Economic Overview

The Sultanate of Oman has experienced remarkable economic growth since 2004, primarily driven by the exploitation of its oil reserves. Despite a contraction due to the pandemic, Oman's economic recovery continued in 2022 (+4.3% of GDP), supported by favorable oil prices and sustained reform momentum. In 2023, growth persisted, albeit at a slower pace (+1.2%), reflecting OPEC+-related oil production cuts. GDP growth is projected to slightly expand to 1.4% in 2024, supported by increased gas production, the commencement of operations at the Duqm refinery, and higher non-hydrocarbon growth (2.5%). Over the medium term, non-hydrocarbon growth is expected to gradually increase to 4%, supported by global demand recovery, continued reforms, and robust private investment, particularly in non-hydrocarbon sectors (IMF).

Oman has made significant progress in strengthening its fiscal and external positions while advancing the implementation of Oman Vision 2040. The Medium-Term Fiscal Plan (MTFP), initiated in 2020, has played a crucial role in achieving fiscal sustainability by diversifying revenue streams, controlling expenditures, and prudently managing hydrocarbon windfall savings. The overall fiscal balance achieved a surplus of 5.5% of GDP in 2023, driven by favorable oil prices and sustained fiscal discipline. However, it is projected to decrease to 3.7% of GDP in 2024, mainly due to increased social spending as the new social protection law takes effect. Over the medium term, the overall fiscal balance is expected to remain comfortably in surplus, declining to 3.3% of GDP by 2028 in line with oil price trends. Central government debt, which stood at 37.7% of GDP in 2023, is forecasted to decrease to around 30% of GDP by 2028, supported by favorable debt dynamics and ongoing net repayments. Oman's risk of sovereign debt stress is assessed as low, supported by the availability of liquid financial assets to the government, which helps mitigate solvency and liquidity risks. Inflation decreased to 1.2% in 2023, primarily attributed to lower transport and food inflation rates, and is anticipated to align with a target of 2% over the medium term, consistent with the currency peg to the U.S. dollar.

According to the IMF, employment grew by 16.2% in 2022, primarily driven by the recovery of expatriate employment to pre-pandemic levels. Omani employment grew at a modest 3.6% in 2022. However, recent data indicates a continued increase in expatriate employment but a decrease in Omani employment in the first half of 2023. In response, the government introduced initiatives to address the high share of expatriate workers, including bans on foreign worker visas, to promote the employment of Omani citizens. Additionally, the authorities have implemented a new labor law focused on modernizing regulations and enhancing working conditions and flexibility in the labor market. Several initiatives have been launched to bolster the employment of nationals in the private sector, including the Wage Protection System and providing wage support to private sector employers for hiring nationals.

Foreign Trade

Oman's economy is highly open, with trade constituting approximately 94% of the country’s GDP, according to the World Bank. The Sultanate primarily exports hydrocarbons and petrochemicals but has been striving to diversify its economy in recent years, with an increasing share of industrial products in total exports. Oman's economy heavily relies on exports of oil (50.6% of total exports) and liquefied natural gas (9.9%), with other exports including chemicals, plastics, and rubber products. In contrast, the main imports consist of petroleum oils, iron ores, vehicles, telephones, and gold.

The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the United States, India, and China are Oman’s main export partners, while imports primarily originate from the United Arab Emirates, China, India, Qatar, and Brazil. Oman benefits from high-quality port facilities that facilitate trade; however, slow procedures and rigid labor laws remain significant obstacles. Customs duties are relatively low, and there are few trade barriers in the country, with goods produced in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries being duty-free if accompanied by a certificate of origin.

According to WTO data, Oman's goods exports totaled USD 66.4 billion in 2022, marking a 49% increase from the previous year due to higher hydrocarbon prices, while imports amounted to USD 38.7 billion, up by 24%. The country maintains a structural trade surplus, although it is highly sensitive to fluctuations in hydrocarbon prices. However, non-oil exports experienced a 2.8% year-on-year decrease during the first 10 months of 2023, primarily attributed to reduced shipments to the United States. The total value of non-oil exports decreased to OMR 6.122 billion during the January–October period of 2023 compared to OMR 6.297 billion recorded in the same period the previous year. Additionally, by the end of December 2023, Oman's total oil exports amounted to 310,331,200 barrels, with an average price per oil barrel of USD 82.3, according to data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

COVID-19 Country Response

Travel restrictions

Regularly updated travel information for all countries with regards to Covid-19 related entry regulations, flight bans, test and vaccines requirements is available on TravelDoc Infopage.
To find information about the current travel regulations, including health requirements, it is also advised to consult Travel Regulations Map provided and updated on a daily basis by IATA.

Import & export restrictions

A general overview of trade restrictions which were adopted by different countries during the COVID-19 pandemic is available on the International Trade Centre's COVID-19 Temporary Trade Measures webpage.

Economic recovery plan

For the general overview of the key economic policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic (fiscal, monetary and macroeconomic) undertaken by the government of Oman, please consult the country's dedicated section in the IMF’s Policy Tracker platform.

Support plan for businesses

For an evaluation of impact of the Covid pandemic on SMEs and an inventory of country responses to foster SME resilience, refer to the OECD's SME Covid-19 Policy Responses document.
You can also consult the World Bank's Map of SME-Support Measures in Response to COVID-19.