The Authority for Public Projects, Tenders and Local Content affirmed that the Local Content Certificate, recently launched in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, represents an effective strategic step in stimulating the local economy. It contributes to creating greater employment opportunities for citizens and enhances the prospects of small and medium enterprises, as it is considered one of the approved criteria within the evaluation framework for government tenders and procurements.
The Authority explained that the Local Content Certificate is a strategic tool to support company growth and enhance their contribution to achieving national economic objectives by measuring and evaluating the level of their contribution to the local economy. This evaluation includes several key components, most notably local goods and services, employment of Omani manpower, development of local suppliers, and local investments, in addition to other supporting components such as sustainability, research and development, and export ratios.
The Authority noted that the certificate grants companies preferential treatment in awarding and contracting, thereby strengthening competitiveness based on national economic value and reinforcing the concepts of sustainability and long-term economic growth. The certificate is also considered an important criterion in evaluating bids submitted for government tenders and procurements, contributing to higher levels of transparency and achieving the best economic return.
The Authority added that the Local Content Certificate helps companies measure and improve the percentage of local content in their operations, which positively reflects on enhancing local development and supporting the national economy. It emphasized its commitment to continuing the development of initiatives that empower the private sector and strengthen its role in achieving comprehensive development goals.
Shatha Al-Kiyoumi, Local Content Certificate Project Manager at the National Local Content Office, stated that the Local Content Certificate is a document issued by the program operator to assess the local content performance of a private sector organization, in accordance with local content elements. This assessment is verified through audited financial data over a specified period, with the certificate validity lasting for 18 months.
She indicated that the first phase of the certificate will be applied to the energy sector and will gradually include specific categories of contracts, with plans to expand the scope to cover other categories in preparation for launching the certificate at the national level in the second phase.
She added that companies can apply for the certificate through the “Taqa" platform of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, which will be launched soon. Applications for the Local Content Certificate will also be submitted through a dedicated digital platform, where companies will complete the supplier data form and attach financial statements. She highlighted the importance of having financial data audited by audit firms accredited by the Financial Services Authority to carry out auditing procedures. The Oman Energy Association (OPAL), in its capacity as the current program operator, will then issue and electronically approve the certificate through the platform.
Regarding the authority responsible for issuing the Local Content Certificate, Engineer Mohammed bin Hamoud Al-Naabi, Chief Executive Officer of the Oman Energy Association (OPAL), explained that the first phase of implementing the Local Content Certificate in the energy sector is carried out under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and with follow-up from the Authority for Public Projects, Tenders and Local Content, while OPAL manages the application, review, and issuance of certificates. He noted that supervision and implementation responsibilities are scheduled to be transferred to the Authority for Public Projects, Tenders and Local Content in the second phase, as part of a gradual national expansion plan.
Al-Naabi added that the objectives of the Local Content Certificate include establishing a unified framework for measuring local content and standardizing criteria among companies across various sectors, ensuring transparency and fair comparison. It also aims to shift local content management from being merely contractual obligations to a comprehensive strategic vision at the corporate level.
He emphasized that the certificate contributes to enhancing transparency and accountability, ensuring accurate disclosure of companies' performance in local content, supporting the alignment of corporate strategies with national local content objectives, and ensuring compliance with standards through independent and reliable auditing and evaluation processes. He further noted that the certificate contributes to developing local capabilities by supporting the growth of supply chains and the development of national talent, as well as rewarding leading companies that achieve high levels of contribution to local content.
Abraj Energy Services Company has obtained the first national Local Content Certificate during the launch ceremony of the national program “Imdad." This recognition confirms Abraj's pioneering role in enhancing local content and consolidating its position as a national company contributing to the national economy by expanding the base of local suppliers, empowering Omani competencies, and enhancing the transfer of knowledge and modern technologies to the local market.
Engineer Saif bin Said Al-Hamami, Chief Executive Officer of Abraj Energy Services Company, stated: “We are proud of this national achievement, which reflects our firm commitment to supporting local content and enhancing the private sector's contribution to economic development and the achievement of Oman Vision 2040 targets. Obtaining the first national Local Content Certificate embodies Abraj's approach to creating sustainable value that benefits the Omani economy and confirms our role as a trusted national partner leading transformation in the energy sector toward greater empowerment and efficiency."
According to the company's Local Content Report for 2024, Abraj injected a total of OMR 52 million into the local economy through spending on goods and services, of which 25% represented the value of contracts awarded to small and medium enterprises registered under the “Riyada" umbrella. Spending on locally manufactured products amounted to OMR 8.7 million. The company also achieved an Omanization rate of 93% of its total workforce, with more than 5,700 employees benefiting from training and development programs during 2024, in addition to providing 114 training opportunities for Omani youth through various programs.