Muscat – Life expectancy at birth in Oman rose to a record 78.6 years in 2025, according to the latest population statistics, reflecting the sultanate’s continued progress in healthcare, disease prevention and quality of life.

The figure marks a 0.38% increase from 78.3 years in 2024 and surpasses pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the resilience of Oman’s health sector and the success of long-term investments in medical services and public health.

The latest data shows a remarkable recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Life expectancy stood at 78.2 years in 2019 before declining to 77.1years in 2020 and reaching 75.1 years in 2021. However, it rebounded strongly to 78.3 years in 2022, remaining stable through 2024 before climbing to a new high in 2025.

Health officials have attributed the positive trend to sustained efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure, strengthen preventive medicine programmes and improve access to specialised medical services across the country.

According to the Ministry of Health, Oman’s healthcare sector has undergone significant transformation under the objectives of Vision 2040, with major investments in hospitals, health centres and digital healthcare solutions. Four new hospitals in Al Suwaiq, Khasab, Al Mazyounah and Wadi Bani Khalid have recently entered service, while expansion projects have been completed at Suhar, Nizwa and Sur hospitals, as well as the National Heart Centre. Construction is also underway on 21 additional healthcare facilities nationwide.

Officials have said that the reforms are aimed at building a sustainable and inclusive healthcare system capable of meeting future demand while ensuring equitable access to services across all governorates. The ministry has also expanded the use of digital technologies, including the Unified Health Record system linking hundreds of healthcare facilities and artificial intelligence-based screening programmes that have improved diagnostic accuracy and reduced waiting time.

At a recent media briefing, H E Dr Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health, said Oman is continuing to build an integrated healthcare system that provides preventive, curative and rehabilitative services across the sultanate while improving specialised care and empowering regional health institutions. The ministry has also intensified efforts to combat non-communicable diseases through early detection programmes, health awareness campaigns and initiatives encouraging healthier lifestyles. These measures are considered essential in addressing risk factors such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension, which are among the leading public health challenges.

Recent official data shows that community satisfaction with healthcare services has risen to 82.4%, while infant, child and maternal mortality rates have continued to decline, reflecting improvements in healthcare quality and service delivery.

Health experts regard life expectancy as one of the most important indicators of a country’s social and economic development, reflecting the quality of healthcare, education, living standards and public health policies.

The latest figure places Oman among countries with high life expectancy levels and underscores the success of decades of investment in healthcare infrastructure and human development. With further projects planned under the country’s development agenda, officials expect positive health indicators to continue improving in the years ahead.