Industry

Following a period of mixed results for Oman’s mining and mineral processing sector, in which copper exports fell, the segment now appears set to rebound. According to the Central Bank of Oman, output of copper ore dropped to zero in 2016, after falling 42.9% in 2015 from 72,100 tonnes per annum to 41,200 per annum. Nevertheless, projects...

More than 100 delegates from 18 countries converged in Muscat in October 2017 for the country’s second annual international conference of mining investors and service providers. The growing interest in the conference is testament to both the great potential of the country’s mining and quarrying sectors, and of the priority accorded to the...

Growth in Oman’s industrial and retail sectors has been affected by reduced global oil prices and weaker consumer sentiment, denting spending and forcing some companies in heavy industry to defer growth and investment programmes. However, the impact of the costs borne by the sultanate’s manufacturers was offset somewhat in 2017 by the rise in...

To encourage industrial investment in Oman, the government has established special economic zones where investors enjoy tax exemptions, trade facilitation, and competitive advantages on imports and Customs duties. There are four such free trade zones – Al Mazunah, Sohar, Salalah and Duqm – each at different stages of development, and all...