Muscat hosted a major forum focused on Oman aviation investment and new opportunities across the country. The event highlighted airports as important centers for trade, logistics, tourism, and economic growth. It also explored ways to attract private investors and strengthen public-private partnerships. Officials, airport operators, investors, and small businesses joined the discussions.
The Civil Aviation Authority organized the forum at its headquarters in Muscat. The event marked an early step toward assessing Oman’s readiness for the National Aviation Strategy 2040. Moreover, discussions covered Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar airports and their wider economic potential. Officials also examined airport cities, free zones, logistics, and commercial development.
The forum placed strong attention on land development around major airports. In addition, participants explored opportunities for foreign investment and emerging aviation technologies. Advanced air mobility also formed part of the discussions during the event. National talent development remained another key area for future sector growth.
Engineer Naif bin Ali Al Abri, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, highlighted aviation’s wider economic role. He described the sector as a key link between Oman and international markets. Furthermore, he said aviation can support economic diversification and new investment. The National Aviation Strategy 2040 provides the framework for this long-term expansion.
The strategy includes 39 initiatives across three implementation phases. It aims to attract significant private sector funding through the Private Sector Attraction Programme. The program targets cumulative private investment of OMR11.7 billion by 2040. Therefore, airport development could become a major part of Oman’s diversification plans.
The forum also produced several important agreements between aviation sector partners. The Civil Aviation Authority signed a 35-year concession agreement with Oman Airports Company. The agreement covers Muscat International Airport, Salalah Airport, and Sohar Airport. It aims to improve efficiency, passenger services, and Omanisation across the three airports.
The long-term agreement could also support stronger commercial activity around the airports. Airport operators can develop services that connect aviation with logistics and trade. Meanwhile, surrounding land could support new businesses and investment projects. These developments could help airports operate as broader economic hubs.
Another agreement involved Indonesia-based GMF AeroAsia and Muscat International Airport. The Civil Aviation Authority signed a 20-year concession with the company. The agreement covers heavy maintenance and periodic inspection facilities. As a result, Muscat could strengthen its position as a regional aircraft maintenance center.
The forum also encouraged cooperation in aviation education and workforce development. Oman Aviation Academy signed a cooperation agreement with the Arab Aviation Academy. GMF AeroAsia and Mac Aerospace International also agreed to work together. Their partnership will focus on aircraft maintenance and training capabilities.
These agreements support Oman’s wider effort to develop skilled national aviation workers. At the same time, they could create opportunities for specialized businesses and investors. Training facilities can also strengthen the sector’s ability to meet future demand. Therefore, workforce development remains closely linked to investment growth.
Panel discussions examined several challenges facing potential aviation investors. Speakers discussed the journey from identifying an opportunity to starting operations. They also examined capital requirements, partnerships, and investment structures. National skills emerged as another important factor for successful sector development.
Overall, the forum showed Oman’s focus on developing airports beyond traditional passenger services. Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar can support trade, logistics, tourism, and commercial activity. The strategy also creates room for technology and private sector participation. Oman aviation investment could therefore play a growing role in the country’s economic transformation.
