12 May 2026 — Muscat, Oman: The Financial Services Authority (FSA), in collaboration with Riyada, held a workshop with several startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as part of the FSA’s efforts to reinforce the participation of companies in the Sultanate of Oman’s capital market and raise awareness of the financing and investment opportunities available through the market.

The workshop saw the attendance of several startups selected in coordination with Riyada based on their readiness and potential for growth and expansion, alongside a number of officials and specialists from the FSA and the Muscat Stock Exchange.

It featured a presentation outlining the incentives and enablers offered via the Capital Market Incentive Programme, in addition to reviewing initiatives related to the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) at the Muscat Stock Exchange, aimed at enabling startups and SMEs to access diversified financing options that support business growth and sustainability.

The AIM represents one of the three tracks of the Capital Market Incentive Programme, introduced pursuant to Royal directives with the aim of developing the investment and business environment in the Sultanate of Oman by providing suitable financing alternatives for different categories of companies. The market targets closed joint-stock companies with a minimum market value of OMR 500,000.

Companies listed on this market benefit from a package of incentives, most notably the refund of two-thirds of the income tax paid by companies benefiting from the incentive programme after listing. Companies are also eligible to pay income tax in instalments and receive exemptions from additional tax charges arising from instalment arrangements for a period not exceeding six months from the tax due date. In addition, listed companies are granted a 10% price preference in government procurement contracts and tenders, in accordance with the applicable regulations.

The incentive programme also includes exemptions from listing fees and prospectus fees charged by the FSA for three years from the launch of the incentive programme. It further provides advisory and guidance services for companies seeking listing, as well as training programmes aimed at preparing entrepreneurs and business owners prior to listing on the stock exchange. The programme also offers simplified prospectus and financial disclosure templates through the adoption of a reduced international accounting standards model, in addition to exemptions from transformation agent fees for three years.

Furthermore, the incentive programme provides a fast-track process for beneficiary companies when applying for financing from the Development Bank. Muscat Stock Exchange also covers the costs of issue managers for the first five companies listed on the AIM, alongside promotional and marketing support through media coverage of new listings.

The workshop also included a discussion session addressing the main challenges faced by startups in accessing finance and investment, as well as introducing the regulatory requirements and procedures related to listing and benefiting from capital market instruments.

The workshop forms part of a broader series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the integration of the entrepreneurship ecosystem with the capital market sector, while encouraging companies and enterprises to benefit from available investment and financing opportunities.