Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Oman's sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the features of Oman's sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 52.8

Oman actively participates in the UN, the League of Arab States, the GCC, the OIC, the World Bank, the IMF, the WTO, regularly sends delegations and takes an active position on international platforms (Davos, World Conference of Speakers of Parliament). The country is known as a mediator in a number of Middle East conflicts and advocates diplomatic multilateralism.

The Basic Law of Oman ("Basic Statute") asserts the priority of national law; the implementation of international treaties is possible only after their ratification (dualism). In certain branches (maritime law), it is explicitly stated that international law applies if it does not contradict national legislation. Political Stability Index (WGI, World Bank, 2023): 0.59 (above the global average, steady growth after 2020).

The country demonstrates a low level of violence and the absence of threats to the State system. Government Effectiveness (WGI, 2024): 0.48 (above average); the introduction of digital governance and reforms, rapid procedures for government decisions, although significant centralization remains. EGDI (E-Government Development Index, UN 2024): 0.76; Oman is among the top 35 countries in the world for digitalization of public services and open data. Sultan Haytham ibn Tariq has a high formal support rating (60-71% in opinion polls, 2024-2025); this level is maintained through national consolidation, economic reforms, and a position of neutrality in foreign policy.

Oman hosts foreign military installations of the United States and Great Britain (Masira naval/air force bases, Tumright, support for the security of the Strait of Hormuz); the scope of agreements is strictly regulated by national and bilateral treaties. The country recognizes the ICC and other international judicial bodies, but practices a balanced approach: in case of conflict, priority is given to national (authoritative) decisions; there are no refusals or open distancing, Oman has been involved in international arbitrations.

Oman remains a highly centralized State: power is concentrated in the hands of the Sultan and the Government, while regional walis/governors and advisory councils have limited powers. The activities of the special services and the "safe sector" are closed from public control, parliamentary and judicial oversight are limited; the dominance of the executive branch is observed. As part of the reforms, work is underway to increase openness, but real accountability mechanisms are limited.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, coverage is 93%.

Economic sovereignty — 69.7

GDP is $37,800 - 41,700 (World Bank, IMF, Trading Economics, 2024-2025). Gold and foreign exchange reserves are $16.6 billion USD (December 2024, Central Bank of Oman), about 3.9 months of imports; in national currency — 7.3 billion OMR (June 2025).

The national debt is 34-37.5% of GDP (late 2024 — early 2025); the indicator has significantly improved from a peak of 64% in 2020. 86% of basic foodstuffs are imported, there are strategic state programs for backup storage (stocks of 6-9 months), local production (fish, vegetables, dates) does not provide a complete self-sufficient balance. Dependence on global markets remains a key vulnerability.

It is fully supported by oil production (41 million tons per year) and gas; exports exceed domestic consumption, the state is developing renewable energy projects (solar, hydrogen), the share of energy from oil/gas is more than 85%. There are significant proven hydrocarbon reserves (oil, gas), industrial mines for the extraction of copper, chromium, gold, gypsum, limestone. Fishing and salt occupy an important place.

Limited: less than 100 m3 per person per year, the main sources are wells and desalination; megaprojects for the construction of desalination plants on the coast are being implemented, the problem of shortage is critical for long-term development. OmanNet payment infrastructure (OmanNet Switch, CBO, banks), the share of national settlements through local clearing centers is over 98% for non—cash transactions among citizens and companies.

Domestic transactions are in the Omani rial (OMR), payments for public services and wages are fully in the national currency; for exports (oil, gas) — USD, EUR are used in contracts, but the conversion takes place through the Central Bank. The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) is a sovereign issuing center: issuance, loans, credit policy, monetary instruments and the regulation of the rial exchange rate are completely under the control of the public sector.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 92%

Technological sovereignty — 58.1

R&D 0.28–0.37% of GDP (2022-2023; World Bank, Trading Economics, IMF), one of the lowest indicators among countries with comparable income. Import substitution is limited: less than 8% of the technologies and equipment used in the country are localized, most of the hardware and software are imported (China, EU, USA).

Higher education enrollment is 45.6% (2023, World Bank), one of the best indicators in the Arab region. 95.3% (2025, 5.14 million users; mobile communications cover up to 135% of the population, the share of home fiber is ~62%). In Oman, there are national services: e-Government Portal, OmanNet (fintech), Open Data Portal, national platforms for education, healthcare, transport; the share of domestic solutions is 35-45%.

Import dependence exceeds 92-95%: almost all hardware components (servers, chips, clouds, software) are of foreign origin; key areas are enterprise software, cloud platforms, microelectronics, and biotechnics. EGDI — 0.76 (2024); electronic services (taxes, registries, obtaining licenses, business registration) are available to >90% of citizens, development is accelerated by investments in clouds and cybersecurity.

