BRI Context in the Gulf
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has expanded rapidly across the Gulf, with Beijing investing in ports, industrial zones, energy infrastructure, and digital connectivity. The Gulf’s strategic location between Asia and Europe, combined with its energy resources and sovereign wealth, makes it a priority region for Chinese commercial and strategic engagement. GCC states have generally welcomed Chinese investment while seeking to balance it against their traditional Western security partnerships.
Oman’s BRI Engagement
Oman has been a significant BRI recipient, with the Duqm Special Economic Zone emerging as a flagship project. The Sino-Oman Industrial City at Duqm, a joint venture, aims to attract Chinese manufacturers seeking to serve Middle Eastern, African, and European markets. Chinese companies have invested in port facilities, pipeline construction, and industrial projects at Duqm. Wanfang, a Chinese consortium, has committed substantial investment to develop a 1,172-hectare industrial park. Beyond Duqm, Chinese companies participate in Oman’s telecommunications infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
Strategic Calculus
Oman’s BRI engagement reflects a pragmatic calculation: the Sultanate needs investment to develop Duqm and diversify its economy, and China offers capital, construction capability, and market access that complement Western investment. However, the deepening Chinese presence creates geopolitical complexity. The US and UK, Oman’s traditional security partners, view growing Chinese infrastructure presence in the Gulf with concern, particularly regarding port facilities with potential dual-use military applications. Oman must navigate this great-power competition carefully.
Economic Impact and Risks
BRI projects offer Oman tangible economic benefits: infrastructure development, manufacturing jobs, technology transfer, and export market access. However, risks include debt dependency (though Oman has been more cautious than some BRI recipients), quality and environmental standards concerns, limited technology transfer in practice, and the potential for Chinese industrial projects to compete with rather than complement Omani businesses. The key question is whether BRI engagement creates sustainable economic value or primarily serves Chinese strategic interests.