Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Oman increased by 8.7 percent year-on-year, reaching RO 32.20 billion by the end of the first quarter of 2026, according to preliminary data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). This growth was largely propelled by ongoing investments in the oil and gas sector.

During the January-March period, total investment inflows amounted to RO 2.57 billion, reflecting sustained investor confidence despite ongoing global economic uncertainties. The oil and gas extraction sector continued to be the primary focus for foreign investors, attracting RO 25.89 billion in total FDI, marking a 9.5 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Investment inflows into this sector during the quarter stood at RO 2.24 billion.

Manufacturing remained the second-largest recipient of foreign capital, with investments rising 5.4 percent to RO 2.87 billion. Quarterly inflows into manufacturing totaled RO 146.70 million. The financial intermediation sector also recorded significant growth, receiving RO 1.57 billion in foreign direct investment—up 9.6 percent year-on-year—with inflows of RO 137.70 million during the quarter.

Among foreign investors, the United Kingdom held the largest share, increasing its investments by 9.9 percent to RO 16.88 billion by the end of March 2026. The United States maintained its position as the second-largest foreign investor, with FDI climbing 10 percent to RO 8.70 billion. Kuwaiti investments rose 4.6 percent to RO 1.44 billion, while Chinese investment expanded by 9.3 percent to RO 901.50 million.

These figures underscore the continued dominance of energy-related investments in Oman's FDI portfolio. At the same time, manufacturing and financial services sectors demonstrated steady growth, aligning with Oman’s broader economic diversification strategy outlined in Oman Vision 2040.