Interview: Hussain Al Lawati, CEO, Development Bank, on how lenders are driving financial inclusion for smaller companies and the prospects for eco-friendly financing How do banks, commercial lenders and government stakeholders enhance financial inclusion for underserved segments? HUSSAIN AL LAWATI: Oman has made significant headway in advancing financial inclusion. Notable milestones have been…
Interview: Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy What are the priorities for industrial development, and how are they reflected in economic zones? ALI BIN MASOUD AL SUNAIDY: OPAZ policies are aligned with Oman’s industrial strategy, which focuses on sectoral clustering – grouping complementary industries in dedicated zones to deepen value chains and boost economic resilience. This approach builds on existing…
Interview: Faisal Al Farsi What is the current state of the insurance and social protection sector following recent restructuring? FAISAL AL FARSI: Oman’s insurance and social protection sector has undergone a significant realignment to improve efficiency and accessibility. The industry was fragmented, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of cohesive coverage. The July 2023 merger shifted the focus…
Interview: Qais Al Yousef What are the priorities for enhancing Oman’s integration into the evolving global trade landscape? QAIS AL YOUSEF: The focus areas include economic diversification, investment in infrastructure, improving the business environment, promoting investment, developing human capital, creating jobs, enhancing trade, increasing in-country value and digital transformation. These…
Interview: Abdulsalam Al Murshidi What drivers have helped boost Oman’s investment appeal within the region and beyond? ABDULSALAM AL MURSHIDI: Oman’s investment attractiveness has improved in recent years, driven by strategic initiatives under Oman Vision 2040, which aim to diversify the economy beyond oil and gas. Sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, mining, renewable energy and tourism…
Interview: Khalid Jamal Al Kayed How do you see the banking sector’s role evolving to support the long-term economic diversification efforts outlined in Oman Vision 2040? KHALID JAMAL AL KAYED: The sector plays an important role in supporting the realisation of Oman Vision 2040 by mobilising resources and providing financial solutions for sectors such as logistics, tourism, manufacturing and renewables.…
Interview: Hamed Al Naamany How does the global transition to sustainable energy sources influence natural gas production and liquefied natural gas (LNG) strategies? HAMED AL NAAMANY: The global shift towards renewable energy sources has led Oman to strategically position natural gas, especially LNG, as the most versatile resource in the energy mix that complements the development of renewables.…
Interview: Said Abdullah Al Hatmi How do banks support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)? SAID ABDULLAH AL HATMI: Oman’s banking sector recognises SMEs as vital to the country’s economic growth and diversification efforts. Banks are taking steps to support SMEs by offering specialised financial products, mentorship programmes and bespoke advisory services. One development…
Interview: Khalid Al Balushi In what ways have financial technology (fintech) and digital banking trends influenced opportunities for investors within financial services? KHALID AL BALUSHI: The financial sector is undergoing a significant digital transformation, driven by a fintech framework designed by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) to foster innovation. One key indicator of this shift is the sultanate’s…
Interview: Haitham Al Salmi In what ways does the Vision 2040 roadmap impact capital markets and investor confidence in the face of global economic uncertainties? HAITHAM AL SALMI: Despite global uncertainties like oil price fluctuations and geopolitical tensions, the GCC’s strategic investment has made the region a beacon for investors. In particular, Vision 2040’s strategic push to reduce dependency…
