Sur – South Sharqiyah governorate recorded notable growth in trade, industry, and investment activity during the second quarter of 2025, according to data issued by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP). The figures underline the continued dynamism of the governorate’s economic sectors. Khalid bin Hamad al Saadi, Director of the Department of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in South Sharqiyah, said the data reflected strong performance in construction, contracting, and small and medium-sized industries, particularly in the wilayats of Sur, Jalan Bani Bu Ali, and Masirah.

He said South Sharqiyah is emerging as one of Oman’s promising economic hubs due to its strategic location, industrial base, tourism potential, and marine resources. “The ministry continues to develop an attractive investment environment for local and foreign investors by simplifying procedures and expanding integrated digital services,” Saadi said.

He added that the governorate’s department seeks to strengthen engagement with entrepreneurs and investors through targeted support, promotion, and awareness programmes that sustain business activity and diversify income sources, in line with Oman Vision 2040.

A total of 348 new commercial records were registered in the governorate during the second quarter of 2025, bringing the cumulative total to 20,044 by mid-year.

Construction and building contracting led the list of newly licensed sectors, with 300 licences issued during the quarter — a sharp increase from 91 in the same period of 2024, representing a rise of over 229%. The surge reflects the expansion of urban development across the wilayats of Sur, Jalan Bani Bu Ali, Jalan Bani Bu Hassan, Al Kamil wa al Wafi, and Masirah.

The ministry’s data also showed that 3,617 commercial licences were issued in South Sharqiyah in the second quarter, pushing the total cumulative number to 51,596 by the end of June.

In the industrial sector, the governorate received 850 applications for industrial licences in the same period, bringing the total to about 18,990. The steady number of applications highlights the sustained pace of industrial growth despite broader economic changes.

Foreign investment activity also strengthened, with 23 new investment records registered in the second quarter. The governorate accounted for 63 investment licences, representing 1.54% of the national total during the period. Saadi said this demonstrated the growing interest of investors in South Sharqiyah’s production and services sectors.

He noted that the governorate is expected to see a rise in construction, tourism, and industrial projects in the second half of 2025, alongside increased investment in Masirah and coastal areas. Expanding activities in marine fishing and logistics services, he said, will further consolidate South Sharqiyah’s role as a key contributor to Oman’s economic development.