Held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the forum brought together over 800 delegates representing government bodies, sovereign wealth funds, multinational corporations, and venture capital firms. Throughout the day, discussions revolved around strategic sectors such as logistics, tourism, renewable energy, mining, and manufacturing, all key pillars of Oman Vision 2040. The ambitious economic strategy seeks to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons and drive sustainable growth through diversification.
During the inaugural address, Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, emphasised Oman’s commitment to creating a competitive business environment. He noted that regulatory reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and pro-investment policies were already showing tangible results, highlighting that Oman climbed seven places in the latest Global Competitiveness Index published by the World Economic Forum.
Oman's sovereign wealth fund, the Oman Investment Authority , played a pivotal role at the forum, outlining a series of public-private partnership projects valued at over $8 billion. These projects cover sectors ranging from water desalination and green hydrogen production to digital transformation and logistics services. OIA President Abdulsalam Al Murshidi reaffirmed the Authority’s intention to partner with global investors to expedite project implementation and scale up impact.
A significant highlight of the first day was the signing of multiple Memorandums of Understanding between Omani companies and international partners. Among these, an agreement between Asyad Group and a major Asian logistics operator aims to develop a state-of-the-art freight and shipping terminal at Duqm Port, poised to enhance Oman’s strategic position along vital global trade routes.
The forum also provided a platform for Oman’s burgeoning technology and innovation sectors. Speaking at one of the key panels, Talal Al Rahbi, a senior advisor to the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, underscored the government's prioritisation of digital economy initiatives. He pointed to the establishment of several technology parks and incubators, intended to support startups and attract foreign technology firms seeking to expand in the Gulf region.
Throughout the day, delegates were introduced to a series of investment showcases highlighting mega-projects, including the Khazaen Economic City and the Shinas Port development. Both projects exemplify Oman’s focus on integrated economic zones designed to provide investors with world-class facilities, simplified customs procedures, and tax incentives.
Energy transition emerged as a major theme, with Oman presenting itself as a future hub for green hydrogen and renewable energy production. Yousuf Al Ojaili, CEO of Hydrogen Oman , detailed plans to allocate over 50,000 square kilometres of land for green hydrogen projects by 2030. Several pre-qualification processes for hydrogen block allocations have already been completed, with leading European, Asian, and Middle Eastern energy companies showing keen interest.
Storytelling and brand building, surprisingly, took centre stage during the forum’s fifth session. Experts from leading global marketing agencies and corporate strategists discussed how effective narratives can forge stronger investor confidence. Paul Holmes, founder of The Holmes Report, pointed out that companies with authentic storytelling strategies consistently outperform their peers in investor relations and brand loyalty.
A lively panel debate featured international marketing executives explaining how data analytics can be merged with traditional storytelling techniques to better communicate corporate values and future ambitions to stakeholders. Participants noted that trust and transparency have become non-negotiable components of successful investment attraction strategies, especially in an age where reputation risks can spread rapidly through digital platforms.
Oman’s tourism sector was another critical area of focus. Salim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, detailed a pipeline of tourism infrastructure projects valued at over $3.5 billion. From luxury resorts in Musandam to heritage conservation initiatives in Nizwa, the sector is being positioned not just as a revenue generator, but also as a tool to preserve Oman’s rich cultural legacy.
Panellists addressed the growing role of sustainable finance in attracting ethical investors. Discussions touched upon how Oman’s green bond framework, unveiled last year, could serve as a vehicle to channel capital towards environmentally sustainable projects. Financial experts noted that there is growing demand among global investors for jurisdictions that offer clear regulatory pathways for green financing.
Across the exhibition halls, delegates interacted with local SMEs and startups keen to leverage global expertise and funding to expand operations. The Innovation Zone featured 50 Omani companies showcasing products and services ranging from artificial intelligence applications to agri-tech solutions. Entrepreneurs were given opportunities to pitch directly to venture capitalists and institutional investors attending the event.
The first day concluded with a gala dinner hosted at Al Bustan Palace, where keynote speeches by high-level dignitaries highlighted Oman’s evolving economic narrative. A consistent theme across all remarks was that Oman is positioning itself not just as a regional investment destination but as a serious global contender capable of offering political stability, strategic market access, and long-term growth prospects.
With forums like "Advantage Oman" gaining momentum, the country is steadily working to elevate its international investment profile. Stakeholders appeared aligned in their belief that while challenges remain — particularly in global market volatility and energy transition risks — Oman’s clear policy direction, proactive engagement with investors, and strong leadership have positioned it favourably in a competitive global environment.
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Oman