Oman Launches $5B Investment Fund to Diversify Economy

A general view of Muscat, Oman. (AP)
A general view of Muscat, Oman. (AP)
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Oman Launches $5B Investment Fund to Diversify Economy

A general view of Muscat, Oman. (AP)
A general view of Muscat, Oman. (AP)

Oman plans to launch a $5 billion public investment fund to support plans to overhaul the economy in the Gulf Arab nation over the next two decades, state media reported Wednesday.

The Oman Future Fund will aim to increase economic activity and support the private sector as the country looks to reduce its reliance on oil.

State media said Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said approved the new fund, which would launch with 2 million riyals, or around $5.2 billion. It would support the country's Vision 2040 plans to grow and diversify the economy.

The Oman Investment Authority was established in 2020 and incorporated an earlier fund dating back to 1980.



Saudi-Portuguese Business Council Strengthens Economic Ties with Portugal

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi-Portuguese Business Council Strengthens Economic Ties with Portugal

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

The Saudi-Portuguese Business Council, led by Chairman Alwaleed bin Khaled Al-Baltan, concluded a successful visit to Portugal, marking significant progress in boosting economic cooperation between the two nations, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday.

The delegation engaged with key Portuguese officials, including the Ministers of Economy, Agriculture, Parliamentary Affairs and Sports, Infrastructure and Housing, as well as the Mayors of Porto and Leiria.

The delegation also held meetings with officials from the sports and aviation sectors, underscoring the wide-ranging potential for collaboration. Additionally, the delegation met with Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Portugal Prince Saud bin Abdul Mohsen bin Abdulaziz to discuss the outcomes of the visit.

In Lisbon, workshops introduced Portuguese companies to investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia. With participation from Al-Hawaishel Law Firm and Bank AlJazira, these sessions detailed the Kingdom's investment systems, incentives and financing solutions.

The delegation visited several prominent Portuguese firms specializing in ports, marine warehouses, real estate, technology, media, tourism, transportation and infrastructure.

Microsaur, a technology solutions and protection systems company, and Etermar, a specialist in port operations, announced plans to establish regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, over 260 Portuguese companies expressed readiness to enter the Saudi market.

The visit was capped with the signing of a tripartite framework agreement between the Saudi-Portuguese Business Council, the Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Portuguese Business Council. The agreement aims to strengthen economic relations and explore collaborations in aviation, tourism, sports investment, media, education, healthcare, agriculture, and fish farming.