Muscat: Financing raised through Oman’s capital market exceeded OMR7 billion during the period from 2021 to 2025, highlighting the market’s growing role in supporting private-sector investment and contributing to economic growth.
According to Abdullah bin Salem Al Salmi, Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Services Authority, the Omani capital market has established itself as a key source of financing for the national economy.
Al Salmi noted that while bank financing remains the preferred option for many companies due to long-standing business practices, the capital market and banking sector should be viewed as complementary rather than competing sources of finance.
He explained that 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. Such efforts also support the production of goods and services while creating sustainable employment opportunities for Omani citizens.
The CEO pointed out that 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.
Al Salmi emphasised the need to raise awareness of financing options available through the capital market and to correct the common misconception that the market is limited to trading on the Muscat Stock Exchange. He stressed that the primary issuance market plays a crucial role in financing new projects and investments.
He added that emerging companies and projects in sectors such as mining and logistics can utilize initial public offerings (IPOs) to secure funding before listing their securities on the Muscat Stock Exchange.
Al Salmi further highlighted that the 2019 Commercial Companies Law granted the Financial Services Authority comprehensive regulatory oversight of public joint-stock companies from establishment through governance and financial supervision. This framework enhances transparency, strengthens investor confidence, and improves market efficiency.
The Authority is also encouraging the development of innovative financial products, including sustainable finance instruments, conventional and Sharia-compliant financing solutions, and financial technology applications aimed at expanding financial inclusion and improving access to funding for small and medium-sized enterprises. These initiatives support long-term economic sustainability and future development goals in the Sultanate of Oman.
