Muscat – Oman will host the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IFSWF) in Muscat from November 4 to 6 to be attended by leaders from over 50 sovereign wealth funds across 46 countries.

Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has confirmed preparations are complete with the event promising to spotlight Oman’s economic potential and encourage international partnerships.

Nasser Sulaiman al Harthy, Deputy President for Operations at OIA, highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it aligns with Oman’s strategy to forge economic partnerships with major global sovereign wealth funds. “Hosting this meeting reflects Oman’s efforts to open new horizons of economic integration with global sovereign wealth funds,” he said. The forum will bring together representatives of funds managing assets exceeding US$8tn, offering a substantial platform to explore Oman’s investment opportunities and foster long-term partnerships.

The forum will feature high-profile speakers, including a virtual address by Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, alongside those by H E Salim al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals; Abdulsalam al Murshidi, President of OIA; Robert F Smith, the richest American of African origin; and Antonio Gracias, CEO of Valor Equity Partners.

Among other topics, the conference will cover investment trends in energy transformation, artificial intelligence, supply chain dynamics and governance.

Harthy added that the event aligns with Oman’s economic goals, with an agenda that focuses on areas such as the evolving role of sovereign wealth funds, energy transition impacts on investments, governance standards and green hydrogen opportunities. “This meeting is a chance to discuss pressing global economic issues and share perspectives on key investment challenges.”

The conference programme includes a cultural component with OIA arranging tours for delegates to sites such as Nizwa Fort, Harat al Aqar, Oman Across Ages Museum and Royal Opera House Muscat. To celebrate the event, OIA, in partnership with Central Bank of Oman, will issue a commemorative coin, while Oman Post will release a special stamp titled ‘Oman, Land of Opportunities’.

In addition to promoting Oman’s investment landscape, OIA is expected to sign a partnership agreement with one of the participating investment funds.

Appreciating Oman’s preparations for the forum, Duncan Bonfield, CEO of IFSWF, said, “This level of engagement highlights the strength of the organisation and reflects well on Muscat, a city where our members will experience Oman’s rich culture and natural beauty.”

The forum will conclude with election of a new board for IFSWF, reinforcing Oman’s role as a key player in the international sovereign wealth fund community.