Oman’s Annual Industrial Survey begins on Sunday gathering data from over 1,600 industrial facilities

Muscat: Targeting more than 1,600 industrial facilities across the Sultanate’s governorates, the survey reflects a 43% increase in scope compared to last year’s target of 952 facilities.

Conducted in collaboration with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, the initiative leverages an electronic industrial survey system to streamline data collection and analysis. This effort underscores the ministry’s push towards digital transformation to enhance efficiency in data-driven policy-making.

Dr. Ahmed bin Khalfan Al Badawi, Director of the Industrial Strategy Implementation and Evaluation Department at MoCIIP, emphasized that the survey is a cornerstone of Oman’s industrial strategy.
Ibtisam bint Mohammed Al-Alawi, Head of the Industrial Analysis Department, highlighted the survey’s role in building a comprehensive industrial database and identifying investment opportunities, enhancing local content, and shaping policies that drive economic diversification and growth in non-oil sectors.

Zakia bint Mohammed Al Balushi, Director of the Planning and Studies Department at the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, underlined the survey’s importance for sustainable development. She noted that Oman’s manufacturing sector contributed approximately RO 4.4 billion to the GDP in 2022, with 60% originating from areas under the Authority’s jurisdiction.

The survey will run from December 1 to 31, 2024, covering industrial establishments with investments exceeding RO 5,000 and workforces of over nine employees. Data gathered will feed into the forthcoming Industrial Observatory System, an integrated platform for manufacturing insights and services, further solidifying Oman’s industrial roadmap.