Oman’s first global financial centre will begin registering companies by the end of 2026, with full licensing operations scheduled to launch in 2027 as the Sultanate seeks to compete with established financial hubs across the GCC.
The International Financial Centre of Oman (IFC Oman) is focused on completing its legal framework, Mahmood Al Aweini, chair of the IFC Oman Authority, said in a statement.
A package of laws covering business registration and licensing, financial services regulation and an independent dispute-resolution framework will be issued shortly, he said.
The centre’s digital registry system will also soon enter testing. Once operational, it will allow businesses seeking to establish a presence at IFC Oman to submit applications online.
“IFC Oman is accelerating towards opening its doors, with its legal, regulatory and digital infrastructure moving into place,” Al Aweini said.
Oman’s cabinet approved the establishment of the international financial centre in January, as part of efforts to diversify the economy and develop the country’s financial and investment sectors.
The new centre will enter an increasingly competitive market, with established GCC financial hubs continuing to expand despite the US-Iran war.
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the emirate’s financial free zone, increased its number of operating companies by a quarter in the first half of 2026. More than 1,800 licences were issued between January and June.
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) said in July that registered companies had exceeded 10,000 by the end of the first half of the year.
Meanwhile, new business registrations at the Qatar Financial Centre rose 37% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier.
IFC Oman’s ability to attract businesses and investment will determine how effectively it can establish a position alongside the region’s existing financial centres.
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