MUSCAT: The World Bank Group has officially opened its first permanent office in Muscat, aimed at offering advisory services and overseeing projects funded by the World Bank and its private sector affiliates. This development underlines Oman’s commitment to harnessing international expertise for economic, social, urban, and private-sector growth as outlined in Oman Vision 2040.
The new office will oversee private-sector project financing, help expand export guarantee certifications, and provide technical, investment, and financing advice to Omani businesses. It will also foster regional trade connectivity within the GCC and Middle East, creating fresh opportunities for private sector expansion and boosting national exports.
The Muscat office follows the opening of World Bank Group branches in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. Earlier in 2025, the group signed two major financing agreements in Oman: one, worth RO 123 million, supports National Finance Company (RO 46 million) and Bank Sohar International (RO 77 million) to finance micro-enterprises and SMEs; the other, a RO 737 million deal with United Solar Polysilicon to establish a solar panel production unit in Sohar, enhancing Oman’s clean energy and export capabilities.
Wendy Werner, World Bank Group’s country manager in Oman, said the office will work closely with both public and private sectors to build a resilient economy, improve SMEs’ access to sustainable financing, and strengthen Omani businesses domestically and internationally.
The World Bank Group maintains a strong presence across the MENA region through a combination of regional and country offices. Its GCC Regional Office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia serves as the central hub for strategic coordination across Gulf Cooperation Council countries, led by a Regional Director. Country offices with resident representatives operate in Kuwait and Abu Dhabi, UAE, providing policy support and project advisory services.
In Muscat, Oman, its first permanent office will focus on supporting public and private sector development and aligning with Oman Vision 2040. Meanwhile, Qatar and Bahrain are covered under the regional GCC structure, with resident representation supporting ongoing initiatives.
