The sultanate’s economy continues to enjoy the benefits of petroleum wealth, which has provided budget surpluses in most years and served as a backbone for growth. However, planning is well under way for an era in which oil will not be the main economic driver, with the twin goals of diversification and creating an increased number of private sector jobs at the top of the government’s current agenda. Indeed, in recent years, the non-OPEC oil exporter’s economy has been undergoing a steady transformation, reorienting from oil toward a more diverse set of service and industry-based economic activities. So far, progress has been promising. In 2011 oil and gas accounted for 38.8% of GDP. With the continuation of higher-than-expected energy prices in 2012, the government has increased economic investments accordingly. These investments, which include infrastructure, social programmes and small-business development, are aimed toward better preparing the country for its post-fossil fuel future.

The Minerals Yearbook is an annual publication that reviews the mineral and material industries of the United States and foreign countries. The Yearbook contains statistical data on materials and minerals and includes information on economic and technical trends and development. The Minerals Yearbook includes chapters on approximately 90 commodities and over 175 countries. This volume of the Minerals Yearbook provides an annual review of mineral production and trade and of mineral-related government and industry developments in more than 175 foreign countries. Each report includes sections on government policies and programs, environmental issues, trade and production data, industry structure and ownership, commodity sector developments, infrastructure, and a summary outlook.

As with most of its neighbours in the GCC region, oil and gas remains a significant contributor to Oman’s economy, accounting for around 50% of GDP. While the recent slump in oil prices is a concern, increased investment in enhanced oil recovery techniques in recent times has attempted to make up for this decline, with supply increasing as a result. Meanwhile, Oman’s industrial sector, particularly the petrochemicals segment, is poised for large expansion with ongoing investment in downstream infrastructure and new facilities in the pipeline for the Sohar and Salalah industrial regions expected to contribute significantly to output before 2020. Added to this is the rapid development of Oman’s ports, rail and airports, which is expected to drive its reputation as a regional logistics hub while developing the tourism sector, which is considered as key moving forward.

Oman’s economy contracted by 13.8% in nominal terms in 2015 as the ongoing low oil price environment squeezed growth and led to the largest budget deficit in over a decade. In a bid to tackle the shortfall the government is taking a number of revenue-raising measures such as cutting subsidies and increasing corporation tax, while remaining focused on its long-term diversification goals. Though hydrocarbons still account for 33.9% of GDP and 78.7% of state revenues, non-oil sectors are playing an increasingly prominent role in the country’s economic profile. Authorities are targeting heavy industries in particular with plans to boost their GDP contribution to from 19.8% today to 29% by 2020. Meanwhile annual growth of 6% is being targeted in the mining sector, with a host of regulatory initiatives being implemented as the government seeks to boost investor interest. Start reading

The Minerals Yearbook is an annual publication that reviews the mineral and material industries of the United States and foreign countries. The Yearbook contains statistical data on materials and minerals and includes information on economic and technical trends and development. The Minerals Yearbook includes chapters on approximately 90 commodities and over 175 countries. This volume of the Minerals Yearbook provides an annual review of mineral production and trade and of mineral-related government and industry developments in more than 175 foreign countries. Each report includes sections on government policies and programs, environmental issues, trade and production data, industry structure and ownership, commodity sector developments, infrastructure, and a summary outlook.