Oman's Sanad Service Centres Undergo Regulatory Overhaul with License Cancellations and New Opportunities

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has announced new regulatory and developmental measures for Sanad Service Centres in the Sultanate of Oman, including the cancellation of several licenses. The Ministry detected violations against the regulatory framework for Sanad centres during periodic follow-up operations. Specifically, violations against the provisions of the regulatory framework for Sanad centres were identified during these periodic follow-up operations conducted by the Ministry. This led to a decision to cancel the licenses of six centres located across various governorates. The decision to cancel licenses specifically covered six centres, which were spread across several governorates within the Sultanate of Oman, showing the Ministry's commitment to enforcing compliance nationwide. Concurrently, the Ministry has opened up 10 new opportunities for competition to obtain Sanad Service Centre licenses in a number of wilayats within the Sultanate of Oman. The Ministry announced the offering of these 10 new opportunities, inviting competition for the Sanad Service Centre licenses across various wilayats.

New License Opportunities Detailed

The new opportunities for Sanad Service Centres are determined by population density and economic activity within the specified wilayats. These new opportunities are based on a careful assessment of population density and economic activity within those particular wilayats, ensuring their strategic placement. These openings are specifically aimed at Omani citizens who fulfill the criteria established by the Ministry. The opportunities target Omani citizens who meet the specified criteria, promoting local entrepreneurship and engagement. Sanad Service Centres function as small and medium enterprises, with ownership typically held by Omani young men and women. These centres are recognized as vital small and medium enterprises, predominantly owned and managed by Omani young men and women, contributing to youth empowerment and economic diversification.

Sanad Centre Network Growth

The Sanad Service Centres network in the Sultanate of Oman expanded to 922 centres across various governorates by the end of May 2026. The number of Sanad Service Centres spread across the various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman reached an impressive 922 centres by the end of May 2026, demonstrating significant growth and reach. During the period from January to May 2026, the electronic portal of these centres processed over 219,000 transactions. The number of transactions completed through the electronic portal of Sanad centres from January to May 2026 exceeded 219,000, noting their high volume of public service delivery. These centres offer a total of 390 distinct services to the public. The range of services provided by Sanad centres stands at 390, catering to a wide array of public needs. The national workforce employed within the Sanad Service Centres reached 2,296 personnel by May 2026. The number of national workforce personnel employed in these centres reached 2,296 by May 2026, reflecting their substantial contribution to employment. Most Omani workers in these centres are aged between 20 and 39 years. The ages of most Omani workers in these centres range between 20 and 39 years, indicating a strong focus on youth employment.

Ministry's Vision for Transformation

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion aims to enhance the operational efficiency and service quality of Sanad Service Centres throughout the Sultanate of Oman. This full regulatory overhaul is designed to ensure these centres meet established standards and contribute effectively to the national economy. Officials stated that the move supports Omani citizens seeking to establish small and medium enterprises, particularly youth, by providing a strong and reliable framework for their operations.

The Ministry's vision includes fostering a competitive environment among Sanad Service Centres, encouraging them to provide high-quality services to the public. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to streamline administrative processes and improve accessibility to government services across various wilayats. The Ministry emphasizes the role of these centres in creating employment opportunities for the national workforce, aligning with broader economic development goals for the Sultanate of Oman. The ongoing regulatory adjustments are intended to strengthen the integrity and reliability of the Sanad network, ensuring it continues to serve the public efficiently and effectively while adhering to the highest standards of operation. These measures show the Ministry's commitment to continuous improvement and fostering a dynamic environment for small and medium enterprises in the Sultanate.