In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is crafting a new narrative for its future—one that intertwines economic ambition with cultural vibrancy. Recent years have witnessed a remarkable transformation, with art and cultural events not only elevating Oman’s global profile but also becoming pivotal to the nation’s economic strategy. As the Sultanate launches its Eleventh Five-Year Development Plan (2026-2030), the spotlight is firmly on manufacturing and tourism, sectors seen as the twin engines driving the country toward a diversified and resilient prosperity.
According to Middle East Briefing, Oman’s latest Five-Year Plan sets an ambitious target: an average annual GDP growth of around 4 percent from 2026 to 2030. What’s striking is the plan’s clear pivot away from oil dependency, focusing instead on boosting non-oil sectors. Manufacturing is expected to grow at a robust 5.9 percent annually, while tourism is projected to expand at 5.7 percent—both outpacing the overall GDP growth target. These goals are more than numbers on a page; they’re signals of Oman’s intent to insulate itself from the volatility of hydrocarbon markets and embrace a future defined by innovation, creativity, and openness.
The synergy between economic policy and cultural dynamism is perhaps best illustrated by the recent surge in high-profile events. The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) has become a beacon for regional and international audiences. A recent concert by the legendary Kadim Al Sahir drew thousands, with many attendees flying in specifically for the occasion. Said Al Shanfari, CEO of OCEC, noted that such concerts and artistic events have attracted more than 11,000 visitors from both within and outside Oman, leading to increased hotel occupancy and longer stays. "This demonstrates the powerful impact of cultural events as economic drivers for the nation," Al Shanfari remarked.
This isn’t just about entertainment. The ripple effects are tangible: visitors, inspired by Oman’s landscapes and heritage, have taken to social media, vlogs, and blogs to share their experiences, amplifying the Sultanate’s allure as a premier destination for live entertainment and cultural tourism. Regional tour operators have seized the opportunity, crafting special packages that blend the excitement of live concerts with guided cultural excursions. These curated experiences allow travelers to immerse themselves in Oman’s traditions while enjoying its modern comforts—a formula that’s boosting tourism revenues and reinforcing the country’s image as a place where authenticity and progress go hand in hand.
Tourism’s role in the new Five-Year Plan is anything but incidental. The government is treating it as a commercial sector with scalable economic returns. The business case is compelling: tourism attracts foreign direct investment, generates services exports, and fuels the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises across accommodation, transport, food, and events. The sector’s labor-absorptive nature is especially valuable, with the plan projecting around 300,000 new jobs between 2026 and 2030—many of them in tourism and manufacturing.
But Oman isn’t content to rest on traditional forms of tourism. The plan calls for diversification within the sector, encompassing leisure and resort tourism, cultural and heritage tourism, eco- and nature-based tourism, and business tourism through events and exhibitions. This multi-pronged approach aims to reduce vulnerability to cyclical demand and broaden the sector’s economic impact. The upcoming Muscat Art Exhibition in November 2026 is a case in point: with more than 200 artists from 15 countries and full capacity already reached, the event is set to be a vibrant platform for creative exchange. It’s not just an exhibition—it’s a symbol of Oman’s commitment to fostering international cultural dialogue and creativity.
The OCEC’s calendar is packed with more marquee events. On November 7, 2026, the center will host Majid Al Muhandis, expected to draw a full house of music lovers from across the region. Later that month, on November 21, renowned comedian Bassem Youssef will take the stage, promising an evening of laughter and connection. Each of these gatherings does more than entertain; they inspire, spark conversations, and deepen appreciation for Oman’s cultural spirit. As C-MW.net notes, such events are transforming Oman into a thriving regional hub for art, music, and culture.
Manufacturing, the other pillar of Oman’s economic strategy, is also getting a major boost. The sector is now recognized as a leading driver of diversification, not just a supporting industry. Manufacturing’s appeal lies in its potential for value-added growth, productivity gains, and integration into global value chains. By moving up the value chain, Oman aims to reduce its reliance on basic extraction and low-margin trading, instead fostering domestic value creation and export potential. The plan’s clear growth expectations—5.9 percent annually for manufacturing—underscore its centrality to Oman’s vision of a modern, competitive economy.
Supporting these ambitions are a host of enabling sectors, including the digital economy, renewable energy, transport and logistics, mining, food security, education, and health. Together, they form a self-reinforcing ecosystem designed to make Oman more attractive to investors and better equipped to scale up its manufacturing and tourism industries. The digital economy, in particular, is positioned as a core pillar, reflecting the government’s commitment to embracing technology and innovation as drivers of growth.
Of course, challenges remain. Oman faces global economic volatility, skills gaps in advanced manufacturing and high-value services, and stiff competition for foreign investment across the Gulf. Addressing these constraints is critical to maintaining momentum in priority sectors. Yet the Sultanate enjoys clear structural advantages: its strategic location along major trade routes, world-class ports and logistics infrastructure, and a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. These assets, combined with a proactive policy framework, give Oman a strong foundation for the years ahead.
As Oman continues to implement its Vision 2040 through successive Five-Year Plans, the coming decade will be pivotal. The integration of cultural vibrancy with economic strategy is more than a policy choice—it’s a statement of national identity. In Oman, every concert, exhibition, and festival is not just an event, but a building block in the country’s journey toward a diversified, resilient, and globally connected future.