According to preliminary data filed by the Oman National Centre for Statistics and Information, the Sultanate’s foreign direct investment (FDI) stock rose by 8.1% to RO 31.38 billion by the end of Q4 2025, reflecting continued investor confidence in the Gulf nation’s economic resilience.
While the latest figures show an uptick from the tally of RO 29.02 billion, recorded during the same period in 2024, annual inflows declined to RO 2.36 billion from RO 3.56 billion a year earlier. This indicates a slowdown in new capital entry despite the expansion in total investment stock.
Breaking down the numbers from Oman’s National Centre for Statistics and Information, the oil and gas continued to dominate, accounting for 80.9% of total FDI inflow (translated to RO 25.41 billion, with inflows of RO 2.53 billion). The manufacturing sector came second with investments of RO 2.67 billion, although it registered a decline in inflows of RO 127 million.
“The financial intermediation sector followed with total investments of RO 1.50 billion, recording a drop in inflows of RO 69.1 million. Other sectors posted mixed performance, reflecting varied investment dynamics across the economy. Investments in real estate, rental and business activities reached RO 584.3 million, with a decline in inflows of RO 14.4 million, while the transport, storage and communications sector attracted RO 312.5 million, supported by modest inflows of RO 2.5 million,” reported Oman Daily Observer.
Among other sectors, the electricity and water sector recorded investments of RO 318.7 million, with inflows increasing by RO 25.8 million. The trade segment saw investments of RO 281 million, with inflows rising by RO 4 million, signalling steady activity in domestic commerce.
Hospitality, especially hotels and restaurants, saw investment inflows worth RO 112.8 million, with a marginal decline in inflows of RO 700,000. The construction sector registered RO 99.1 million, and “other activities” collectively attracted RO 85.7 million, with inflows rising by RO 2 million.
The United Kingdom remained the largest investor in the Sultanate, accounting for 52.3% of total FDI, valued at RO 16.42 billion. The United States and Kuwait took second and third positions, with amounts of RO 8.45 billion and RO 1.36 billion, respectively.
China (RO 887.3 million), Qatar (RO 763 million), UAE (RO 626.2 million), Bahrain (RO 528.5 million), Netherlands (RO 525.1 million), Switzerland (RO 329.7 million) and India (RO 275.2 million) all continued to pump capital into Oman.
“The data reflects Oman’s continued ability to attract long-term foreign capital, supported by sectoral diversification and an evolving investment environment, even as inflow levels fluctuate in response to global economic conditions,” Oman Daily Observer concluded.