MUSCAT – The policy’s recent National Local Content Lab has successfully identified 100 development opportunities, including 58 core investment opportunities that contribute to enhancing local content and generating thousands of jobs in sectors including health, energy, minerals, construction, electricity, and water, in addition to the military and security sectors.

The value retained within the national economy amounts to hundreds of millions.
The national policy focuses on increasing local economic participation by supporting Omani industries, empowering national talent, and enhancing the efficiency of government spending.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Authority for Projects, Tenders and Local Content, aims to develop local supply chains, reduce dependency on foreign resources, and create a robust production base capable of attracting regional and international investments. It also seeks to create high-quality employment opportunities for Omanis and strengthen the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in national development.

His Excellency Eng. Badr bin Salem Al Maamari, Chairman of the Tender Board, described the policy as a cornerstone for economic competitiveness, responding directly to government directives to diversify income sources and create sustainable jobs. He pointed out that the tangible results achieved so far in increasing local content in projects and tenders highlight the policy’s direct impact in empowering national industries and improving public spending efficiency.

To implement the policy, an integrated national system has been established, supported by sector-specific programs and economic incentives. These include standardised data systems, regulations, and performance indicators that track local participation. Notably, the launch of a local content certificate in the energy sector marks a major step, with plans to expand to other sectors.

Eng. Ghaleb bin Amer Al Hinai, Chairman of the National Office for Local Content, emphasised the policy’s focus on enhancing local industries, services, innovation, and workforce development. He noted ongoing collaboration with various government entities to ensure national production efficiency and sustainable economic growth.

Recent initiatives include the launch of the ‘Rabt’ platform, developed with the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), which connects over 5,000 industrial products and services offered by more than 300 companies.

The Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority continues to develop policies and programmes in partnership with relevant authorities to enhance the business environment and empower national companies, thus enhancing their competitiveness and increasing the percentage of local content in projects and tenders.