Oman Sovereign Funds Guide
Oman manages national wealth through sovereign investment vehicles designed to stabilise fiscal revenues, build inter-generational savings, and invest in strategic economic development. The consolidation of these functions under the Oman Investment Authority in 2020 represented a major governance reform under Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.
Key Facts
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary Entity | Oman Investment Authority (OIA) |
| Estimated AUM | $17+ billion |
| Predecessor Funds | SGRF, OIF |
| International Investments | Global portfolio |
| Governance | Royal Decree oversight |
Historical Background
The State General Reserve Fund (SGRF), established in 1980, served as Oman’s primary sovereign wealth fund investing oil revenues in international capital markets. The Oman Investment Fund (OIF), created in 2006, focused on alternative investments and strategic domestic projects. Both were merged into OIA in 2020.
Oman Investment Authority
OIA combines sovereign wealth management with state-owned enterprise oversight. The authority manages a diversified global portfolio across equities, fixed income, real estate, and alternative investments. Domestically, OIA holds strategic stakes in over 30 companies spanning energy, logistics, telecoms, and financial services.
Investment Strategy
OIA’s investment strategy balances three objectives: fiscal stabilisation through liquid reserves, long-term wealth preservation through diversified global investments, and strategic domestic investments that catalyse Vision 2040 economic development. The authority follows international best practices for sovereign fund governance and transparency.
Fiscal Stabilisation
Sovereign reserves provide fiscal buffers during periods of low oil prices, enabling continued government spending on social services and infrastructure. The Medium-Term Fiscal Plan establishes rules for transfers between the budget and sovereign reserves based on oil price benchmarks.
International Partnerships
OIA participates in international sovereign fund networks and co-investment platforms. Partnerships with Gulf and Asian sovereign funds enable large-scale co-investments in infrastructure and technology projects. The fund maintains offices in key financial centres.