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Oman records first fiscal surplus since 2014, significantly cuts public debt, official says

Ministry spokesperson says fiscal and economic reforms under Vision 2040 helped reverse setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, oil price slump and loss of investment-grade status.

TAS News Service

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Monday, December 29, 2025

Muscat — Oman has recorded its first fiscal surplus since 2014 and repaid a significant portion of public debt, reflecting a turnaround after years of economic strain, the Ministry of Economy said.

Dr. Salem Al Sheikh, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, said the start of the Tenth Five-Year Plan and the launch of Oman Vision 2040 coincided with severe challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a sharp decline in global oil prices.

“These conditions were reflected in negative economic growth and Oman’s exit from investment-grade status,” Al Sheikh said in an interview with Atheer.

He said that five years on, the Sultanate has achieved a financial surplus for the first time in nearly a decade and has paid down a large instalment of public debt, signalling improved fiscal stability and stronger economic performance.

Oman has implemented wide-ranging fiscal and economic reforms in recent years aimed at strengthening public finances, diversifying revenue sources and restoring investor confidence.

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