Oman’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), in collaboration with the Tax Authority and the Ministry of Labour, has introduced the ‘Excellent Companies’ initiative to incentivise firms that boost national employment, productivity, and regional competitiveness. The programme aims to strengthen Oman’s economy by supporting companies that directly contribute to workforce development through Omanisation, modern practices, and international standards.
Eligible firms must be registered in Oman, employ at least one Omani, and meet key evaluation benchmarks, including workforce size, Omanisation levels, revenues and export activity.
Companies are assessed in two phases, starting with core metrics, such as age, branch footprint, workforce and Omanisation levels, before adding criteria such as digital transformation, local content, and ESG practices. Based on scores, firms are classified into categories and growth stages, from emerging start-ups (10–50 employees and over 10 per cent Omanisation) to advanced companies with over 200 employees and about 35 per cent Omanisation.
Recognised firms gain preferential access to government support, including workforce- development initiatives such as the ‘Kafa’at’ talent-building programme, faster licensing, export assistance, and representation opportunities abroad. Administrative and operational benefits, such as customs facilitation, expedited tax refunds, and priority branding at trade fairs, further aim to enhance business performance and workforce stability.
By linking incentives with employment and Omanisation targets, the initiative positions workforce development as central to Oman’s growth, diversification and global competitiveness.
