Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining significant momentum in Oman as adoption rates rise and government and private sector efforts intensify to develop the necessary charging infrastructure. What was once a niche market has expanded rapidly, reflecting shifts in consumer preferences driven by economic incentives, environmental concerns, and policy initiatives.
Recent data indicates a sharp increase in EV registrations, climbing from a few hundred vehicles in 2021 to over 2,200 by late 2025. The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) reported a 300 percent surge in EV numbers between 2023 and 2024 alone, underscoring growing consumer interest nationwide. Key factors motivating this trend include lower fuel and maintenance costs, quieter and smoother driving experiences, and heightened environmental awareness.
Despite the progress, challenges remain, particularly related to the availability and distribution of charging stations. Many users and industry experts have highlighted that the majority of public chargers are concentrated in urban areas, creating "range anxiety" for drivers traveling between cities. Abdulah al Khadouri, an EV user, emphasized that the geographic concentration of public charging points is a significant barrier to broader EV adoption.
The Omani government, through the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT), is actively addressing these issues by deploying 160 public charging points across the country. Plans are underway to expand the network to over 350 stations by 2027. The ministry also supports a unified digital platform called Shahin, which enables EV drivers to locate and pay for charging services across multiple private networks with a single login, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
Private sector involvement is playing a pivotal role in accelerating infrastructure development. Shell Oman, a key player in this space, has established 15 EV chargers nationwide and is collaborating closely with MoTCIT to expand charging availability, including along highways and key travel routes. The company has also partnered with Porsche Oman as part of its commitment to advancing Oman’s electric mobility ecosystem through reliable, scalable charging solutions and digital subscription services.
Additionally, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism aims to support sustainable tourism by installing EV chargers at two major hotels in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar—Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort and Alila Jabal Akhdar. The Muscat Municipality has contributed by increasing the number of charging stations across the governorate, adding new installations at locations such as Al Khuwair Square and the Green Walkway in Al Seeb.
Currently, Oman’s EV infrastructure comprises around 160 charging stations spread across several governorates, including 49 in Muscat, 12 in Dhofar, 10 in North Al Batinah, eight in Al Dakhiliyah, and four in Al Wusta. These efforts are part of broader national strategies focused on sustainable development and economic diversification, positioning electric mobility as a key component of Oman’s future transport landscape.