Foreign Investors’ Access to the Muscat Stock Exchange

Yes, foreign investors can operate on the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) and buy and sell shares of various companies. According to the latest developments, restrictions on foreign ownership have been completely removed, which has significantly reduced barriers to entry for international investors. These individuals have the right to buy and sell shares on the Omani stock exchange without needing residency or a work permit in Oman, simply by holding an international bank account. It should be noted that investing in the Omani stock exchange alone does not grant residency in the country.

Market Outlook and Profitability Potential

The Muscat Stock Exchange has shown remarkable performance in recent years and was recognized in 2025 as the best-performing stock market in the Gulf Cooperation Council with a return of 28%. This upward trend continued in 2026, and financial institutions have predicted that the MSX30 index will reach approximately 7,447 points by the end of 2026, indicating the potential for another 16.7% growth.

In terms of investment attractiveness, the Omani stock exchange trades at a P/E ratio of about 11.8 compared to a regional average of 14.9, representing a 20.9% discount. Also, with a cash dividend yield of 5.5% compared to the Gulf region’s average of 3.3%, this market is considered one of the most attractive markets in terms of income generation.

The key factors behind this growth include:

• Oman’s return to investment grade rating (BBB-) by Fitch Ratings in December 2025.

• Structural reforms of the stock exchange, including the removal of foreign ownership restrictions, improvement of liquidity, and provision of more facilities for foreign investors.

• The increase in the share of foreign investors; in the first quarter of 2026, foreign investors recorded $61 million in net purchases on the Omani stock exchange.

• Expectations that the Muscat Stock Exchange will be upgraded from “frontier” to “emerging” status, which could bring a new wave of foreign investments.

Diversity of Investment Instruments

Investors in the Omani stock exchange, in addition to buying and selling shares, can also invest in mutual funds, bonds, and other financial instruments. New legal reforms in the securities field (Royal Decree 46/2022) have facilitated the regulatory framework for these activities.

Pre-Investment Recommendations

Although the Omani stock exchange has lower risk compared to many regional stock exchanges and enjoys an acceptable standing in terms of transparency and financial supervision, it is recommended to conduct sufficient study of the economic conditions and the performance of companies listed on this market before starting investment. Reputable Omani brokerage firms such as Ubhar Capital publish periodic analytical reports that can help you better understand the market.

Investment in Tourism and the Hospitality Industry in Oman

Along with the growth of the tourism industry in Oman, the demand for workforce in hotels, restaurants, resorts, and travel agencies in the country has also increased. Foreign investors have increasingly turned to investment in the tourism sector and hospitality industry on beautiful coasts with rich local culture and unique experiences. Job seekers are also looking for suitable employment opportunities in fields such as hotel management, culinary arts, hospitality services, tour guides, and travel agencies.

Investment in Transport Infrastructure

Oman has paid special attention to developing its transport infrastructure in ports, airports, and road networks, which has created major investment opportunities in this field.

Money Transfers

Currently in Oman, a money transfer network is available for Iranian and foreign companies and traders, and money transfers from one account to another in the country can be made in the following areas:

A – Revenues earned from foreign investment.

B – Returns resulting from the sale or liquidation of all or part of the investment project.

C – Funds resulting from the settlement of disputes related to the invested project.

D – Compensation resulting from the expropriation of the investment project for public interest.

E – Payment of loan installments or financing of the investment project from outside the country.

F – Any financial transfers resulting from imports and exports related to the activity of the investment project.

G – Any external payments related to the rental of machinery or contracts for the provision of services within the framework of project implementation.

Any foreign investor, in accordance with the laws in force in the Sultanate of Oman, can transfer the ownership of all or part of their investment project to another foreign investor or to an Omani person, whether during the implementation of the project or after it begins operations. They can also transfer part of the project to their partner in the form of a partnership, or carry out merger, acquisition, or change the legal structure of the project.

In these cases, the investment project continues to be treated in accordance with the provisions of the Omani Investment Law, provided that the new investor continues to operate the project and replaces the previous investor with regard to rights, obligations, and legal responsibilities.