Oman seeks to position agriculture and food processing as key pillars of long-term economic growth
Oman is planning approximately $1 billion in food security investments during 2026 as part of an ambitious strategy to expand domestic agricultural production, strengthen self-sufficiency, and accelerate agribusiness development under the country’s 11th five-year plan.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the investment pipeline includes around 400 projects spanning plant production, livestock, fisheries, and aquatic food security sectors. Authorities said roughly half of the planned projects will focus on agriculture and livestock activities, reflecting the government’s continued push to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on food imports.
Officials stated that investment opportunities are being rolled out progressively, with hundreds of projects already identified across key food production segments. The government expects all planned opportunities to be fully launched before the end of 2026.
The latest initiative builds on Oman’s broader food security drive during the previous five-year development plan, under which the country implemented hundreds of projects aimed at improving agricultural productivity, fisheries output, and supply chain resilience.
Government data indicate that Oman has achieved particularly strong performance in fisheries, with self-sufficiency levels exceeding domestic demand and exports reaching approximately 60 international markets. Date production has also approached near-total self-sufficiency, while vegetable crop production continues to expand with exports reaching Gulf markets as well as Europe and Japan.
Authorities acknowledged that red meat production remains one of the country’s key food security challenges, with current self-sufficiency levels below half of domestic demand. To address this gap, Oman has intensified investment partnerships with international agribusiness companies, including a recent agreement between the state-backed Oman Investment Authority and JBS to establish poultry and meat processing facilities in the sultanate.
Industry observers view Oman’s latest investment programme as part of a broader regional shift toward food security-driven agricultural expansion, particularly across Gulf economies seeking to strengthen domestic production capabilities amid climate pressures, global supply chain disruptions, and rising import dependency concerns.
