The Sultanate of Oman is undergoing a significant transformation in its commitment to quality and economic competitiveness. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) and the Directorate General of Standards and Metrology (DGSM), the nation is actively developing its national standards and metrology system to align with the ambitious goals of the 10th Five-Year Development Plan and, ultimately, Oman Vision 2040. This proactive approach isn’t just about compliance; it’s about building a robust quality infrastructure that fosters growth, attracts investment, and ensures consumer confidence.
Strengthening Oman’s Quality Infrastructure
The drive to enhance the national standards and metrology system is a multifaceted project encompassing several key initiatives. These include stricter regulation of precious metals and gemstones within local markets, a modernized conformity assessment system, and the activation of standards to directly support crucial development sectors. A central component of this strategy is the Omani Standards Store, providing easy access to vital documentation and promoting adherence to best practices.
Key Components of the Development Plan
Beyond the core elements, the DGSM is focused on bolstering technical expertise in metrology, establishing the Oman Accreditation Centre, and refining the Omani Quality Mark. Crucially, they are also preparing a national strategy for standardization and quality, spanning 2026 to 2030, and implementing a quality management system compliant with the internationally recognized ISO 9001 standard. This holistic approach demonstrates a dedication to long-term, sustainable improvement.
International Collaboration and Recognition
Oman’s commitment extends beyond its borders. The current year has seen significant progress in forging international partnerships. According to Imad bin Khamis Al Shukaili, Director General of DGSM, Oman has successfully signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Bahrain, India, Belarus, and Tunisia. These agreements focus on enhancing mutual recognition in the critical areas of precious metals and conformity assessment, streamlining trade and building trust.
Furthermore, Oman is actively increasing its involvement in global standardization organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Organization of Legal Metrology, and the Arab Industrial Development, Standardisation and Mining Organisation. This heightened engagement reinforces Oman’s integration into the global quality system and elevates its international standing. This proactive participation in quality assurance is vital for attracting foreign investment and facilitating international trade.
New Standards and Conformity Assessment Advancements
The DGSM has been diligently working on developing new national standards tailored to Oman’s unique needs and industries. Five new projects have been completed, focusing on areas like traditional Omani vessels, the renowned frankincense products, cosmetics, energy-efficient lighting, and smart water meters.
In 2025 alone, nine new national standards were approved, alongside the adoption of 1,009 unified GCC standards – including 196 standards originating from Oman itself. This demonstrates a growing influence within the Gulf region’s standardization efforts. The increased representation of Omani experts in Gulf technical committees, now totaling 170 members, further solidifies this position.
The conformity assessment process has also been streamlined. Over 135,000 e-certificates of conformity were issued, alongside 79 national conformity certificates and 68 ‘To Whom It May Concern’ certificates. Additionally, over 1,163 energy efficiency labels were distributed for products undergoing the second phase of technical regulation. This efficiency in metrology services is crucial for businesses operating within Oman.
Capacity Building and Support for Entrepreneurs
Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, the Ministry has implemented seven specialized training programs in collaboration with the Gulf Accreditation Centre to support the establishment of the Oman Accreditation Centre. These programs have trained over 250 individuals in registration, accreditation, testing, and calibration, significantly enhancing national competencies. Fifteen additional technical training programs were delivered, bringing together both public and private sector entities, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The DGSM is also actively supporting entrepreneurs. Plans are underway to launch a fast hallmarking service for precious metals and jewelry, directly involving SMEs. A dedicated program will be introduced for entrepreneurs engaged in manufacturing and import activities, as well as those involved in conformity assessment and certification. This initiative is expected to generate investment opportunities in laboratory equipment, maintenance services, and contribute to the overall strength of the national quality system.
Enhancing Measurement Accuracy and Digital Transformation
The National Calibration Centre continues to play a vital role in ensuring the accuracy of measurements. The launch of the national mass standard is a significant achievement, strengthening the foundation of Oman’s metrology system. The Centre also verified 1,121 fuel pumps using a mobile laboratory, ensuring compliance with national specifications. Furthermore, 955 measuring instruments were calibrated across various fields, and standards for smart electricity and water systems were prepared.
Embracing digital transformation, the DGSM launched five new e-services via the unified government portal and redesigned its conformity services system. A plan is also in place to integrate the energy efficiency labeling issuance system within the Hazm platform, further streamlining processes and improving accessibility.
Oman’s Rising Global Ranking
The impact of these initiatives is clearly reflected in Oman’s improved performance on the global stage. The Sultanate has achieved a remarkable leap in the Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index (QI4SD) issued by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), advancing 57 places to reach 60th globally out of 155 countries. This places Oman sixth in the Middle East, a testament to its dedication to building a world-class standards development system.
Oman has also joined 40 international technical committees focused on sustainable development goals, covering areas like solar energy, environmental management, and hydrogen technology. This active participation demonstrates a commitment to contributing to global solutions and reinforces Oman’s position as a responsible and forward-thinking nation.
In conclusion, the Sultanate of Oman’s concerted efforts to develop its national standards and metrology system are yielding significant results. Through strategic investments, international collaboration, and a commitment to capacity building, Oman is strengthening its quality infrastructure, enhancing its economic competitiveness, and paving the way for sustainable development in line with Oman Vision 2040. Businesses looking to invest in the region can be confident in the increasingly robust and reliable quality framework being established. To learn more about Oman’s standards and regulations, visit the MoCIIP website and explore the resources available through the Directorate General of Standards and Metrology.
