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Oman’s non-oil exports rise to OMR1.61 billion in Q1 2026
🇴🇲 Oman /Economy & Trade

Oman’s non-oil exports rise to OMR1.61 billion in Q1 2026

From Times of Oman · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Oman's non-oil exports reached OMR1.61 billion in the first quarter of 2026, showing strong growth.
  • Re-exports also increased by 4.6 percent, indicating robust trade activity.
  • Key export sectors like chemical industries and base metals saw significant gains, with the UAE remaining the top destination for Omani goods.

Oman's non-oil exports demonstrated significant strength in the first quarter of 2026, reaching a total value of OMR1.611 billion. This performance reflects the Sultanate's ongoing efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependence, aligning with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. The value of re-exports also saw a healthy increase of 4.6 percent, rising to OMR367 million from OMR351 million in the same period last year, signaling increased trade operations through Omani ports.

Several key sectors contributed to this export growth. The chemical industries sector led the way with a 17 percent increase, with exports valued at OMR216 million. The base metals sector followed, posting an 10.8 percent growth and reaching OMR376 million. Exports of live animals and animal products also grew by 6 percent, amounting to OMR104 million. These gains highlight the increasing competitiveness of Omani products on the international stage.

The results demonstrate the success of national efforts to diversify the economy and boost non-oil exports.

— Eng. Ghalib bin Said Al Maamari, Undersecretary for Trade and IndustryCommenting on the strong performance of Oman's non-oil exports in Q1 2026.

The United Arab Emirates continues to be the primary market for Oman's non-oil exports, importing goods worth OMR382 million, which constitutes 23.7 percent of the total. Saudi Arabia followed as the second-largest market with OMR201 million, followed by India (OMR156 million), South Korea (OMR154 million), and the United States (OMR133 million).

Government initiatives, such as the "Oman Exports" program by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, are actively working to enhance Omani products' competitiveness. Eng. Ghalib bin Said Al Maamari, Undersecretary for Trade and Industry, emphasized the success of national diversification efforts. The ministry is focused on building an integrated export ecosystem to help Omani companies capitalize on global opportunities. Lubna bint Mohammed Al Harthy, Director of the Export Development Department, added that "Oman Exports" is continuously improving its services to empower exporters and facilitate their access to foreign markets. These sustained efforts aim to bolster Oman's position in international trade and ensure long-term economic sustainability.

Oman Exports continues to enhance services and programmes designed to empower Omani exporters and help them tap opportunities in foreign markets.

— Lubna bint Mohammed Al Harthy, Director of the Export Development DepartmentHighlighting the ongoing support provided to Omani businesses for international trade.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Times of Oman. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.