Oil and gas in Oman: the industry that built the modern state

Oil was first exported from Oman in 1967, and oil and gas revenues have financed almost everything in the modern state since: roads, schools, hospitals and the infrastructure that makes Oman one of the most comfortable places to live in the region. The sector still provides the largest share of government revenue, even as the country diversifies.

The main players

• Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), majority-owned by the government with international partners, operates the largest concession and most of the country's oil production.
• OQ, the state energy group, covers exploration, refining (Sohar and Duqm), petrochemicals and gas.
• Energy Development Oman (EDO) holds the government's stake in key upstream assets.
• International companies such as Shell, TotalEnergies, BP and Occidental operate or partner in major oil and gas blocks.

Production

Oman produces around one million barrels of oil per day, mostly from fields in the interior, with an increasing share from enhanced oil recovery methods such as steam and polymer injection. Natural gas production has grown strongly, supplying power plants, industry and LNG exports.

Jobs and expatriates

The sector employs engineers, geoscientists, project managers and technicians, many through service companies and contractors. Omanisation targets are high in oil and gas, but senior specialist roles are still open to foreign professionals, often with attractive packages.

The future

Under Vision 2040, Oman aims to reduce reliance on oil revenue, develop downstream industries, and become a major producer of green hydrogen. The oil and gas industry is also investing in solar power for its own operations and in carbon reduction.

How R2LUX helps

Many oil and gas professionals in Oman buy homes near the airport or in coastal communities. Current listings are below.