South Al Sharqiyah Records Robust Economic Growth in Q2 2025, Driven by Trade, Industry, and Investment Expansion
Muscat, The Gulf Observer: The South Al Sharqiyah Governorate posted strong economic performance during the second quarter of 2025, reflecting significant growth across trade, industry, and investment promotion, according to recent data released by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion.
Khalid bin Hamad Al Saadi, Director of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion in South Al Sharqiyah, confirmed that statistical indicators highlight sustained economic vitality, particularly in the construction, contracting, and small and medium-sized industry sectors. These sectors are witnessing notable expansion in the wilayats of Sur, Jalan Bani Bu Ali, and Masirah.
Speaking to the Oman News Agency (ONA), Al Saadi emphasized that South Al Sharqiyah is emerging as a promising economic hub due to its strategic location and its diversified assets in industry, tourism, and the blue economy. He added that the ministry continues to enhance the investment climate by simplifying procedures and offering integrated digital services to both local and foreign investors.
He noted that the department aims to boost engagement with entrepreneurs and investors through targeted support, promotional initiatives, and awareness programs. These efforts, he said, contribute to the sustainability of commercial and industrial activities, while supporting income diversification in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
According to the ministry’s data, the governorate recorded 348 new commercial registrations in Q2 2025, bringing the cumulative number of registered businesses to 20,044 by the end of the first half of the year.
Construction and contracting led the list of licensed activities, with 300 new licenses issued in Q2 2025—an increase of over 229 percent compared to 91 licenses in the same period of 2024. This surge reflects accelerating urban development across the wilayats of Sur, Jalan Bani Bu Ali, Jalan Bani Bu Hassan, Al Kamil Wal Wafi, and Masirah.
During Q2 2025, a total of 3,617 commercial licenses were issued in the governorate, raising the cumulative total to 51,596 by mid-year. Additionally, 3,227 automatic licenses were granted in the same quarter, with the overall number reaching 53,865 by the end of H1 2025.
In the industrial sector, 850 industrial license applications were submitted during Q2, bringing the total number of industrial licenses to approximately 18,990—indicating steady momentum in industrial development despite broader economic changes.
Furthermore, South Al Sharqiyah attracted 23 new foreign investment registrations in Q2 2025, with 63 investment licenses issued—representing 1.54 percent of all investment licenses issued across Oman during the quarter. This highlights the governorate’s growing appeal for new projects in both production and service sectors.
Looking ahead, the governorate is poised for further expansion in the second half of 2025, with increased activity anticipated in construction, tourism, fisheries, logistics, and industrial sectors, particularly in Masirah and coastal areas. The expected rise in project development is set to reinforce South Al Sharqiyah’s status as a vital contributor to Oman’s comprehensive economic transformation.
