Oman's capital market provides over OMR7 billion in financing during 2021–2025

Oman's capital market has become a significant engine for economic growth, facilitating over OMR7 billion in financing from 2021 to 2025. This substantial figure underscores the market's expanding capacity to support private sector investments and contribute to the nation's economic diversification efforts.

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the Omani capital market has established itself as a key source of financing for the national economy.

Abdullah bin Salem Al Salmi, CEO of the Financial Services Authority, emphasized that while bank financing remains a common choice, the capital market and banking sectors should be seen as complementary. The Authority's objective is to cultivate a capital market that can effectively finance new ventures and promising sectors, thereby broadening private sector activity and boosting Oman's regional and international standing.

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the capital market and banking sector should be viewed as complementary rather than competing sources of finance.

Al Salmi highlighted that banks typically offer short-term loans, whereas the capital market provides crucial medium- and long-term financing solutions essential for large-scale investment and development projects. He stressed the importance of raising awareness about the diverse financing options available beyond just the Muscat Stock Exchange, particularly the role of the primary issuance market in funding new projects.

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the Authority aims to develop a capital market capable of financing new projects and promising sectors, helping expand private-sector activity, diversify the economy, and enhance Oman’s regional and international competitiveness.

Emerging companies and projects in sectors like mining and logistics can leverage initial public offerings (IPOs) for funding before listing on the stock exchange. Furthermore, the 2019 Commercial Companies Law grants the Financial Services Authority comprehensive regulatory oversight, enhancing transparency and investor confidence. The Authority is also promoting innovative financial products, including sustainable finance and Sharia-compliant solutions, to improve financial inclusion and access to funding for SMEs, aligning with Oman's long-term economic sustainability goals.

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banks generally focus on short-term lending, whereas the capital market offers medium- and long-term financing solutions better suited to large investment and development projects.