How Oman’s Road & Infrastructure Development (Vision 2040) Impacts Auto Demand

Oman’s Vision 2040 has become the backbone of the nation’s economic transformation, and nowhere is its influence more visible than in the automotive sector. With billions of Rials allocated to infrastructure, road connectivity, and logistics corridors, Oman’s expanding highway network is reshaping how and where cars are bought, driven, and serviced. Impact on UAE & GCC Auto Market 2025.

From Muscat’s expressways to the desert highways linking Duqm and Salalah, each new road tells a story of accessibility — and demand. The country’s auto market is responding rapidly, with shifting preferences across vehicle types, fuel technologies, and ownership trends.

Infrastructure Growth Under Vision 2040: A Quick Overview

According to Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), over 3,000 km of new highways and 1,200 km of rural roads are planned or under construction between 2024–2028. These projects aim to connect strategic logistics zones, oil & gas fields, and growing population centers in the interior governorates.

Better Roads, Broader Choices

Where older highways once limited certain models, new road quality standards are opening opportunities for both global automakers and local distributors. Wider, safer roads mean Omani drivers can now consider more performance-oriented vehicles, while improved logistics reduce transportation costs — indirectly lowering showroom prices. New Auto Brands Entering Oman.

Urban vs. Rural Demand Shifts

Oman’s car market is becoming more segmented as rural mobility and urban commuting evolve differently. Muscat’s urban residents are increasingly choosing hybrid or compact sedans, while interior towns like Ibri and Haima are seeing stronger pickup and SUV preferences due to terrain and commercial needs.

Figure 1: Estimated Vehicle Demand Share by Area (2025)

Road Expansion and Vehicle Type Preferences

As highway density increases, Omani buyers are making new decisions about what to drive. Demand data suggests that smoother road networks reduce maintenance concerns, encouraging sedan and crossover adoption, while rugged roads in the interior still push demand for heavy-duty pickups and 4×4s.

Figure 2: Vehicle Preference Distribution in Oman (2025)

Governorate-Level Auto Trends

Each region in Oman reflects unique driving conditions and lifestyle priorities:

• Muscat: Dominated by sedans and compact crossovers, where fuel efficiency and parking ease matter most.
• Dhofar: High SUV adoption due to hilly roads and Khareef season tourism, where all-wheel-drive vehicles excel.
• Al Dakhiliyah: Mix of 4×4 and pickups catering to agriculture and logistics transport.
• Al Wusta & Al Sharqiyah: Higher demand for durable trucks due to oilfield and port activities.

Government Policy and Emission Standards

As Oman’s infrastructure modernizes, so do vehicle regulations. The ROP and Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion are enforcing stricter import standards on older vehicles, promoting environmental efficiency. These changes encourage adoption of cleaner vehicles suitable for Oman’s long-distance highways. Also read Tire Market Trends in Oman 2025.

How Vision 2040 Encourages Electrification

EV readiness is part of Oman’s broader Vision 2040. The government, in coordination with private investors, plans to install over 500 EV charging stations across highways and commercial zones by 2026. Improved infrastructure reliability makes EV ownership more practical, especially in urban Muscat and Sohar.

Figure 3: Infrastructure-Driven EV Adoption Potential by 2026

Conclusion: Infrastructure as the Engine of Auto Growth

Oman’s Vision 2040 is far more than a policy blueprint — it’s a catalyst for automotive evolution. Each kilometer of new asphalt expands consumer choice, dealership coverage, and vehicle diversity. As rural-urban mobility converges, the next decade will likely see greater parity between Oman’s governorates in terms of car ownership and technology access.

For automakers, the message is clear: invest where the roads are being built. As Oman paves the way toward its Vision 2040 goals, the auto industry will continue to ride the momentum — from Muscat’s coastal highways to the heart of the desert interior.

Report prepared by OmanWheels Research Desk — Automotive Market Outlook 2025