Muscat – Under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman has recorded notable progress across global indices and indicators, reflecting a clear vision translated into effective action. Guided by Oman Vision 2040, the sultanate has advanced simultaneously in digital transformation, human development, economic diversification and global engagement. These improvements are not isolated gains but the result of a coordinated national approach that strengthens institutions, empowers people and enhances sustainability, positioning Oman as a competitive and forward-looking nation on the regional and international stage.
Central to this journey is the work of the National Competitiveness Committee and the National Competitiveness Office, which coordinate efforts across the government and private sectors. By monitoring international indicators, proposing reforms and aligning national policies with global best practices, these bodies ensure that development remains data-driven, accountable and future-focused.
Driving digital transformation and innovation
Digital transformation stands out as one of Oman’s strongest areas of progress. Between 2020 and 2024, the sultanate ranked fourth globally among developing economies in attracting foreign direct investment for greenfield ICT infrastructure projects. With US$1.7bn invested in digital infrastructure – nearly three times previous levels – Oman has emerged as a credible regional hub for digital connectivity and innovation, outperforming several advanced economies.
This momentum is closely linked to the National Digital Economy Programme, which integrates information and communications technology across education, government and business. Initiatives such as introducing artificial intelligence and data analytics into school curricula, establishing a national open data platform, and creating AI research centres aim to build digital skills and stimulate innovation. Collectively, these efforts support Oman’s ambition to raise the digital economy’s contribution to GDP from 2% in 2021 to 10% by 2040, reinforcing a shift towards a knowledge-based economy.
Transparency, open data and digital governance
Oman’s emphasis on transparency and evidence-based policymaking has been reflected in its performance in global open data and e-governance indices. In the 2024 Open Data Inventory, the sultanate ranked first in West Asia and ninth worldwide, rising sharply from its 2022 position. Strong scores in population statistics, health, trade and financial data underline the country’s commitment to building comprehensive and accessible national data systems that support planning, research and accountability.
Progress in digital governance is equally notable. Oman improved its score in the United Nations Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index, reflecting wider availability of online services, high user satisfaction and growing outreach. Regulatory capacity has also strengthened, with the country ranking 18th globally in the ITU’s ICT Regulatory Tracker and second in both the GCC and the Arab world. These gains point to clearer legal frameworks, stronger regulatory independence and an environment conducive to competition and investment, all essential for sustaining digital growth.
Advancing human development and social well-being
Beyond technology, Oman’s human development indicators reveal significant improvements in citizens’ well-being. The 2025 Human Development Index placed Oman among countries with very high human development, reflecting gains in life expectancy, education and income. Rising years of schooling and higher national income per capita signal the impact of sustained investment in people and public services, even as global human development growth shows signs of slowing.
Education and labour reforms further reinforce this progress. Three additional Omani universities entered the QS World University Rankings 2026, bringing the total to five. This growth reflects improvements in academic standards, research capacity and alignment with global best practices, supporting Vision 2040 goals for innovation and human capital development.
In labour relations, Oman’s improved rating from a rating of 4 to 3 in the ITUC Global Rights Index highlights advances in social dialogue and workers’ rights. The establishment of structured tripartite mechanisms involving government, employers and workers demonstrates a commitment to fair labour practices and inclusive economic growth.
Entrepreneurship and economic diversification
Economic diversification is another pillar of Oman’s transformation. The sultanate’s rise to eighth place globally in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor underscores the strengthening of its entrepreneurial ecosystem. Improvements across all assessed framework conditions – ranging from market access and infrastructure to education and regulation – indicate a more supportive environment for business creation and growth.
Notably, Oman has performed strongly in entrepreneurial education at both school and post-school levels, while market dynamics and ease of entry for new businesses have improved. Enhanced access to resources for women entrepreneurs and a growing focus on sustainability among start-ups reflect broader social and environmental priorities embedded within economic reform efforts.
Growing global influence and national well-being
Oman’s development trajectory is also visible in indicators of happiness, soft power and international mobility. A solid ranking in the 2025 World Happiness Report – 52nd globally and fourth in the Arab world – reflects improvements in life satisfaction, social support and economic security. While not at the very top globally, Oman’s position demonstrates steady gains in quality of life relative to regional peers.
In terms of international influence, the country’s performance in the 2025 Global Soft Power Index – 49th worldwide – points to gradual but consistent improvements in governance, culture, sustainability and global engagement. Oman’s diplomatic approach, cultural heritage and reputation as a stable, constructive actor contribute to its growing international profile.
Environmental sustainability further strengthens this image. Ranked the least polluted country in the Arab world and 23rd globally in the Numbeo 2025 Pollution Index, Oman has shown that economic development can coexist with environmental protection. Policies promoting clean energy, afforestation and effective waste management highlight an integrated approach to sustainability. Meanwhile, improved passport mobility reflects growing international trust and expanding diplomatic relationships. In the first half of 2025, the Henley Passport Index ranked Oman 56th globally, up from 60th in 2024. Citizens can now travel visa-free to 88 countries.
Strategic outlook: Vision 2040 in practice
Taken together, these achievements under His Majesty Sultan Haitham illustrate a coherent and balanced national strategy. Oman has aligned digital transformation with human development, economic reform and environmental stewardship, creating mutually reinforcing pillars of growth. Investments in ICT infrastructure, data systems and regulatory frameworks underpin innovation, while parallel progress in education, labour rights and entrepreneurship strengthens social stability and economic resilience.
Under His Majesty’s vision, the sultanate has demonstrated how long-term planning, institutional coordination and openness to reform can translate into tangible outcomes. With these gains, Oman is well positioned to deepen its competitiveness, enhance citizen well-being and expand its influence on the regional and global stage.
