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Photo: courtesy Muscat Daily
Oman’s Fisheries Sector Sees Strong Growth, Bolstering Economic Diversification
OMAN
Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)
Muscat – Oman’s fisheries sector has demonstrated robust growth, expanding by 7.5% in the first three quarters of 2024, further cementing its role in the nation’s economic diversification strategy under the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021-25). The sector is targeting an annual growth rate of 10%, with an ambition to contribute 2% to the national GDP.
 According to Dr. Salim Al Sheikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, the sector’s growth accelerated to 9.5% at current prices in Q3 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Over the first nine months of the year, fisheries contributed RO 294 million to Oman’s GDP, which totaled RO 30.64 billion for the same period.
Oman has now achieved self-sufficiency in fish production, satisfying domestic demand while expanding its presence in international export markets.
Strategic Projects Driving Expansion
Growth is being fueled by major developments, including:
- The fishing port and fish canning complex in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm
- The Al Khuwaimiyah shrimp farm in South Sharqiyah
Modernization and Sustainability Initiatives
The government is implementing 224 development projects worth RO 1.6 billion under the Tenth Five-Year Plan, focusing on:
- Environmental sustainability
- Marine resource protection
- Enhancing Oman’s global environmental standing
Key programs include:
✔ National System for Monitoring and Control of Pollution
✔ Fisheries Guidance Development Programme
✔ Support Programme for Fishing Boats, Equipment, and Accessories
These efforts aim to improve working conditions, increase productivity, and attract more Omanis to the sector.
Boosting Food Security and Research
Additional initiatives highlighted by Sheikh include:
- The Research Vessel Programme for sustainable aquatic resource management
- Food security coordination projects
- Plans to enhance aquaculture productivity
- Establishment and rehabilitation of fisheries research centers in Musandam and Al Wusta
Developments at the new Dibba fishing port and shrimp ponds
Infrastructure Advancements
Significant progress is being made in port development:
- Dibba Port (Musandam) – 80% complete, set to become Oman’s second-largest multipurpose port after Duqm.
- Other key ports under development: Lima, Kumzar, Raysut, and Shanna.
These projects align with Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to optimize marine resources, expand food industries, and boost exports, reinforcing the sector’s role in the nation’s sustainable economic future.
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