Muscat – The initiative forms part of the Sultanate’s broader economic diversification strategy under Oman Vision 2040.

Speaking on the programme’s progress, Khalid bin Saeed Al Shuaibi, Head of the Nazdaher Programme, outlined significant milestones achieved during the first phase (2021–2023), which focused on improving the business environment, attracting domestic and foreign investments, and enhancing Oman’s global competitiveness.

Key initiatives included a national investment matrix to assess investment impact; development of the Ladayn Plastics Industries Complex, which has already secured 19 industrial projects worth over $160 million; and the launch of tools like the Investment Incentives Guide, Fast Track services, and the Investor Residency Programme.

Nazdaher played a central role in facilitating large-scale projects, including Jindal Shadeed’s iron and steel complex in Duqm and United Solar’s polysilicon factory in the Sohar Free Zone. Together, these projects represent over RO 1.5 billion in investment.

In addition, 37 investment opportunities valued at RO 828 million across seven sectors are now being promoted under the ‘Invest in Oman’ platform.

Nazdaher is also expanding into cultural investment, working with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth to develop a 10-year strategy for creative industries. Initial efforts have generated eight promising investment projects valued at around RO 19 million.

Nazdaher has developed and implemented 24 reform initiatives to improve Oman’s performance in the Business Readiness Index, a key indicator for attracting foreign investment. It has also launched 14 foreign trade initiatives focusing on exports, imports, and re-exports in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.

The programme is also guiding the development of economic clusters in key sectors including aluminium, fisheries, cold chain logistics, and agriculture, in collaboration with the National Programme for Economic Diversification and other entities.

As part of efforts to enhance international visibility, a Unified Promotional Identity for the Sultanate of Oman was officially launched in January 2025 under the patronage of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at Al Barakah Palace. The identity, launched globally during Oman’s participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos, carries the slogan ‘Partnership’, symbolising Oman’s strategic positioning between East and West.

A dedicated Unified Promotional Identity Office was also established to oversee branding efforts across public and private sectors. Training workshops have since been conducted to equip stakeholders with tools to apply the identity effectively in national and international events.

Nazdaher has now entered its second phase, focusing on expanding the private sector’s role in economic development, enhancing the competitiveness of Omani products, and enabling strategic participation in international markets. Collaboration with over 22 government entities is ongoing to implement a new wave of development and incentive initiatives through 2026.