Muscat: The third edition of the Oman Competitiveness Annual Report highlights the Sultanate’s continued efforts in enhancing its position on global indices, serving as a benchmark tool for policymakers, private institutions, and researchers alike.
The report’s most remarkable highlight is Oman’s leap of 94 spots in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), moving up to 55th place out of 180 countries. Oman also ranked first globally in key environmental sub-indices, including the Marine Protection Stringency Index, Black Carbon Emissions Growth Rate, and Bottom Trawling in its Exclusive Economic Zone.
Oman’s economic reforms also yielded results. In the 2024 Index of Economic Freedom issued by the Heritage Foundation, Oman advanced 39 places to 56th, transitioning from a “mostly unfree” to a “somewhat free” economy. This progress is evident in sub-indices like government spending (up from 59.4 to 70.8), investment freedom (up from 60 to 70), and financial freedom (up from 50 to 60).
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On the digital front, the Sultanate climbed from 54th to 50th in the Network Readiness Index. Oman stands out globally, ranking ninth in government investment in emerging technologies, eleventh in bridging the gender gap in internet use, and twenty-third in ICT education skills.
The Future of Growth report also positioned Oman above the global average with a score of 50.59. The Sultanate achieved a perfect score of 100 in key indicators such as ICT capital and closing the electricity gap in rural areas.
In terms of governance, Oman recorded improved scores in key Vision 2040-related metrics, including the Rule of Law (70.2), Regulatory Quality (66.5), and Government Effectiveness (62.2).
Commenting on the report, Dr. Salem bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, reaffirmed the National Competitiveness Office’s commitment to closely tracking Oman’s global standing. “The office continues to monitor the work of national teams to enhance the Sultanate of Oman’s position in international indicators through numerous programs and initiatives, and to contribute to addressing any challenges that may hinder its work,” he told the Oman News Agency.
