MUSCAT : The panel featured Harshal Dutia, Director of Trade & Investment at AmCham Oman; Faisal Al Nabhani, Managing Director of State Street (Oman, Qatar); Majda Al Hinai, Acting PMO of Capital Market & Insurance at Estidamah; and Reem Najeeb Al Taii, Associate in Investor Relations at the Oman Investment Authority (OIA). The discussion was moderated by Paul George, Assistant Editor at The Arabian Stories.

The panellists highlighted how policy reforms, strategic partnerships, and improved ease-of-business measures are enabling new opportunities across sectors ranging from logistics and energy to advanced manufacturing, technology, and tourism.

Faisal Al Nabhani emphasised the growing importance of leadership skills in the evolving investment landscape, underscoring that effective decision-making begins with active listening. “Leadership skills can only develop if you listen. I prefer listening over talking—processing information, understanding underlying issues. Regardless of the industry, there will always be negotiation. To truly understand the essence of any matter, you must listen and consider everyone’s perspective,” he said.

Representing OIA, Reem Najeeb Al Taii highlighted Oman’s strong push to attract foreign direct investment over the past four to five years. “Oman has been bringing FDI through competitive incentives offered via Invest Oman. At OIA, we work closely with these entities to make investor journeys easier. From low rental rates in free zones to targeted support, our role is to identify gaps and address them collaboratively,” she said.

From the national program Estidamah, Majda Al Hinai discussed initiatives aimed at making Oman’s markets more efficient and investment-ready. She pointed to the development of a central market platform designed to streamline company engagement and strengthen capital market infrastructure. Addressing students in the audience, she advised: “Make use of the opportunities around you. Don’t shy away from entering the industry. Engage with your colleges, share your ideas – this is how you understand the market and find your place in it.”

Offering insight from a trade and bilateral relations perspective, Harshal Dutia discussed the evolving dynamics of free trade agreements and their impact on local and foreign manufacturers. “When you read trade news, it can seem alarming, but what matters is understanding reciprocal tariffs. Some traditional tariffs remain, but others have shifted competitively. As far as Oman and US trade is concerned, our exports to US reached RO 197 million, amounting to an increase of 14.6%, while imports decreased by 7.9%,” he said.

Dutia encouraged young professionals to recognise Oman’s potential, adding, “You are lucky to be in a naturally blessed country with a supportive government. There has never been a better time to be here. Look at future sectors like mining – opportunities are opening up quickly.”

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.