With support from Sheikha Fatima, UAE to restore Umayyad Mosque in Damascus
Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans’ initiative raises AED3.3bn during Ramadan; launches AED1 bn ‘Mother of the Nation City’ project
UAE sends 30 tonnes of food aid to support drought-affected communities in Kenya
UAE provides urgent relief to support flood-affected communities in Mozambique
Oman
Expo & International Forum 2026 Begins in Muscat
Muscat,
2 Feb 2026 (ONA) — Oman Expo & International Forum commenced today at Oman
Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Organized
by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), the event features broad
participation from government entities as well as local, regional, and
international companies.
The
Republic of Türkiye is participating as this year’s guest of honor, reflecting
the Chamber’s efforts to strengthen investment partnerships, showcase promising
opportunities within the Omani economy, and enhance the business environment in
alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
The
opening ceremony was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Faisal Turki Al Said,
who emphasized the significance of the event as a premier platform for
establishing genuine partnerships between the private sectors of Oman and
Türkiye.
He
noted that the exhibition enables companies from both nations to enter into
collaborations that generate job opportunities, facilitate expansion into the
Turkish market, and provide gateways into European markets at large.
Faisal
Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, stated that the Oman Expo and International Forum
represents a strategic opportunity bringing together elite decision-makers,
government officials, business leaders, and investors from within and outside
the Sultanate of Oman.
He
highlighted that the forum provides real opportunities to bolster investments,
expand economic partnerships, and explore the latest innovations in the
business sector, underscoring Oman’s commitment to supporting sustainable
economic growth.
He
welcomed the Republic of Türkiye as the guest of honor, expressing pride in
this participation which reflects the depth of economic ties and the mutual
desire to enhance trade and investment cooperation through long-term strategic
partnerships.
He
further asserted that the OCCI views economic exhibitions and forums as
strategic tools for expanding trade networks and exchanging expertise between
local and international business communities, creating an ideal environment for
joint ventures and national economic added value.
Ibtisam
Ahmed Al Farooji, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and
Investment Promotion for Investment Promotion, observed that economic relations
between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Türkiye are witnessing rapid
growth. She noted that the number of Turkish companies registered in Oman
increased by 21 percent during 2025, reaching a total of 696 registered
companies.
Sezai
Uçarmak, Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, described the
forum and expo as an effective economic platform contributing to direct
communication between the Omani and Turkish business communities.
He
explained that Turkish-Omani relations are undergoing continuous development
and a noticeable increase in trade and investment volume, reflecting a shared
commitment to elevating these ties toward comprehensive economic integration.
He pointed out that the event’s inclusion of diverse economic sectors provides
practical opportunities for companies to build partnerships that serve mutual
interests.
Furthermore,
Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian
Federation, affirmed his country’s keenness to strengthen trade and economic
relations with the Sultanate of Oman. He identified Islamic banking and
petrochemicals as two of the most prominent sectors providing a strong
foundation for cooperation, given Tatarstan’s accumulated expertise in
petrochemical industries and its advanced experience in Islamic finance.
Sheikh
Salim Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Omani side of the Oman-Türkiye
Business Council, stated that the Oman Expo and International Forum 2026 is an
international economic event aimed at creating opportunities and transforming
shared visions into tangible projects with sustainable economic impact.
He
emphasized that successful economic relations are built on partnership and
integration rather than mere trade exchange. He explained that the joint
business council works to facilitate direct meetings between investors and link
opportunities to executable projects.
He
noted that Türkiye’s participation as the guest of honor clearly expresses the
growing depth of relations, bolstered by the mutual visits of the two
leaderships, most notably the historic visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin
Tarik to the Republic of Türkiye.
He added that Oman today boasts a promising
investment climate with diverse opportunities in industry, energy, logistics,
tourism, mining and the green economy.
Dr.
Mohammed Al Barwani, Chairman of the MB Holding Group, highlighted the group’s
investment experience in Türkiye as a successful model of expansion based on
diversification and long-term vision. He attributed the choice of the Turkish
market to its attractive economic factors, strategic geographic location,
advanced industrial base, and qualified young workforce, making it a suitable
destination for Omani companies seeking access to European and global markets.
The
event witnessed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)
between Omani and Turkish companies aimed at supporting investment and
establishing qualitative projects in the information technology and medical
services sectors.
The
forum’s program included a panel discussion titled “Promising Sectors for
Joint Investment,” which addressed opportunities in energy, industry,
tourism, and logistics. A second session focused on the “Business
Environment, Investment Credit, and Trade Legislation in the Sultanate of
Oman,” reviewing laws related to foreign investment and the incentives
provided to facilitate business establishment and enhance investor confidence.
Oman
Expo and International Forum continues for two days, featuring specialized
presentations, B2B meetings, and a platform for showcasing innovations and
investment opportunities presented by Omani institutions and international
participants.
—Ends/AG