Governorate Overview
Ash Sharqiyah North combines oil and gas production with emerging tourism and traditional industries. The historic city of Sur was once Oman’s premier maritime trading centre, and dhow-building heritage attracts cultural tourists. The Ras al Hadd turtle reserve and Wahiba Sands desert provide nature tourism anchors. Oil production from the Qarn Alam and Yibal fields contributes significantly to the regional economy.
Key Investment Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 290,000 |
| Share of national GDP | 4% |
| Key sectors | oil and gas, tourism, fisheries, agriculture |
| Investment zones | Ibra Industrial Zone, Sur Industrial Estate |
Infrastructure
The governorate’s infrastructure base includes Sur Industrial Estate, Ras al Hadd Airport (planned), coastal road network. Government investment in transport connectivity and utilities continues to expand, with Vision 2040 infrastructure programmes prioritising underserved regions.
Priority Investment Opportunities
Key opportunities in Ash Sharqiyah North include Eco-tourism, turtle conservation tourism, fisheries modernisation, gas processing. The governorate administration actively supports investor facilitation through the One-Stop-Shop service centres established under the Invest Oman initiative.
Regulatory Environment
Investment in Ash Sharqiyah North benefits from national-level regulatory frameworks including the Foreign Capital Investment Law, Commercial Companies Law, and sector-specific licensing through relevant ministries. Free zone establishments offer additional regulatory flexibility and incentive packages.
Vision 2040 Alignment
The Ash Sharqiyah North Governorate Development Plan aligns with Vision 2040’s balanced regional development objectives. Priority investment areas have been identified through governorate-level strategic planning processes, with dedicated budgetary allocations for enabling infrastructure and human capital development.