MUSCAT : The session focused on key issues facing business owners in the vehicle repair and maintenance sector—one of the most dynamic components of the automotive industry in Oman. Participants raised concerns about unfair competition, especially in the form of hidden trade. In response, the Ministry confirmed it had already launched legal measures under the first phase of Ministerial Resolution No. 412/2023 to combat hidden trade in Muscat, Dhofar, and North Al Batinah, with the second phase set to roll out soon.
Other challenges discussed included difficulties in acquiring usufruct land, financing obstacles, and the need for more digital integration of government services to streamline business operations.
Mubarak bin Mohammed Al Dohani, Director General of Planning at the Ministry, emphasized the government’s commitment to open and continuous dialogue with entrepreneurs across sectors. He stated that the vehicle repair sector is a vital link in Oman’s automotive market, offering substantial self-employment opportunities, with over 93% of the businesses run by Omani citizens.
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The meeting also featured a personal account by entrepreneur Nasser bin Nasrallah Al-Fahdi, who shared his journey of building a vehicle repair business from the ground up since 2016. Despite financial and regulatory hurdles, Al-Fahdi highlighted his progress in adapting to market demands and expanding his services.
A presentation by Khazaen Economic City outlined new investment opportunities in the Khazaen Market for vehicle spare parts and maintenance. Designed as a comprehensive ecosystem for workshops and traders, the project aims to provide a safe, well-regulated environment linked with modern logistics infrastructure to support growth in South Al Batinah and surrounding regions.
According to the Ministry’s latest statistics, Oman is home to more than 13,500 licensed vehicle repair and maintenance businesses as of June 2025. Muscat Governorate leads with 3,690 establishments, followed by North Al Batinah (2,226) and Dhofar (1,941). The most common services include vehicle electrical repairs, mechanics, and oil changes, with over 95% of businesses fully owned by Omanis.
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