Oman will launch ‘Golden Residency’ program to attract investors

Oman’s Golden Residency mirrors similar initiatives across the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program and the UAE’s 10-year Golden Residency. Shutterstock
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Updated 01 September 2025
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Oman will launch ‘Golden Residency’ program to attract investors

JEDDAH: Oman will launch its “Golden Residency” program for investors on Aug. 31, in a move designed to attract foreign capital, boost economic growth, and position the country as a leading global business hub.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion will unveil the residency program alongside the “Mujeedah Companies” initiative for high-performing firms and a new electronic service to transfer commercial registration ownership via the “Invest Oman” platform, according to the state news agency.

The announcement will be made at an event titled “Sustainable Business Environment,” hosted at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Recreation in Salalah under the patronage of Dhofar Gov. Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al-Said.

Oman’s Golden Residency mirrors similar initiatives across the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program and the UAE’s 10-year Golden Residency. 

The move aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040 strategy to diversify the economy beyond oil and foster a competitive, investment-friendly environment.

The residency program builds on reforms under Oman’s Foreign Capital Investment Law, which in recent years has allowed 100 percent foreign ownership in over 1,700 business activities, reduced registration fees, offered tax exemptions of up to 30 years, and streamlined more than 800 government services.

The Salalah event will also feature the signing of cooperation agreements with Sultan Qaboos University, the German University of Technology, the Oman Energy Association, and Binaa Professional Services to develop the construction sector, ONA reported.

Mubarak bin Mohammed Al-Douhani, director general of planning at MoCIIP, said these initiatives aim to provide investors with stable, long-term opportunities and position Oman as a global investment destination.

He added that the “Mujeedah Companies” program will help high-performing Omani firms expand locally and internationally through a package of incentives and support.

Al-Douhani, who also heads the ministry’s digital transformation team, highlighted the importance of digitalization in commercial transactions. The electronic authentication service for transferring commercial registration ownership is expected to cut time and costs for investors, while promoting transparency and efficiency.

The ministry is also focused on developing the construction sector to meet modern, sustainable standards and strengthening collaboration with academic institutions and the private sector to nurture talent and foster innovation.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 10,452

Updated 14 sec ago
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 10,452

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index dipped on Tuesday, losing 137.26 points, or 1.30 percent, to close at 10,452.91.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR3.61 billion ($964.2 million), as 25 of the listed stocks advanced, while 235 retreated.

The MSCI Tadawul Index decreased, down 16.79 points or 1.21 percent, to close at 1,374.55.

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 246.13 points, or 1.04 percent, to close at 23,470.28. This comes as 23 of the listed stocks advanced, while 51 retreated.

The best-performing stock was AlAhli REIT Fund 1, with its share price surging by 4.15 percent to SR6.52.

Other top performers included Dar Alarkan Real Estate Development Co., which saw its share price rise by 3.47 percent to SR15.80, and Arabian Drilling Co., which saw a 1.53 percent increase to SR96.35.

On the downside, the worst performer of the day was CHUBB Arabia Cooperative Insurance Co., whose share price fell by 5.40 percent to SR20.66.

Sport Clubs Co. and Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Co. also saw declines, with their shares dropping by 5.10 percent and 4.76 percent to SR8.75 and SR7, respectively.

On the announcements front, Saudi Arabia Refineries Co. has formally established its new subsidiary, Clean Energy Co., announcing the completion of its articles of association and commercial registration.

The wholly owned limited liability company, headquartered in Bish City, is slated to operate in the critical sectors of metal mining, organic chemical manufacturing, and the production of primary gases, including liquid and compressed air. 

According to the official announcement on Tadawul, the subsidiary will commence operations after finalizing all remaining incorporation requirements, which encompass administrative and technical arrangements as well as securing the necessary operational licenses. 

The move marks a strategic expansion for the parent company into the industrial and clean energy supply chain. Sarco’s shares traded 0.93 percent lower on the main market today to reach SR53.