Oman’s real estate sector has continued to grow in recent years, and despite the fall in oil prices, demand, particularly from the private sector, has helped fan development. Projects that target niches, such as high-end offices, units in integrated tourism complexes, shopping malls and gated communities are flourishing. The residential leasing market saw five consecutive quarters of stability...
Oman’s construction sector was worth an estimated $5.2bn in 2014, up from $4.9bn in 2013, and forecasts show that it will continue to grow rapidly, to $5.6bn in 2015 and $6.0bn in 2016. Although the drop in oil prices will likely curtail public spending in the sector if prices remain depressed, this has certainly not been the case so far. Indeed, the total value of projects planned and under...
With Oman’s economic development plan focused on further industrial expansion, and with the sultanate’s population growing, Oman’s utilities sector is looking to keep pace with growing demand. Market reforms stretching back almost two decades have ensured the power sector is well positioned to deal with this higher demand, ramping up production in line with growth. Current priorities for the...
Hydrocarbons play a vital role in the Omani economy, comprising almost 50% of GDP and accounting for a large majority of government revenues. In total the government budgeted $3.9bn of spending on investment in oil and gas for 2015, representing an increase of 9.35% on the $3.6bn budgeted for 2014. Although the drop in oil prices has put considerable pressure on government revenues, the price...
Regulatory changes primarily aimed at encouraging consolidation within the insurance sector have recently been introduced by the Omani authorities. Low penetration levels indicate significant room for growth in the sector, with the life segment widely regarded as the most promising area for expansion. Motor coverage still remains the largest insurance line in the sultanate by premium value,...
Although performance has been subdued in 2015 compared to 2014, the market is set to be bolstered by various developments in the sector. Regulatory changes obliging insurance companies to list will add to the offerings pipeline, as should government plans to relax listings requirements. Meanwhile, with the country’s oil revenues down, the government has started to look elsewhere for means of...
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