Tuesday 21 / October / 2025
London: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Finance in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry, held the “Oman Investment Forum 2025” in London on Tuesday, with the aim of strengthening financial, investment, and economic cooperation between the two sides.
The forum seeks to boost investor confidence in Oman’s financial position by showcasing success stories and the policies and structural reforms implemented to achieve fiscal balance and sustainability. It also outlines the Government strategies and policies in the financial, investment, and economic sectors, alongside projects and initiatives designed to enhance Oman’s investment attractiveness.
In the opening session, Nasser Khamis Al Jashmi, Chairman of the Tax Authority and Head of the Omani Delegation to the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG), delivered a presentation titled “Pathways to Oman’s Financial Stability,” outlining key fiscal measures and reforms that have underpinned stability and strengthened investor confidence. He underscored the role of the Oman–UK partnership as a driver of long-term economic stability.
Al Jashmi said: “The historical Oman-UK relations stand as a pillar of friendship and shared prosperity. This forum is a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between our two countries within the framework of the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG). The UK is currently the largest foreign investor in Oman’s economy, accounting for 51.2% of total FDI, which emphasizes the importance of this forum in enhancing the growth of investments between the two countries and global investment collaboration.”
Mahmood Abdullah Al Aweini, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Finance and Supervisor of the National Programme for Fiscal Sustainability and Financial Sector Development (Estidamah), delivered a presentation titled “Oman’s Economic Transformation Journey: From Stability to Prosperity,” in which he discussed the impact of structural improvements and economic diversification initiatives on attracting investors.
Al Aweini said: “This forum showcases the renewed international confidence in Oman’s economy and financial strength, with the presence of leading financial institutions and investment funds. This event comes after a bold journey of achievements in the public finance reform, which led to milestones in developing its financial system and managed to turn financial challenges into successes. The UK has been and continues to be a key strategic partner in achieving our mutual investment and economic interests. As we are heading into a diversified, competitive, and sustainable future, we look forward to continuing to strengthen this partnership towards the prosperity of both nations.”
He stated that “the public debt-to-GDP ratio fell from 68% in 2020 to 34% in 2024, which reduced debt service costs by more than 12% from their peak levels since 2020.”
In the first panel discussion, Ahmed Jaafar Al Musalmi, Governor of the Central Bank of Oman and Mahmood Abdullah Al Aweini discussed “Financing Growth: Reforming Oman’s Financial Sector,” highlighting key initiatives to strengthen the financial and banking sector and the role of debt instruments in financing growth.
Al Musalmi said that: “This forum represents a pivotal moment — transforming over two centuries of Omani–British partnership into a structured platform for resilient, diversified growth. Strategically positioned at the crossroads of Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Oman offers seamless access to over 2.5 billion consumers — powered by world-class ports, free zones, and integrated supply chains. Our shared ambition is clear: scale investable opportunities, strengthen climate and supply-chain resilience, and generate high-quality jobs — positioning Oman as a competitive regional hub and delivering enduring value for both nations.”
In the second session, Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, Chairman of the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) and Executive Chairman of Investcorp Holdings, addressed “Navigating Global Economic Challenges,” reviewing global challenges and their impact on Oman’s financial stability.
Mulham Bashir Al Jarf, Deputy Chairman for Investment at the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), took part in the second panel discussion on “Advancing Oman’s Capital Markets in a Global Context.” He noted that the OIA has undertaken multiple measures and initiatives to expand the Muscat Stock Exchange since its ownership was transferred to the Authority in 2021, achieving record growth and trading figures. He added that the OIA’s participation in the investment forum highlights its strategic partnerships, contribution to attracting foreign investment and its standing as a partner of choice for global investors.
Eng. Nasser Khalifa Al Kindi, Chief Executive Officer of the Invest Oman Lounge, said: “As Invest Oman, we see the United Kingdom as a long-standing and trusted partner in shaping the next phase of Oman’s investment story. Together, we are translating strategic dialogue into tangible opportunities that drive growth and shared prosperity.”
At the invitation of Sohar International Bank and HSBC, the forum brought together representatives from investment funds, global banks, financing institutions, and privatesector companies. On the sidelines, additional panel discussions are being held to exchange expertise and advance bilateral cooperation in finance, economics, and investment.
It is noteworthy that the Oman-UK Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) will hold its thirteenth meeting from 23 to 24 October in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.
