Saturday, April 18, 2026

Business News

SMEs grow with RO 45.4 million financing push, creating over 2,000 jobs in Oman

Oman’s Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, Riyada, has approved 521 financing requests worth RO 45.4 million by the end of December 2025.

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Muscat: According to the Authority, the approved financing portfolio has supported a wide range of projects, contributing to the creation of 2,002 job opportunities. At the same time, 25 loans have been successfully repaid, reflecting improving business sustainability among supported enterprises.

As part of its broader strategy, Riyada introduced 10 diverse financing programs aimed at catering to various sectors and business needs. These include the Local Added Value Program, industrial and service project financing, working capital support, and dedicated schemes for incubated businesses and accelerators. Additional initiatives cover handicrafts, home-based and productive businesses, street vendors, mobile commercial activities, and contract financing.

The Authority also rolled out specialized programs such as export financing, emergency funding for SMEs during crises, and project financing in Khazaen Economic City, alongside funding opportunities linked to companies under the Oman Investment Authority.

In a bid to strengthen the financing ecosystem, Riyada has enhanced collaboration with key financial entities, including commercial banks, the Oman Future Fund, and other government-backed funds.

To ensure effective implementation and growth, the Authority conducted 1,471 field visits to funded projects, assessing progress and identifying the needs of entrepreneurs. These visits play a critical role in helping businesses scale operations and maximize their economic impact.

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