Oman summit draws investment plans for factories, waste treatment

Oman investment summit draws plans for factories, pharmaceuticals and waste treatment

Companies announce projects in Duqm, Barka and Khazaen as business leaders examine opportunities under the India-Oman trade agreement

Companies announced plans for industrial, pharmaceutical and waste treatment projects in Oman at an investment summit in Muscat on October 14, as business leaders discussed expanding commercial ties with India.

The Inspire Oman Investors Summit 2026 brought together investors, entrepreneurs, executives and policymakers from Oman, other GCC countries and India at The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat.

Held in strategic partnership with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the theme “Where Vision Meets Investment”, the event focused on investment opportunities, international partnerships and the country’s economic diversification programme.

Premium Global Group announced a $10 million semi-refinery and oil-waste management and treatment project in Duqm, planned on 20,000 square metres of allocated land.

E.M. Badhrudeen & Partners, known as EMB, presented an engineering and manufacturing facility involving investment of about 3 million Omani rials, with a built-up area of 4,180 square metres.

AVENZO Pharma outlined plans for an integrated pharmaceutical manufacturing complex in Khazaen Economic City. Al Fidan Group announced investment exceeding 6 million rials through its premium bathroom solutions brand BIANCA, covering more than 40,000 square metres in the same economic city.

Hotpack and Sea Pride also handed over a formal memorandum of understanding for an integrated packaging complex in Barka. The companies described the proposed development as the first of its kind, bringing several packaging solutions together at one site.

Hotpack was represented by co-founder, group chief operating officer and executive director Zainudeen PB. Sea Pride Group chief executive Mohammed Ameen Sait and Pride Packaging director Basim Shajahan represented Sea Pride.

The announcements covered manufacturing, healthcare, industrial services and environmental management, sectors discussed as part of Oman’s efforts to develop its economy under Vision 2040.

In the opening address, titled “Why Oman, Why Now?”, chamber chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rawas said changes in global supply chains, demand for food and energy security, and technological advances were creating opportunities for countries offering stability and access to international markets.

Oman’s location connects businesses with Gulf, Asian and African markets, he said, supported by ports, industrial cities and economic zones.

He also pointed to changes in legislation and regulation, the expansion of digital services and simpler business procedures as measures supporting investment.

“Our ambition extends beyond attracting capital. We seek partnerships that promote knowledge and technology transfer, strengthen local content, create employment opportunities and generate sustainable economic value,” he said.

Sheikh Faisal said the chamber would continue connecting Omani companies with international investors. He urged participants to develop partnerships based on trust and an understanding of market needs.

The program opened with “Salute to Oman”, a tribute video about the country’s heritage, people, hospitality and economic development. Guest of honour Sayyid Mohammed bin Salim Al Said formally launched Inspire Oman before the investment announcements and business recognition ceremonies.

Abdul Lateef Moideen Kunhi, a chamber board member and head of its Foreign Investment Committee, also addressed the importance of foreign investment and commercial co-operation.

India’s ambassador to Oman, Prashant Pise, said the two countries’ economic relationship offered opportunities as India’s economy continued to grow.

“India’s progress has always been a story of shared progress. When India grows, it makes its friends partners in that growth,” he said.

Mr Pise said India’s progress towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy presented opportunities for Oman, supported by historical ties, maritime proximity and mutual trust.

He cited Indian economic growth exceeding 7.5 per cent despite global uncertainty and pointed to Make in India and Digital India as initiatives attracting investment.

The India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was the subject of a presentation by Satheesh B. Krishnan, first secretary at the Indian embassy.

The agreement entered into force on June 1, 2026, providing preferential market access and reducing trade barriers between the two countries.

In his session, “India-Oman CEPA: From Agreement to Opportunity”, Mr Krishnan examined how the pact could support investment, improve trade procedures and strengthen commercial connections.

The presentation considered Oman’s potential as a regional centre for processing, manufacturing, logistics and services, linking Indian capabilities with international markets. It also addressed how connected business activities could support long-term investment, employment and growth beyond cross-border trade.

Environmental considerations featured in a panel titled “Sustainability as a Strategy for Growth”.

Dr Mohammed Saif Al-Kalbani, director general of environmental compliance at Oman’s Environment Authority, joined business leaders Noushad Rahuman, Ibrahim Abdul Rahim and E.M. Badhrudeen to discuss incorporating sustainability into business development and long-term economic planning.

Shiju Sasidharan of Gulf Gypsum delivered an industry presentation on mining and minerals. Fisheries opportunities were discussed by Dr Hussain Mohamed Al Muscati, director of fisheries development in Muscat, and Sea Pride’s Mr Sait.

Established business leaders Dr P. Mohammed Ali, Anil Khimji and Kiran Asher shared accounts of building their businesses in Oman during “Meet the Pioneers: Their Journey, Their Success, Their Oman”.

A separate session, “The Next Level You”, was led by performance strategist and motivational speaker Arfeen Khan, who spoke about courage, self-belief and personal change.

He described Oman as a country offering stability, culture and a sense of continuity, and said inspiration and determination came from the heart. According to the event’s account, several audience members were moved to tears during his address.

The summit’s Business Excellence and Contribution to Oman Appreciations recognised entrepreneurs and companies for their economic contribution and role in creating employment.

Recipients included Noushad Rahuman of Premium Global Group; Ibrahim Abdul Rahim and Mohammed Said Abdullah Al Siyabi of Al Thail Group; E.M. Badhrudeen of EMB; Shazia Jahanzeb of GeneralTec; Mohammed Ameen Sait of Sea Pride; and M. A. Mohamed Ashraf of Shahi Foods & Spices.

Also recognised were Abdul Latheef Uppala and Dr P. A. Mohammed of Badr Al Samaa, Nissar Edathum Chalil of Avicen Pharmacy and Najeeb CP of Al Fidan Group.

Other recipients included Euro Postech International, Suhol Al Fayha, Gulf Gypsum, Four Moon Trading & Investment, OTE Genesis, Al Hosni & Partners, Noor Gazal, TOPAD, Dallah Fresh, Al Oufuq and Zay Detergent Industry, alongside other organisations.

The program included the launch of a book by U. T. Khader and networking sessions connecting entrepreneurs, investors and company representatives to discuss potential projects and partnerships.