Muscat – The International Financial Centre of Oman (IFC Oman) is moving towards a major milestone, with company registration set to begin later this year ahead of the launch of full licensing operations in 2027.

A package of laws covering business registration and licensing, financial services regulation and independent dispute resolution is due to be issued shortly, laying the legal foundations for the centre and establishing the framework under which businesses and investors will operate.

The legislation will pave the way for IFC Oman to introduce an initial set of regulations and rules governing activities conducted within and through the centre.

Preparations are also advancing on the centre’s digital registry system, which is expected to enter testing shortly. Once operational, the system will allow businesses seeking to establish a presence at IFC Oman to submit applications online.

 Mahmood Al Aweini, Chair of the IFC Oman Authority Board, said the centre’s legal, regulatory and digital infrastructure was moving into place as preparations accelerated towards opening.

“IFC Oman is accelerating towards opening its doors, with its legal, regulatory and digital infrastructure moving into place,” he said.

Al Aweini said the centre would provide international businesses and investors a stable and competitive environment, drawing on Oman’s strategic location and longstanding international connections to unlock growth opportunities and create lasting value for the sultanate.

The centre has also intensified its international outreach to attract prospective businesses, investors and professional services firms. In September, it was approved as a member of the World Alliance of International Financial Centres at the organisation’s annual meeting in Busan.

Following participation in the Hong Kong Belt and Road Summit and Astana Finance Days, an IFC Oman delegation is scheduled to travel to Bangkok for meetings with global financial services firms on the sidelines of IMF and World Bank engagements and the annual meeting of members of the Institute of International Finance. Further meetings with prospective businesses are planned in London later in October.

IFC Oman is designed to provide a dedicated business environment under a common-law framework, supported by registration, licensing and dispute resolution mechanisms. It aims to connect international capital and expertise with investment opportunities in Oman and the wider region.

The centre is expected to support Oman Vision 2040 by attracting private investment, advancing economic diversification and creating employment opportunities. The commencement of company registration later this year, followed by full licensing operations in 2027, will mark key stages in establishing the IFC Oman as a platform for international financial services and investment in the sultanate.