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Saudi Arabia’s PIF to expand investment in Oman

The fund has signed an agreement with Oman Investment Authority aiming to invest in a wide range of asset classes and target industries

by Divsha Bhat

July 27, 2023

Image credit: Saudi Press Agency

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Oman Investment Authority (OIA).

The MoU is intended to expand cooperation and investment between the two entities, enabling new and promising investments in Oman’s rapidly growing economy, reported Saudi Press Agency.

The MoU provides benefits and incentives for PIF and its portfolio companies, which intend to unlock investment opportunities in the sultanate.

The MoU also represents a significant milestone in PIF’s and OIA’s strategic partnership as it aims to expand PIF’s portfolio in Oman, building on the recent establishment of the Saudi Omani Investment Company (SOIC), a PIF-wholly owned company, which intends to invest up to $5bn in promising sectors in the sultanate.

SOIC recently closed its first investment in Oman as a 20 per cent anchor investor in Abraj Energy Services’ IPO and continues to seek other investment opportunities with OIA and its companies.

Through this MoU, PIF aims to streamline its investment activities in Oman across a wide range of asset classes and target industries. The OIA is expected to explore attractive investment opportunities for cooperation and partnership with PIF, in addition to providing all aspects of support required in the Omani market.

Deputy governor and head of MENA Investments at PIF Yazeed A. Al-Humied said: “PIF aims to create long-term strategic partnerships in the region that support the creation of sustainable returns, deliver value to local economies, maximize PIF’s assets, and diversify the Saudi Arabian economy in line with Vision 2030.”

Deputy president for Investment at OIA Mulhem Basheer Al Jarf added: “This MoU builds on our existing relationship with PIF and enables greater cooperation, driving economic diversification in Saudi Arabia and Oman. It aims to facilitate partnership opportunities for the private sector in both countries, in alignment with OIA’s efforts to attract FDI to the Sultanate of Oman through Oman’s 2040 vision.”