Oman

A number of challenges have confronted Oman’s banking sector in recent years: a structural shake-up in the form of a new Islamic segment has increased competition levels; declining oil prices, which have constricted lending opportunities in some segments and compelled the regulator to encourage greater credit extension to others; and uncertainty surrounding the growth of regional economies,...

Having endured low oil prices for the entire year, countries across the resource-rich GCC saw their balance sheets constrained in 2015, and in Oman’s case lower oil revenues led to a nominal GDP contraction of 13.8% and the largest deficit in more than a decade. Closing the fiscal gap is a government priority, with spending cuts, tax reform and increased private sector activity all expected to...

Located in the south-eastern quarter of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is the only member of the GCC situated outside of the Gulf itself. Leveraging its strategic location, it has invested in infrastructure with the goal of becoming a global logistics centre. While less hydrocarbons-rich than its GCC neighbours, the sultanate’s diversification efforts are a driving force behind its economic...

Oman offers a diverse as well as highly competitive telecoms sector, with two full-network operators and three virtual network operators catering to a market of 4m people. Despite this, however, the sector has continued to expand on the back of rising subscriptions and increasing mobile penetration rates. Growing market maturity has led to operators looking to boost take-up of mobile internet...

The guide contains listings of some of the leading hotels and resorts in Oman and contacts for important government offices and services. It also contains useful tips and information for first-time or regular business and leisure visitors alike.