The Sultanate of Oman has won the 2026 Excellence Award for Investment-Ready Projects, Partnerships and Investment Facilitation, as part of the Investment Excellence Awards presented by the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) in cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank Group.

The award was presented during the 30th World Investment Conference, currently taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.

Oman’s award recognises investment promotion agencies that excel in developing investment-ready projects and opportunities, building effective partnerships and coordinating efforts among relevant entities, thereby supporting economic growth and sustainable development.

The award reflects international recognition of Oman’s efforts to develop its investment promotion ecosystem, enhance institutional efficiency and strengthen integration between government entities and the private sector.

Ibtisam bint Ahmed Al Farouji, Undersecretary for Investment Promotion at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MCIIP) , said that Oman’s achievement reflects the progress made in investment promotion methodologies and demonstrates the importance of partnership and integration between government entities and the private sector in developing the investment environment and enhancing Oman’s competitiveness in attracting quality investments.

She added that this international recognition crowns ongoing efforts to develop the investment promotion ecosystem and move from traditional promotional methods towards an integrated institutional approach.

She said that developing investment opportunities goes beyond preparing and presenting them. It also involves assessing the needs of economic sectors, identifying promising areas for growth and expansion and working with the relevant authorities to complete essential data and requirements.

The award  reflects the investment promotion model adopted by the Investment Promotion Sector through Invest Oman, based on developing investment opportunities in coordination with government entities and relevant institutions.

The Undersecretary  noted that the role of Invest Oman includes promoting investment opportunities, targeting potential investors, building investment relations and partnerships and facilitating the investor journey in coordination with relevant entities.

The portfolio of investment opportunities developed by the sector and currently available through the Invest Oman platform comprises 62 opportunities across eight economic sectors, led by manufacturing, food security and tourism.

During the conference, Oman, represented by the MCIIP and the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, participated in several high-level sessions addressing the future of global investment, strengthening international partnerships and developing policies and enablers to attract quality investments.

As part of Oman’s participation in the conference, a session organised by the Arab Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, discussed the strategic importance of the Duqm Special Economic Zone .

Investment indicators across special economic zones, free zones and industrial cities reflect the scale of efforts to attract investments and develop projects. Committed investments in areas overseen by the Authority have reached approximately OMR 25.6 billion, while 325 new investment agreements were signed during the first half of 2026.

The Authority oversees 24 economic, free and industrial zones, including 16 operational zones and eight under development, strengthening their role in supporting economic diversification and expanding the national economy’s productive base.