Suhar Investment Forum 2026: RO 300 Million in Opportunities Signals Oman's Tech-Driven Industrial Future

The Suhar Investment Forum 2026, held on February 4-5 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sohar, concluded with five agreements worth nearly RO 12 million and showcased over 50 investment opportunities valued at approximately RO 300 million. The two-day event attracted delegates from more than 30 countries, with a notable emphasis on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and technology-driven industrial development.

📌 Key Takeaways

• Over 50 investment opportunities worth RO 300 million presented across industrial, logistics, and technology sectors
• Five agreements signed worth nearly RO 12 million during the two-day forum
• Delegates from 30+ countries participated, including investors focused on AI, data sciences, and clean technologies
• Panel discussions highlighted Sohar's transformation into a smart industrial city with enhanced digital services
• Sohar Port and Freezone attracted over US$4 billion in investments over the past two years

🏭 Sohar's Rise as a Smart Industrial Hub

Organised by the Al Batinah North branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), the forum was themed "Suhar: Industrial Investment Destination." This positioning reflects Oman's ambition to establish Sohar as an advanced industrial hub that integrates modern technologies with traditional manufacturing strengths.

A key panel discussion titled "The New Sohar - Gateway to Industrial and Technology Investments" addressed the future of advanced and technology-based industries in the region. Topics included:

• Industrial localisation and knowledge transfer mechanisms
• Development of digital services connecting port, freezone, and industrial areas
• Enhanced connectivity through smart infrastructure
• Simplified digital procedures for investor support

🌍 International Interest in Oman's Technology Ecosystem

The forum attracted significant attention from technology-focused international investors. Nitin Kalara, Founder and CEO of Blu Parrot Venture for Data Sciences and Agentic AI, noted that his participation "reflects growing global interest in Oman's emerging technology ecosystem." He described Oman as "a promising gateway for AI-driven solutions, data sciences and regional expansion."

Nabil Mohamed, Senior Advisor for the Middle East and Africa at Business Finland, highlighted the forum as "particularly attractive for Finnish companies seeking reliable partners and long-term opportunities in manufacturing, clean technologies, and digital solutions."

Over 750 participants from Oman and abroad—representing governments, international organisations, major companies, and investment bodies—attended the event, according to Muscat Daily.

💰 Investment Track Record and Digital Infrastructure

The forum's success builds on Sohar's proven track record as an investment destination. According to official reports, Sohar Port and Freezone has attracted investments exceeding US$4 billion over the past two years, reflecting strong international investor confidence in Oman's logistics and economic advantages.

The forum's organisers employed a modern media strategy featuring integrated promotional campaigns across traditional and digital media, alongside a centralised digital platform for participant registration, interactive engagements, and streamlined access to investment information.

🔗 Connection to Vision 2040 and Digital Economy Goals

The Suhar Investment Forum aligns with Oman's broader National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies, which runs through 2026 as part of Oman Vision 2040. The programme aims to:

• Increase the digital economy's GDP contribution from 2% (2021) to 5% by 2030 and 10% by 2040
• Position Oman among the top 50 countries in the Government AI Readiness Index
• Develop an Omani language model ("Oman GPT") and establish a Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Earlier in January 2026, the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) signed an MoU with Future Cities (an Omantel subsidiary) to strengthen cooperation in AI technologies and data quality improvement, demonstrating the government's commitment to building AI capabilities across public institutions.

🇴🇲 Why This Matters for Oman

The Suhar Investment Forum 2026 represents more than just an investment showcase—it signals Oman's strategic shift toward technology-integrated industrial development. As global investors increasingly seek opportunities in AI, data sciences, and clean technologies, Oman is positioning Sohar as a smart industrial city that can compete regionally and internationally.

For Omani entrepreneurs and technology professionals, this creates opportunities in the value chains forming around Sohar's industrial ecosystem. The emphasis on digital transformation, simplified procedures, and enhanced connectivity suggests that technology service providers—from AI consultancies to digital infrastructure companies—will find growing demand in the Al Batinah North region.

The forum's success also demonstrates that Oman's Vision 2040 diversification strategy is gaining traction with international investors, who see the Sultanate as a stable, technology-forward destination in the Gulf region.

📚 Sources

• Oman News Agency: Sohar Investment Forum Begins With Signing of 5 Agreements Worth RO 12m
• Muscat Daily: Over 30 countries to join Suhar Investment Forum 2026
• Oman Observer: Suhar forum showcases projects worth RO 300m
• Omanet: Suhar Forum Unveils RO 300M Projects
• Zawya: Suhar Investment Forum 2026 will attract international delegates from over 30 countries
• MTCIT: Oman AI & Digital Future Program (2024-2026)
• Times of Oman: MoU signed to enhance digital transformation projects in Oman