Oman's Ministry of Commerce Enhances Communication with Entrepreneurs in Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Sector

Strategic Insights -

The Sultanate of Oman's Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, led by Minister Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, has taken a series of direct engagements to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen the business environment in Oman. In a recent meeting with entrepreneurs in the vehicle repair and maintenance sector, the Ministry discussed key challenges facing workshop owners and businesses, including unfair competition and concealed trade.

The meeting was part of a series of direct engagements conducted by the Ministry to enhance communication with small and medium enterprise (SME) owners, in line with its efforts to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen the business environment in the Sultanate of Oman. The initiative is carried out in collaboration with partners, including the SMEs Development Authority (Riyada), Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Khazaen Economic City.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion has taken several legal measures against violating companies by implementing the first phase of Ministerial Decision No. 412/2023 on combating concealed trade, which covered three governorates (Muscat, Dhofar, and North Al Batinah).
  • The second phase of the decision will be rolled out in the coming period.
  • The discussion also touched on challenges related to obtaining land usufruct rights for conducting economic activities in vehicle repair and maintenance, as well as financing difficulties for projects in this sector.
  • Entrepreneur Nasser Nasrallah Al Fahdi presented a working paper detailing his personal experience in establishing and managing a vehicle repair workshop, along with the challenges he faced since starting in 2016.
  • Representatives of Khazaen Economic City delivered a visual presentation highlighting investment opportunities available in the Khazaen Market for vehicle spare parts, repair, and maintenance.
  • Data released by the Information and Statistics Department at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion shows that the number of licensed companies in vehicle repair and maintenance activities exceeded 13,500 by June 2025.
  • The most common activities in the sector are vehicle electrical repair (3,651 establishments), vehicle mechanics (2,363 establishments), and oil change services (1,441 establishments).

Statistics:

  • 13,500: The number of licensed companies in vehicle repair and maintenance activities exceeded in Oman by June 2025.
  • 3,651: The number of establishments providing vehicle electrical repair services.
  • 2,363: The number of establishments providing vehicle mechanics services.
  • 1,441: The number of establishments providing oil change services.
  • 95%: The percentage of full Omani ownership in the vehicle repair and maintenance sector.

Sources:

  • Oman News Agency (July 15, 2025)
  • Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, Sultanate of Oman
  • SMEs Development Authority (Riyada)
  • Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Khazaen Economic City
  • Information and Statistics Department at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, Sultanate of Oman