Moscow Days Held in Oman
Moscow Days took place in Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, from November 11 to 13, 2025. The event was organized by the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow. The Moscow Days program in Oman included both cultural and business events that helped strengthen partnerships and promote the Russian capital’s international initiatives.
The key business event during Moscow Days was the Russia‑Oman Business Forum, timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The event was organised by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Department for External Economic and International Relations. Sergey Cheremin, Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, spoke at the panel discussion “Russia‑Oman: Unlocking the Potential of Trade, Economic and Investment Cooperation.” He noted that Moscow has been actively conducting business missions to Oman since December 2024, strengthening not only administrative ties but also business relations. Several Moscow companies have held roadshows in Oman. The Minister emphasized that Moscow accounts for about 40% of Russia’s foreign trade turnover. The capital’s trade turnover with the Middle East and North Africa reaches $15 billion, and cooperation with Oman shows positive momentum. “Oman currently accounts for a relatively small share: Moscow’s trade turnover with Omani partners is about $150 million. However, it is important to note that our high‑tech exports are growing. Last year, we saw an increase of about 30% in supplies of high‑value‑added products – digital solutions, microelectronics, analytical equipment, metalworking, and other innovative sectors such as pharmaceuticals,” said Sergey Cheremin. A cooperation program between Moscow and Muscat is expected to be signed shortly to enhance inter‑capital cooperation.
The Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations spoke about Oman’s potential for Moscow businesses: “Oman not only provides unique conditions for the development of its own enterprises but also welcomes foreign capital and the localisation of high‑tech production in the country. These are the well‑known economic zones of Duqm, Salalah, Sohar, Knowledge Oasis Muscat, and many others. All these preferences that the country is ready to offer foreign investors are extremely interesting for Moscow companies.” The Minister said that Russian developers have taken a serious interest in Oman, and substantive negotiations are planned in the near future regarding the possibility of developing pharmaceutical companies in the country. This sector is one of the leading ones in the Russian capital, producing unique modern pharmaceutical products, including drugs for cancer treatment. Moscow is also negotiating the possibility of establishing genetic laboratories in Oman.
The Minister emphasized the enormous potential for cooperation between Moscow and Oman in digital technology. “Moscow is a recognized leader in the digitalization of almost all its sectors: transport, housing and utilities, construction, education, healthcare. All these services, I believe, are very much in demand in Oman, not least because the country has begun to develop rapidly,” Sergey Cheremin said. He recommended that Omani colleagues look at a unique product implemented by the Government of Moscow – Moscow’s digital twin, which includes more than 6,000 layers. In real time, it provides information about any object in the city and allows forecasting of the metropolis’ development. By analyzing big data, the digital twin helps determine the most effective locations for roads, social facilities, schools, kindergartens, and hotels. This experience could be valuable for Oman.
Hamed Al‑Dahab, Chairman of the Oman‑Russia Joint Business Council, confirmed that cooperation with Russian companies in information technology and artificial intelligence is of great interest to Oman. “There are many IT and AI companies in Russia. Why not focus on this sector? In this sector, there is no need for capital transfer, because the capital here is scientific,” he stated at the opening of the business forum.
Sergey Cheremin also moderated the business dialogue “Moscow‑Oman: Digital Transformation of Cities and New Horizons of Technological Partnership.” The discussion featured Momen Al‑Busaidi, Advisor to the Minister for Smart Cities at the Omani Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning; Salah Ahmed Al‑Rasbi, CEO of ITHCA Group; Ambassador of the Moscow Export Centre in Oman; Igor Yegorov, Managing Partner of Gates of Arabia in international business, investment, and logistics, and Chairman of the Coordination Council of Russian Compatriots in Oman; and other leading business experts. They discussed effective digital solutions in urban governance, the creation of smart infrastructure, and the sustainable development of megacities.
Igor Yegorov, Ambassador of the Moscow Export Centre in Oman, spoke about the prospects for business cooperation between Russia and Oman. “We help dozens of Russian companies register and obtain licences. We know the procedures inside out; we work with Sanad offices, the Invest Oman platform, and others. Much more can be done in terms of exchange of experience and adaptation of Russian business to Oman’s specificities, because the legislative acts and regulatory documents of the two countries differ significantly,” he said. Yegorov also noted that Moscow could share its successful experience with Oman in fintech, digitalization, and security. In his view, it is necessary to raise awareness among Russian companies about the opportunities of the Omani market and encourage joint projects. For its part, the Moscow Export Centre, with the support of the Moscow Government, selects the best companies wishing to start working in Oman and provides them with comprehensive support.
Specialised B2B, B2G, and G2G meetings were held on the forum’s sidelines, aimed at strengthening cooperation between Russian and Omani companies and implementing joint projects in various sectors. On the forum’s sidelines, the Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations said that Omani colleagues are very interested in developments in the creation of smart, safe cities. “At the specialized session dedicated to cooperation in digital technology, we discussed the possibility of organizing a special business mission of Russian companies that have already successfully implemented many digital solutions in Moscow,” Cheremin said. Favorable conditions are being created for Moscow businesses in Oman’s special economic zones. The state provides unique benefits for the development of high‑tech enterprises in information technology, pharmaceuticals, robotics, energy equipment manufacturing, and the chemical industry. The Minister noted that Oman is a key logistics hub, providing access not only to the Gulf countries but also to African markets.
As part of Moscow Days, a roundtable with Russian compatriots was held, organized by the Department for External Economic and International Relations jointly with the Coordination Council of Russian Compatriots in Oman. The discussion involved activists of the Russian community, representatives of Omani educational and cultural organizations, and members of the World Coordination Council of Compatriots. The Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations noted in his address: “Russia and Oman share long‑standing friendly relations. This year we marked the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our countries. The high level of interstate dialogue creates a solid foundation for the development of humanitarian cooperation.” He spoke about Moscow projects aimed at supporting Russians living abroad, as well as cultural and humanitarian initiatives being implemented in the Sultanate of Oman. Participants discussed current areas of cooperation in education, culture, and sports.
Cultural events introduced Omani residents to Moscow’s rich creative heritage. On November 12, People’s Artist of Russia, singer and composer Dmitry Malikov performed his famous program PianomaniYa in Muscat, seamlessly combining classical music, original compositions, and modern visual effects. The renowned composer and virtuoso violinist Edvin Marton, an Emmy award winner and author of globally popular musical works, also performed in the Omani capital.
Moscow Days in Oman represent an important step in strengthening relations between Moscow and Muscat, opening new avenues for cooperation in business, culture, science, and education.