Monday 09 / March / 2026
Nizwa: Al Dakhiliyah Governorate continues to reinforce its economic prominence as one of the Sultanate of Oman's most dynamic and vital governorates, propelled by accelerating growth across commercial, industrial, and investment sectors. This upward trajectory is sustained by supportive government policies dedicated to cultivating a robust business environment and stimulating entrepreneurship among individuals and enterprises, thereby contributing to balanced and sustainable economic development across all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
The governorate recorded remarkable growth in new commercial registrations throughout 2025, reaching 1,498 registrations compared to 1,335 in 2024—an impressive increase of 12.2 percent. Consequently, the cumulative total of commercial registrations in the governorate ascended to 25,329 by the conclusion of 2025.
According to the Directorate of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, the Wilayat of Nizwa led all wilayats in new commercial registrations with 458, followed by Bahla with 251, Samail with 216, Izki with 165, and Manah with 108. The remaining registrations were distributed across the wilayats of Al Hamra, Bidbid, Adam, and Al Jabal Al Akhdar, reflecting the expanding breadth and diversity of economic activity throughout the governorate.
Hilal bin Badr Al Rashdi, Director of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, affirmed that the indicators recorded during 2025 mirror the growing economic momentum sweeping the governorate, resulting from sustained efforts to enhance the business climate, streamline procedures, and broaden the spectrum of digital services available to investors and entrepreneurs.
He further elaborated that 14,016 commercial licenses were completed during 2025, elevating the cumulative total to 38,058 licenses. Completed automatic licenses reached 17,574, with a cumulative total of 49,312 licenses—figures that underscore the accelerating pace of commercial activity and reinforce investor confidence in both the business environment and the Ministry's digital service offerings. Additionally, permits were issued for 45 exhibitions during 2025, while the number of Sanad Service Centers across the governorate expanded to 76 centers, delivering services throughout the various wilayats.
He also highlighted that the governorate recorded 2,677 completed industrial licenses during 2025, raising the cumulative total to 10,289 industrial licenses. Nizwa topped the wilayats with 641 licenses, followed by Bahla with 553, and Samail with 405. The cumulative total of industrial licenses in the governorate reached 12,289 by year's end, spanning diverse sectors including manufacturing, food industries and construction materials—thereby enhancing local value addition and generating employment opportunities within productive sectors. Certificates of origin numbered 1,501 during 2025, with the cumulative total reaching 5,750 by year's end.
He indicated that completed investment licenses during 2025 numbered approximately 95, bringing the cumulative total to 681 investment licenses—a testament to the governorate's successful efforts in attracting investments, nurturing small and medium enterprises, and fostering integration between government and private sectors.
He emphasised that these collective indicators affirm Al Dakhiliyah Governorate's swift progress toward cementing its position as a premier economic destination, capitalising on its strategic geographical location and diverse resources, alongside continuous development of digital services and streamlined investment procedures. This trajectory strengthens its competitiveness and advances the achievement of sustainable development objectives in the forthcoming phase.
