Sohar: Sohar Investment Forum 2026 concluded today with several recommendations emphasizing the importance of strengthening strategic partnerships, continuing the development of the business environment, and integrating efforts between the public and private sectors. These recommendations aim to consolidate the status of the Wilayat of Sohar as a regional hub for investment, industry, and logistics, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
According to Oman News Agency, among the primary recommendations issued by the two-day forum was the improvement of the investor experience and the reduction of time required to launch investments. The forum proposed the launch of a prioritized "Green Investment Track" to accelerate projects compatible with the five-year plans and Oman Vision 2040, alongside the adoption of a logistics competitiveness program in Sohar to bolster regional and global supply chains.
Additional recommendations included the establishment of the Sohar Green Industries Complex to position Sohar as a regional model for sustainable industrial development, the adoption of a project preparation and economic feasibility support program to convert interest into signed deals and completed financing, and the enhancement of local content and supply chain development to maximize national value.
The recommendations also stressed the necessity of developing workforce readiness and "skills-to-jobs" partnerships to ensure sustainable employment and productivity through long-term qualification and training programs.
Furthermore, the forum called for continued international promotion of Sohar and the North Al Batinah Governorate as attractive investment destinations, leveraging their infrastructure and competitive advantages. It was also recommended to form a task force to follow up on the implementation of these recommendations to ensure the forum's maximum impact and the sustainability of its outcomes, while continuing to organize the forum in its international format periodically.
The forum was organized by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry branch in North Al Batinah, featuring local and international participation from government representatives, domestic and foreign investors, financial institutions, business leaders, academics, and development partners. The total number of participants in this edition reached 929, including 339 participants from outside the Sultanate of Oman representing 32 countries.
During the forum, approximately 50 framed investment opportunities were presented with a total value of nearly RO 300 million, in addition to the signing of five agreements and memorandums of understanding valued at RO 12 million. Key outputs also included 134 bilateral meetings covering eight sectors, including food products, iron industries, mining, plastics, recycling, support industries for heavy industry, medical industries, and aluminum industries.