Muscat – Oman is strengthening investment in renewable energy and nature-based solutions as part of its efforts to address climate change, reduce emissions and enhance resilience to environmental challenges, a senior Environment Authority (EA) official said.

Speaking on the sidelines of Oman Climate Week 2026, Dr Mohammed bin Saif Al Kalbani, Director General of Environmental Compliance at EA, said the sultanate had recognised global environmental changes at an early stage and has developed a range of investments and financing initiatives in renewable energy to support the energy transition and reduce emissions.

“We rely on nature-based solutions,” Al Kalbani said, highlighting plans to plant more than 100mn mangrove trees in coastal areas.

The initiative is expected to strengthen coastal ecosystems, protect vulnerable areas and enhance their capacity to withstand climate-related pressures.

Al Kalbani also underlined the role of Oman Climate Week, which includes an exhibition showcasing environmental technologies and solutions, as well as an interactive business platform aimed at developing investment opportunities.

He said the event provides an avenue to connect environmental solutions with investment opportunities and encourage greater private sector participation.

Climate challenges facing Oman, including extreme weather events, cyclones and coastal erosion, are also creating opportunities for new investments and stronger cooperation among different sectors, he said.

“These challenges motivate us to create new investments and strengthen participatory approaches to address them,” Al Kalbani said.

He added that cooperation programmes had been signed with several entities to establish an Environmental Innovation Centre, envisaged as an incubator for environmental initiatives and start-ups emerging from young people’s ideas.

The centre is expected to support innovative environmental projects and help transform ideas into practical solutions, raising the contribution of young Omanis to addressing environmental challenges.

The second edition of Oman Climate Week opened at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre on Monday, bringing together participants from more than 50 countries to discuss climate action, clean energy, resilience and sustainable development.

The week features more than 15 events, 20 training workshops, over 80 exhibitors and 400 speakers, with more than 5,000 attendees expected. A total of 150 participants are taking part in the ‘Eco-thon’ challenge.