The results of the National Survey for Experimental Research and Development for 2025, conducted by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), showed continued growth of experimental research and development activities in the Sultanate of Oman.
The total expenditure on experimental research and development activities reached approximately RO 189.42 million during 2025. This is equivalent to 0.48 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) at constant prices and 0.45 per cent at current prices, compared to RO 98.26 million in 2021, reflecting a growing interest in enhancing the innovation ecosystem and the knowledge-based economy.
The survey results revealed that the total number of workers participating in experimental research and development work in the Sultanate of Oman reached 35,539 workers during 2025. Males constituted 67 per cent of them, compared to 33 per cent for females.
The data clarified that the private sector accounted for the largest percentage of total workers in experimental research and development activities at 42 per cent, followed by the government sector at 32 per cent, and the higher education sector at 26 per cent.
Regarding the distribution of workers by occupation, the results showed that researchers represent the largest category of total workers at 51 per cent. Their number reached 18,193 researchers in 2025, compared to 13,576 researchers in 2024, reflecting a notable growth in the number of research cadres.
Furthermore, the number of technicians and their equivalents reached 7,112 employees, and support staff numbered 6,775 employees, while the number of those with an unspecified occupational classification stood at 3,459 employees.
The survey results also showed that the number of full-time workers in experimental research and development activities reached 11,695 workers during 2025. Their jobs were distributed among researchers at 57 per cent, technicians and their equivalents at 20 per cent, support staff at 14 per cent, and unspecified classifications at 9 per cent.
The number of full-time male workers in these activities reached 8,694, compared to 3,001 female workers.
The index of the number of full-time researchers per million inhabitants recorded a remarkable increase, reaching 1,242 researchers per million inhabitants in 2025, compared to 725 researchers in 2024.
At the level of expenditure by sector, the private sector accounted for the highest percentage of total expenditure on experimental research and development at 46 per cent, followed by the government sector at 31 per cent, and the higher education sector at 23 per cent.
The National Survey for Experimental Research and Development aims to provide accurate statistical indicators regarding human resources, expenditure directed toward experimental research and development activities, and their sources of funding in the government sector, higher education, and the private sector. This contributes to supporting decision-making and formulating policies aimed at enhancing scientific research and innovation, as well as achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. — ONA
