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RIYADH: Oman’s capital market has attracted investors from 135 nationalities, up from 67 in 2023, supported by favorable policies including low tax rates and flexible capital transfer options. 

Newly released statistics from the Muscat Stock Exchange reveal a 19 percent increase in foreign investments as of May, including participants from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Arab countries, and beyond. 

Oman’s capital market has implemented policies favoring foreign investments, including unrestricted profit repatriation and exchange operations. This trend aligns with the nation’s economic resurgence and growing institutional confidence in government strategies aimed at reducing public debt, increasing investment in essential services, and launching infrastructure projects to bolster private sector participation. 

The MSX data also indicates that foreign investments are predominantly focused on the industrial and service sectors, accounting for 15.8 percent and 15.7 percent respectively. 

Gulf investors are particularly focused on the services sector, accounting for 15.4 percent, and the financial industry at 8.5 percent. 

Conversely, non-Gulf Arab investments are primarily directed toward the financial sector, comprising 3 percent. 

Local investments heavily favor the financial industry at 87.6 percent, followed by the industrial sector at 75.6 percent and the services sector at 67.7 percent. 

The first half of this year has seen significant growth in trading activity at MSX, underscoring heightened market dynamism.  

Trading volumes surged to 3.1 billion securities, surpassing 517 million Omani rials ($1.3 billion) in value by the end of May, marking a notable 38.4 percent increase from the previous year.

Executed transactions also rose, reflecting increased market participation and liquidity. 

The exchange is expanding its database on listed companies to enhance transparency and advocate for disclosure standards among publicly traded entities, the Oman News Agency reported.  

Additionally, efforts are underway to encourage government and family-owned businesses to transition into privately held entities, enriching market diversity and investment opportunities. 

Foreign investors can invest in shares of MSX-listed companies or investment funds without prior permission, under the oversight of an independent supervisory body ensuring market fairness, investor protection, and transparency.  

Foreign investment in MSX-listed public joint-stock companies is permitted up to 100 percent, with significant interest observed in the industrial and services sectors, highlighting diversified investor preferences. 

Reflecting positive sentiment, the market capitalization of MSX-listed public joint-stock companies reached 9.4 billion rials by May’s end, up 448.5 million rials since the start of the year.  

The broader market value of all MSX-listed securities rose to 24.48 billion riyals, a gain of 676 million riyals year-over-year, bolstered by contributions from closed companies and the bond and sukuk market. 

Market indices reflected this growth, with the main index climbing to 4845 points by May’s close, up 331 points from the previous period.  

Successful IPOs by entities like Abraaj Energy Services and OQ Gas Networks have attracted new investors and boosted market liquidity, with OQ considering IPOs for two more subsidiaries this year, according to Bloomberg. 

This upward trend underscores investor confidence in MSX’s growth potential, supported by Oman Investment Authority’s plans to offer additional companies for public subscription in the coming years.  

The OIA reported a 7.4 percent year-on-year increase in Oman’s sovereign wealth fund assets, reaching 19.24 billion rials in 2023, with a 9.95 percent return on investment, as disclosed in a statement on X. 

This performance underscores the authority’s pivotal role in fostering economic growth and stability in the Middle Eastern country.  

The robust results also reflect the OIA’s strategic investment approach and effective management of its diverse portfolio, in line with its mandate to manage national funds and assets, build financial reserves, and advance targeted economic sectors through government policies. 

At a media briefing in Muscat earlier this month, the authority affirmed its commitment to contributing over 6 billion rials annually to the state’s general budget from 2016 through 2023.  

The statement further outlined the OIA’s plans to geographically diversify its new foreign and local investments across various sectors, while facilitating technology transfer and modern techniques to bolster targeted local industries. 

Looking ahead, MSX aims to strengthen its regulatory framework, expand investor outreach initiatives, and cultivate an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth, the Oman News Agency reported.  

By enhancing its reputation as a gateway for international investment and adhering to global best practices in financial markets, MSX aims to maintain its position as a leading choice for investors interested in opportunities in Oman’s dynamic capital market, it added.