Monday 02 / February / 2026
Muscat: Oman Expo & International Forum commenced today at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC).
Organized by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), the event features broad participation from government entities as well as local, regional, and international companies.
The Republic of Türkiye is participating as this year's guest of honour, reflecting the Chamber's efforts to strengthen investment partnerships, showcase promising opportunities within the Omani economy, and enhance the business environment in alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Faisal Turki Al Said, who emphasised the significance of the event as a premier platform for establishing genuine partnerships between the private sectors of Oman and Türkiye.
He noted that the exhibition enables companies from both nations to enter into collaborations that generate job opportunities, facilitate expansion into the Turkish market, and provide gateways into European markets at large.
Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that the Oman Expo and International Forum represents a strategic opportunity bringing together elite decision-makers, government officials, business leaders, and investors from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman.
He highlighted that the forum provides real opportunities to bolster investments, expand economic partnerships, and explore the latest innovations in the business sector, underscoring Oman's commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth.
He welcomed the Republic of Türkiye as the guest of honour, expressing pride in this participation which reflects the depth of economic ties and the mutual desire to enhance trade and investment cooperation through long-term strategic partnerships.
He further asserted that the OCCI views economic exhibitions and forums as strategic tools for expanding trade networks and exchanging expertise between local and international business communities, creating an ideal environment for joint ventures and national economic added value.
Ibtisam Ahmed Al Farooji, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Investment Promotion, observed that economic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Türkiye are witnessing rapid growth. She noted that the number of Turkish companies registered in Oman increased by 21 percent during 2025, reaching a total of 696 registered companies.
Sezai Uçarmak, Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, described the forum and expo as an effective economic platform contributing to direct communication between the Omani and Turkish business communities.
He explained that Turkish-Omani relations are undergoing continuous development and a noticeable increase in trade and investment volume, reflecting a shared commitment to elevating these ties toward comprehensive economic integration. He pointed out that the event’s inclusion of diverse economic sectors provides practical opportunities for companies to build partnerships that serve mutual interests.
Furthermore, Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, affirmed his country's keenness to strengthen trade and economic relations with the Sultanate of Oman. He identified Islamic banking and petrochemicals as two of the most prominent sectors providing a strong foundation for cooperation, given Tatarstan’s accumulated expertise in petrochemical industries and its advanced experience in Islamic finance.
Sheikh Salim Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Omani side of the Oman-Türkiye Business Council, stated that the Oman Expo and International Forum 2026 is an international economic event aimed at creating opportunities and transforming shared visions into tangible projects with sustainable economic impact.
He emphasised that successful economic relations are built on partnership and integration rather than mere trade exchange. He explained that the joint business council works to facilitate direct meetings between investors and link opportunities to executable projects.
He noted that Türkiye's participation as the guest of honour clearly expresses the growing depth of relations, bolstered by the mutual visits of the two leaderships, most notably the historic visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Republic of Türkiye.
He added that Oman today boasts a promising investment climate with diverse opportunities in industry, energy, logistics, tourism, mining and the green economy.
Dr. Mohammed Al Barwani, Chairman of the MB Holding Group, highlighted the group’s investment experience in Türkiye as a successful model of expansion based on diversification and long-term vision. He attributed the choice of the Turkish market to its attractive economic factors, strategic geographic location, advanced industrial base, and qualified young workforce, making it a suitable destination for Omani companies seeking access to European and global markets.
The event witnessed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Omani and Turkish companies aimed at supporting investment and establishing qualitative projects in the information technology and medical services sectors.
The forum’s programme included a panel discussion titled "Promising Sectors for Joint Investment," which addressed opportunities in energy, industry, tourism, and logistics. A second session focused on the "Business Environment, Investment Credit, and Trade Legislation in the Sultanate of Oman," reviewing laws related to foreign investment and the incentives provided to facilitate business establishment and enhance investor confidence.
Oman Expo and International Forum continues for two days, featuring specialised presentations, B2B meetings, and a platform for showcasing innovations and investment opportunities presented by Omani institutions and international participants.
