Salalah, Oman – Entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders gathered in Salalah on August 28, 2025, for the Omani Business Forum for Empowering Light Industries. Organized by the Salalah Free Zone and the Business Forum, this event aimed to strengthen value-added products from local raw materials and push for technology localization in light industries to drive economic growth.
The forum highlighted ways to turn national resources into competitive goods for local and global markets. It comes at a time when Oman is focusing on economic diversification, with light industries playing a key role in job creation and sustainable development.
Event Highlights and Goals
The forum drew over 200 participants, including business owners and experts, to discuss strategies for boosting light industries. Sessions focused on creating high-quality products that add value to Oman’s raw materials, such as food processing and pharmaceuticals.
This initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes industrial growth and reducing oil dependency. Attendees explored how local projects can compete internationally by improving quality and innovation.
Organizers stressed the need for technology transfer to build a skilled workforce. The event also showcased success stories from companies that have turned basic materials into export-ready items.
Key Presentations on Support Systems
Three main working papers formed the core of the forum. The first paper detailed the Salalah Free Zone’s role in supporting light and medium industries. It positioned the zone as a hub for economic diversification, with investments exceeding 4.6 billion Omani riyals by mid-2025.
The second paper covered the Development Bank’s financing programs. These include low-interest loans and grants tailored for small businesses in light industries, helping them scale up operations.
The third paper spotlighted Madayn’s Raysut Industrial City. It outlined incentives like tax breaks and streamlined permits to attract investors.
A visual presentation wrapped up the sessions, showing Oman’s advanced infrastructure, including ports and logistics networks. This helped participants see real opportunities for expansion.
Economic Impact and Opportunities
Light industries in Salalah are set to create thousands of jobs, with a focus on value-added products like processed foods and plastics. Recent data shows non-oil exports grew by 7.2 percent in the first half of 2025, driven by such sectors.
The forum ties into broader trends, including green energy projects in Dhofar Governorate. Three gigawatt-scale green hydrogen initiatives are planned to start by 2030, boosting clean manufacturing.
Experts predict this will enhance Oman’s trade position, especially with partners like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Local entrepreneurs can now access better tools to innovate and export.
Here are some key benefits discussed for investors:
- Tax exemptions for up to 30 years in free zones.
- Access to skilled labor through training programs.
- Strategic location near major ports for easy shipping.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the forum celebrated progress, it also addressed hurdles like raw material costs and global competition. Speakers called for more research and development to overcome these issues.
Looking ahead, similar events are planned for 2026 to build on this momentum. The focus will remain on sustainable practices, aligning with global demands for eco-friendly products.
Oman’s government has committed over 4 billion riyals to zone projects, many already underway. This investment is expected to double light industry output by 2030.
| Sector | Current Investment (OMR) | Projected Jobs by 2030 | Key Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Processing | 1.2 billion | 5,000 | Packaged goods, exports |
| Pharmaceuticals | 800 million | 3,500 | Medicines, health items |
| Plastics | 600 million | 2,000 | Packaging materials |
| Petrochemicals | 1 billion | 4,000 | Industrial chemicals |
Broader Context in Oman’s Growth
This forum builds on recent successes, such as the Labour Forum 2025 held earlier in Salalah, which focused on skills for future jobs. It also connects to international partnerships, like Omani-Chinese collaborations for technology sharing.
With Salalah’s strategic location on the Indian Ocean, the area is becoming a logistics powerhouse. Investors are eyeing opportunities in related fields, including green mobility and digital services.
The event ended with awards for standout projects, inspiring more participation in Oman’s industrial push.
What do you think about Oman’s focus on light industries? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to fellow entrepreneurs.
