MUSCAT : The elections will allow OCCI members to choose their representatives for the next four years, with voting to be conducted electronically through smartphone applications, enabling eligible voters to participate from inside and outside Oman without attending polling stations.

His Excellency Eng. Ghalib Said Al Maamari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry and Head of the OCCI Elections Committee, said the elections represent an important milestone in strengthening private-sector participation in economic development.

He highlighted the Chamber’s role in representing the interests of the business community, conveying its aspirations to relevant authorities and contributing to discussions on economic policies and legislation. These efforts, he said, strengthen public-private sector partnerships and support the growth of businesses of different sizes and activities, in line with Oman Vision 2040.

His Excellency said the next board would need members with economic vision, practical experience and the ability to respond to changes in the business environment. He also emphasised the importance of strengthening the role of the Chamber’s branch boards across the governorates to capitalise on local competitive advantages, expand investment opportunities and support small and medium enterprises.

He called on business owners to participate actively in the elections and select representatives based on competence, experience and realistic electoral programmes, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to working with the Chamber to develop Oman’s business and investment environment.

For his part, Dr Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed Al Badi, a member of the OCCI Elections Committee, said announcing the final candidate lists marked a key stage in preparations for the elections.

He said the committee was continuing to implement the organisational and technical procedures in accordance with the approved timetable to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
Dr Al Badi urged business owners to review the voter lists once published, verify that their companies and establishments meet the eligibility requirements, and ensure that the details of their authorised voting representatives are accurate.

The requirements for voting include payment of the Chamber’s annual membership fee and employing at least one Omani worker registered with the Social Protection Fund, or holding a valid entrepreneurship card issued by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, in addition to meeting the other applicable electoral conditions.

He also stressed the importance of candidates complying with the prescribed election campaign deadlines and regulations and presenting realistic programmes that address the needs and aspirations of the business community.

The OCCI Board of Directors comprises 21 members: the chairpersons of the Chamber’s 10 branch boards, five elected representatives from Muscat Governorate, five representatives of companies listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange, and one representative of foreign investors holding investor residency permits. If no foreign investor is nominated, the seat will be filled in accordance with the mechanism stipulated in the Chamber’s bylaws.

The newly elected board is scheduled to hold its first meeting within seven days of the announcement of the final election results to elect its chairman and two deputy chairmen through a secret ballot, formally beginning the 2026-2030 term.

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