Oman to Participate in COP31 Climate Conference

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Oman will participate in COP31 in Türkiye from November 9 to 20, highlighting its environmental progress and climate priorities through a coordinated national effort. The country's recent achievements include top global rankings in multiple environmental indicators, significant expansion of marine reserves, and advances in circular economy and blue carbon initiatives, positioning Oman as a leader in regional climate action.

The Sultanate of Oman is set to participate in the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), scheduled to take place from November 9 to 20 in Antalya, Türkiye. The annual conference is a crucial global forum for advancing climate action, with a focus this year on accelerating the implementation of climate commitments, promoting the transition to clean energy, advancing the circular economy, green manufacturing, climate finance, and strengthening the resilience of ecosystems and infrastructure.

Oman’s Environment Authority is coordinating the country’s preparations across multiple teams, including supervision and governance, negotiation, media, youth engagement, innovation, and logistical support. This coordinated effort aims to integrate national initiatives and highlight Oman’s climate priorities during the negotiations and related sessions.

The Sultanate’s readiness to engage at COP31 is supported by notable environmental progress and achievements. Oman improved its standing in the 2026 Global Environmental Performance Index, rising six places to 49th globally from 55th in 2024. The country also achieved first place worldwide in six EPI sub-indicators, which include household solid fuel consumption, sustainable solid waste management, wastewater treatment, species habitat preservation, reduction of open-water trawling, and sulfur dioxide emission trends.

In the circular economy sector, Oman has made strides in waste management and economic reuse. National recycling of municipal solid waste reached 1.77 million tonnes, supported by 85 recycling facilities. The country has achieved full coverage in the safe management, collection, and transportation of solid waste.

Environmental conservation targets have also been surpassed. Marine reserves now account for 16.19% of Oman’s Exclusive Economic Zone, significantly exceeding the 2030 target of 0.33%. Forested areas have increased to 1.5% of Oman’s total land area, a substantial improvement from a 0.01% baseline, meeting established environmental goals ahead of schedule. The number of natural reserves expanded to 32 by 2025, encompassing approximately 187,276 square kilometers. Investment in these reserves topped RO 44 million through nine contracts across seven reserves, aimed at supporting sustainable use of natural resources and encouraging environmental investments.

Oman continues to advance blue carbon initiatives, focusing on cultivating 100 million mangrove trees over 20,000 hectares. These efforts are expected to enable the absorption of nearly 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, enhancing the capacity of coastal ecosystems to sequester carbon and mitigate climate change impacts.

These environmental initiatives have garnered regional and international recognition. Oman received the Arab Excellence Award in 2025, acknowledging the country’s leadership in environmental stewardship. The Sultanate’s participation at COP31 reflects its commitment to contributing to global climate goals while showcasing its recent achievements and strategic priorities.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.