Muscat – Oman will host leading international business figures, government officials and economists in Muscat this month at the inaugural Advantage Oman Forum, a two-day gathering aimed at positioning the sultanate as a key global investment destination.
Set to take place on April 27 and 28, the event is being organised by Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, through ‘Invest Oman’, in partnership with Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Sohar International.
It will highlight Oman’s growing economic potential and showcase investment opportunities in sectors aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and the country’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions. It is also expected to reinforce the sultanate’s economic diplomacy and efforts to attract long-term, sustainable foreign investment.
The forum will include panel discussions, closed-door meetings and fireside conversations focused on global megatrends and their impact on Oman’s economic direction. Key themes include clean energy, advanced manufacturing, logistics, mining, agri-food, tourism and digital innovation, with sustainability and competitiveness at the core of the discussions.
‘The Advantage Oman Forum aims to provide a platform for strategic dialogue and collaboration, unlocking new opportunities for high-quality investments,’ a press release said.
Among the confirmed speakers are Abdulsalam al Murshidi, President of Oman Investment Authority; H E Qais al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion; H E Dr Said al Saqri, Minister of Economy; and H E Salem al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism.
Prominent regional business leaders include Mohamed al Abbar, Founder of Emaar Properties; Mohammed al Barwani, Chairman of MB Holding Group; Mohammed Mahfoodh al Ardhi, Chairman of Muscat Stock Exchange; and Yusuff Ali, Chairman of Lulu Group.
International figures will also participate, including Abdulla al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy; Luigi Di Maio, EU Special Representative for the Gulf Region; Creon Butler from Chatham House; Michelle Karavias of Fitch Solutions; Diana Mangalagiu from University of Oxford; and Jonathan McClory from Hertford College, Oxford. Dushyant Thakor, Deputy Executive Director at WAIPA, will present insights on global investment promotion trends.
Richard Quest, CNN Editor-at-Large, will moderate a headline session titled ‘The Shape of Things to Come’, focusing on emerging trends in climate adaptation, renewable energy, artificial intelligence and Industry 5.0. The session will examine how technologies such as Edge AI and telemedicine are changing global business, and how companies can navigate geopolitical uncertainties and build long-term resilience.
