024, Dhofar had issued a staggering 127,399 active licenses.

Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Badrani, Director General of the Directorate General of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, highlighted the rise in new industrial license requests, which climbed to 1,676 from 1,184 in 2023. He attributed this growth to Dhofar’s attractive investment climate and the Ministry’s facilitative measures, including modern digital tools.

The most popular sectors for new licenses include construction, export/import offices, restaurants, cafes, vehicle repair services, and speciality clothing stores. Al Badrani emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance the investment environment and attract foreign capital.

Key investment opportunities in Dhofar include projects in sodium silicate production, steel manufacturing, dolomite calcining units, boat production, and paper bag manufacturing. Additionally, prospects in food security and tourism underscore Dhofar’s expanding economic landscape.