Oman

Integrated tourism complexes (ITCs) are a key magnet for investment in the real estate sector. ITCs are zoned areas that allow foreign nationals to own property on a freehold basis, and mostly also grant investors two-year visas, renewable on application. Generally, only leaseholds are available to non-Omanis.

Companies working in Oman’s oil and gas sector are currently adjusting their operations in line with a government scheme aimed at making more of the extractive industry’s potential to benefit the broader national economy. The scheme, known as the ICV Blueprint Strategy, was unveiled in late 2013 and builds on previous successful practices to...

Two forthcoming infrastructure investments are set to substantially broaden the Omani downstream gas sector, creating opportunities for new export markets and new domestic industries. The two projects, which will see an estimated $3.6bn of investment, will be based at either end of the country. The first, a liquefied petroleum gas plant to be...

With a growing population and an economic development plan focused on industrial expansion, Oman’s utilities sector is looking to keep pace with rising demand. Fortunately, as far as the country’s power sector is concerned, market reforms stretching back almost two decades ensure that it is among the most competitive in the GCC, well capable...

Hydrocarbons play a vital role in the Omani economy, comprising almost 50% of GDP and accounting for the large majority of government revenues. While 15 years ago it seemed this contribution was set to decline irrevocably – with production dropping from 970,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 710,000 bpd in the space of just seven years – careful...

THE COMPANY: The publicly listed Ahlibank is engaged in commercial banking activities in Oman through a network of 19 branches. It was formed in November 2007 when Ahli United Bank (AUB) acquired a 35% stake in Alliance Housing Bank, a specialised mortgage finance provider. AUB acquired the stake by...