MUSCAT – The Ministry has launched a series of inspection campaigns, regulatory efforts, and awareness initiatives to reinforce public confidence, attract investments, and guarantee smooth commercial operations throughout the season. These measures aim to ensure compliance with legal and health standards across markets, shopping malls, restaurants, and other business venues.
Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Badrani, Director General of the Directorate General of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Dhofar, described the Khareef season as a key opportunity to boost economic activity, emphasising the need for strict oversight of commercial establishments and the education of business owners on proper practices that protect consumer rights and improve service delivery.

He noted that the Directorate began implementing comprehensive inspection campaigns months in advance, targeting various commercial outlets to ensure full compliance with health and commercial regulations. Field teams have also been deployed to monitor fuel stations, markets, and service centres, ensuring the availability of basic goods and the safety of facilities.

The Directorate is collaborating with Dhofar Municipality, the Royal Oman Police, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Public Authority for Consumer Protection to execute a joint operational plan. The plan includes workshops, trader education sessions, and hotlines to respond to public inquiries and complaints throughout the season.

Al Badrani pointed out that Dhofar Governorate is witnessing remarkable growth in the commercial sector, as the number of registered commercial records, by the end of the first quarter of 2025, reached approximately 718, reflecting the vitality of the sector and the increased demand for investment in the governorate. He added that the construction and building contracting activity topped the list of most licensed commercial activities, with a total of 2,100 activity licenses issued by the end of the first quarter of 2025, compared to 1,274 activity licenses in 2024. This indicates the momentum witnessed by the construction and infrastructure sector in the governorate’s governorates.

He further stated that the number of commercial licenses issued during the first quarter of this year reached 9,527, compared to 13,800 in 2024. He attributed this decline to the reorganisation of some commercial activities and the updating of procedures to ensure higher quality of service and sustainable performance.

In the industrial sector, the number of licenses reached 1,155 in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 1,742 licenses for the same period in 2024.

The Ministry and Directorate are also working to promote the use of electronic payment systems, improve the layout of retail activities, and ensure availability of affordable consumer goods. Awareness campaigns are being conducted to encourage safe consumer behaviour and responsible business practices during the busy season.

Al Badrani emphasised that Dhofar’s growing commercial sector, supported by Salalah Port, free zones, and industrial cities, is increasingly drawing local and foreign investment.