Oman Introduces New Investment Rules for Special Economic and Free Zones to Attract Global Business
Oman has introduced a new set of executive regulations governing investment in its Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, establishing clearer procedures for licensing, land allocation, foreign property ownership, investor residency and real-estate development.
The regulations were issued by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) under Decision No. 81/2026, implementing the Special Economic Zones and Free Zones Law established through Royal Decree No. 38/2025.
The new framework is intended to simplify the investor journey, improve regulatory clarity and strengthen the competitiveness of Oman’s economic and free zones as destinations for domestic and international investment.
One-Stop Shop for Investors
One of the central features of the new regulations is the expansion of the One-Stop Shop as the main channel for investor services.
Investors will be able to use the platform for applications involving land and property allocation, licences, approvals, permits and certificates. The system is designed to connect electronically with relevant government authorities, reducing the need for investors to navigate multiple administrative channels.
The framework also provides for electronic payments and greater integration of government data and systems, while requiring investor information to be protected.
For businesses considering Oman as an investment destination, the digital approach could help make administrative procedures more predictable and easier to manage.
Greater Flexibility for Strategic Projects
The regulations introduce specific provisions for strategic projects, allowing authorities to assess projects according to their economic importance, investment scale and potential contribution to the national economy.
According to OPAZ Chairman Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, the framework is intended to provide greater flexibility in dealing with high-quality and strategic projects while giving investors greater certainty over procedures.
The regulations allow strategic projects to potentially receive additional incentives or facilities, subject to the applicable approval process.
These may include exemptions from land or property rental or usufruct fees for a defined period, exemptions from certain Omanisation requirements for a limited period, and exemptions from some fees.
Foreign Property Ownership Provisions
Real-estate development is another major component of the new framework.
The regulations establish procedures for licensing real-estate development projects and governing the sale of units off-plan. They also provide for freehold ownership of qualifying property units by expatriates, subject to the applicable rules and designated developments.
Developers will have to meet specific requirements before marketing or advertising units for sale.
The framework also introduces escrow-account safeguards for qualifying off-plan developments. These requirements are intended to ensure that funds collected from buyers are used for their prescribed purposes and that developers meet relevant financial and technical conditions.
Investor Residency Provisions
The regulations also address residency for non-Omani investors and foreign property owners.
Under the framework, qualifying investors and non-Omani owners of units in developments within special economic zones can obtain residency subject to the applicable requirements. Provisions also cover spouses and first-degree relatives.
Applications for such residency are to be submitted through the One-Stop Shop, with OPAZ or the relevant zone operator responsible for processing applications before referral to the Royal Oman Police.
Support for Business Licensing
The new regulations provide a structured framework for obtaining business licences within the zones.
Projects must obtain the required authorisation before starting operations, while investors applying for land or property allocation must provide information such as the proposed investment, project feasibility, financing sources and implementation schedule.
For strategic projects, the regulations establish a dedicated approval mechanism. The authority is required to study a completed application within a specified period, creating a more defined process for major investments.
Building a More Competitive Investment Environment
Oman’s latest regulatory changes form part of a broader effort to use economic and free zones as engines of diversification under Oman Vision 2040.
OPAZ oversees several major investment zones, including the Duqm Special Economic Zone, Salalah Free Zone, Sohar Free Zone and Al Mazunah Free Zone, along with industrial cities across the Sultanate.
The authority reported in February 2026 that total committed investment in economic, free and industrial zones had reached OMR 22.4 billion, following more than OMR 1.4 billion in new investments during 2025. OPAZ also reported that 325 new investment agreements had been signed during that year.
Focus on Manufacturing, Logistics and New Economic Sectors
The regulatory framework is expected to support investment across sectors including manufacturing, logistics, industrial development, real estate and other emerging economic activities.
Oman has increasingly positioned its economic zones as platforms for attracting investment linked to global supply chains and regional trade.
The country’s geographic position between major Asian, African and Middle Eastern markets, combined with its ports and economic zones, provides a foundation for developing logistics and export-oriented businesses.
Supporting Oman Vision 2040
The new regulations are also linked to Oman’s broader economic-diversification strategy.
OPAZ says its investment zones are intended to enhance competitiveness, attract high-quality investments and strengthen Oman’s position as a regional hub for industry, logistics and investment.
By establishing clearer rules for licensing, property, residency and strategic projects, Oman is seeking to create a more unified regulatory environment across its special economic and free zones.
What the New Framework Means for Investors
For international businesses, the changes provide a more clearly defined regulatory structure covering several stages of the investment cycle — from land allocation and licensing to operations, property development and residency.
For Oman, the objective is to make its economic zones more competitive while attracting projects that can contribute to economic diversification, technology development, industrial growth and employment.
The effectiveness of the reforms will ultimately depend on how efficiently the new procedures are implemented across the zones and how investors respond to the updated framework.
With the executive regulations now in place, Oman has taken another step toward developing a more integrated investment environment for special economic zones and free zones, strengthening their role in the country’s long-term diversification strategy.
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