Dependency Profile
Oman imports approximately 60-70 percent of its food requirements, making it highly vulnerable to global supply chain disruption, commodity price spikes, and geopolitical events that affect trade routes. The Sultanate’s arid climate, limited arable land (less than 0.1 percent of total area), and severe water constraints fundamentally limit domestic agricultural production. Key import categories include grains (wheat, rice), dairy products, meat, vegetables, fruits, and processed food. The majority of food imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz or arrive via Gulf ports, creating chokepoint vulnerability.
Risk Exposure
Recent events have demonstrated the fragility of Oman’s food supply chain. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted logistics and caused temporary shortages. The Russia-Ukraine conflict drove global grain prices sharply higher, increasing Oman’s import bill. Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping have disrupted trade routes. Climate change is reducing agricultural yields in key supplier countries. Each of these disruptions has been manageable, but a combination of simultaneous shocks – a conflict closing the Strait of Hormuz during a global grain shortage, for example – would create a food security crisis.
Domestic Production Potential
Despite environmental constraints, Oman has unexplored agricultural potential. Fisheries production is significant and could expand with better fleet modernisation, cold chain infrastructure, and aquaculture development. Date production is a traditional strength. Controlled environment agriculture (greenhouses, vertical farms) offers water-efficient production possibilities. The Al Batinah coastal plain supports horticulture with improved water management. Salalah’s monsoon climate enables tropical agriculture unique in the Arabian Peninsula. However, domestic production can supplement but not replace food imports at current consumption levels.
Food Security Strategy
A comprehensive food security strategy should include: strategic grain reserves (Oman is building storage capacity); diversification of import sources to reduce single-supplier dependency; investment in controlled environment agriculture and aquaculture; support for domestic food processing to add value locally; bilateral food security agreements with reliable agricultural exporters; participation in GCC-wide food security initiatives; and investment in overseas agricultural assets (farmland in Africa, South Asia) to secure supply chains. Food security is a national security issue that requires the same strategic attention as energy security.