Muscat – The total value of government tenders issued more than doubled in 2025 to about RO1.7bn, while the value of tenders awarded declined by more than RO250mn, according to the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority.
The authority said the figures point to a shift towards larger and more strategic projects as Oman advances infrastructure and development plans under Vision 2040, with emphasis on efficient public spending and improved resource allocation.
Official data showed the value of tenders issued rising to RO1.703bn in 2025 from RO811.3mn in 2024, an increase of over RO891mn. The number of tenders issued edged down slightly to 98 from 100 a year earlier, a decline of 2%.
In contrast, awarded tenders fell in both number and value. In 2025, 95 tenders worth RO535.65mn were awarded, compared to 103 tenders valued at RO786.6mn in 2024, representing a drop of eight tenders and more than RO250mn in value.
Spending linked to change orders also declined. The total cost of these reached RO28.4mn across 48 change orders in 2025, down from RO54.4mn for 54 change orders in 2024. The authority said this reflects tighter control over project scope and closer adherence to approved plans.
Saeed bin Hamad al Amri, Director General of Tenders at the authority, said the sector expanded during the year, with the number of registered companies rising to about 12,724 in 2025, an increase of 202% compared to 2024.
Small and medium enterprises accounted for 58% – or 1,639 – of newly registered firms. Amri said this underscores policies aimed at boosting SME participation in government projects and supply chains.
He said the latest indicators highlight the system’s role in supporting development and economic diversification by promoting competition, transparency and spending efficiency. The authority, he added, continues to refine tendering and awarding mechanisms to improve implementation and returns, while expanding opportunities for national firms and strengthening local content in government projects.
