Muscat – North Sharqiyah Governorate recorded a notable increase in commercial registrations (CRs) in 2025, with 1,665 new CRs compared to 1,330 in 2024, reflecting a growth rate of 25.2%. The total number of commercial registrations reached 19,996 by the end of 2025.

Abdul Aziz bin Naseeb Al Arimi, Director of the Department of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in North Sharqiyah, said the economic indicators recorded in 2025 reflect growing confidence among entrepreneurs and investors in the governorate’s business environment.

He noted that the significant rise in commercial registrations, alongside the strong performance of the construction sector, indicates accelerating development momentum across the wilayats.

He added that the department continues its efforts to streamline procedures, enhance digital transformation, and support SMEs, contributing to the attraction of more high-quality investments and the achievement of sustainable economic development goals.

At the wilayat level, Bidiyah ranked first with 531 new commercial registrations in 2025, followed by Ibra with 298 registrations, Al Mudhaibi with 289, Al Qabil with 286, Sinaw with 179, Wadi Bani Khalid with 47, and Wadi Dima Wa’tayeen with 35 registrations.

Regarding commercial licences, the number of completed licences in North Sharqiyah reached 11,050 in 2025, compared to 13,447 in 2024, while the total stood at 34,865 licences by the end of 2025. The number of licences completed automatically reached 13,385 in 2025, compared to 16,150 in 2024, marking a decrease of 17.1%. The total number of such licences reached 43,731, reflecting continued utilisation of digital services to facilitate business activities.

The construction sector, specifically general construction of residential and non-residential buildings, topped the list of most licensed activities in 2025, with 1,169 licences compared to 412 in 2024, representing a growth of 183.7%. The total number of licences for this activity reached 2,162, indicating increased urban development and construction activity across the governorate.

In the industrial sector, the governorate recorded 1,780 industrial licences in 2025 across its wilayats, bringing the total to 7,726 licences. This reflects the governorate’s focus on supporting productive activities, including building materials industries, handicrafts, and SMEs.

In terms of foreign investment, 28 new foreign investment registrations were recorded in 2025, bringing the total to 668. Meanwhile, 40 investment licences were issued during the year, with the total reaching 394 licences.

North Sharqiyah Governorate continues to strengthen its economic position, recording significant growth in commercial registrations and related activities. This reflects an improving business environment and increasing investment activity across its wilayats, reinforcing its role within Oman’s broader economic development framework.