Our own technologies cover biopharma and food processing, autonomy is 20-25% (national medical centers, agro-biotech), most of the seeds, reagents, and equipment are imported. Local developments cover logistics, manufacturing, service robots, and education (Sultan Qaboos University), but more than 80% of the components and software are imported, and the robotics infrastructure depends on global manufacturers.

There is no own production, all microelectronics, chips, and high-level equipment are imported from the USA, Asia, and the EU; major technology projects are being conducted with the participation of foreign investors.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 83% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 59.6

Oman has a national CERT (OCERT) and ITU Arab Regional Cybersecurity Center (ARCC), a leading cybersecurity center for Arab countries, located in Muscat; Oman consistently ranks in the top 20 ITU ratings for cybersecurity preparedness.

There are two active Internet traffic exchange points (IXPs) in the country: Oman-IX (Muscat), Omadata Exchange; both centers provide peering of global Internet service providers and localization of traffic to increase stability and speed. The use of Arabic is absolutely dominant according to new laws: the media, projects, court decisions, education, finance are required to use Arabic as the main language (2025 — strengthening language regulation).

The media is represented by a variety of TV channels, radio stations, newspapers and online resources in Arabic, English and other languages are allowed in secondary roles. Critical infrastructure and public services are based on national solutions (OmanNet, eGov, OCERT), but mass services (search, social networks, clouds) are used by global BigTech sectors (Google, Meta, MS, AWS, etc.); the share of foreign platforms in private and educational use is 55-65%.

The share of national media content is approaching 40-47%: local media (Oman TV, Oman Daily Observer, Al-Watan), public and private projects, channels and online platforms, creative industries (cinema, theater, design), the rest — international and mixed sources.

Domestic developments (portals, fintech, billing, public services, educational platforms) account for 35-45% of the market; major projects are OmanNet, eGovernment, Open Data, Oman Digital Society, Oman Vision 2040. Internet penetration of 95.3%, digital public services, fintech and mobile platforms are accessible to the majority of the population; the development of new clouds, the integration of digital platforms with the new needs of business and society.

National clouds are operating (Oman Data Park, the state data center), part of the infrastructure is located in OMIX/Omadata clouds; by law, government data must be stored in the country, corporate data is increasingly localized as well. The main mobile operators (Omantel, Ooredoo) have full jurisdiction in Oman, the network has been upgraded to 5G, critical infrastructure elements are located and serviced inside the country; the key control is the MTCIT regulator.

The Law on Personal Data Protection (Royal Decree 6/2022) has been introduced, the national register of data controllers is in force, data transfer abroad is regulated by strict rules; Oman Personal Data Protection Law integrates European best practices and Arab standards.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD, and specialized sources, with 95% coverage.

Cultural sovereignty — 71.4

Oman has 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Bahla Fort (Bahla Fort, 1987)

• Archaeological sites of Bat, Al-Khutm, Al-Ain (Bat, Al-Khutm and Al Ayn, 1988)

• Aflaj — ancient irrigation systems of Oman (Aflaj Irrigation Systems, 2006)

• Land of Frankincense (Land of Frankincense, 2000)

• Ancient City of Qalhat (2018).

Oman is one of the historical trade hubs (Frankinsens, spices, the Arab Sea Route), the world center of the song, folklore, and mooring culture of the East, protects the oldest methods of irrigation systems, preserves the practices of caravan and maritime civilization, and actively participates in global cultural exchange (Expo 2025).

The Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Art and Literature operates in the country, the Oman Children's Literary Prize, grants for theater and contemporary art, and special scholarships for young artists and historians are awarded. Oman's culture is a unique fusion of Arabic, Persian, African, and Indian influences: many folk festivals, the art of shipbuilding (dhow), the skill of working with incense and spices, national dress (dishdasha, kumma), family rituals and Bedouin traditions, the important role of folklore songs and poetry (al-Razha).

Support is provided through special educational, cultural and language programs (preservation of Shauri and Bahari traditions, visits to mobile museums, financing of craft cooperatives), creation of open archives of living cultural heritage. There are more than 450 cultural infrastructure facilities registered in the country: museums, historical fortresses, archaeological and religious complexes, archaeological parks, galleries, and craft centers.

Oman regularly participates in Expo 2025, Art Dubai, the Venice Biennale, the Embassy Festival (The Hague), cooperates with UNESCO, WTO and Arab countries on the exchange of collectives, products and archaeological expositions.

Brands have been registered: seamen's dou, incense and incense, Bahla Fort, Omani daggers and silver, musical traditions; laws have been developed to protect national crafts and geographical signs, UNESCO care and pastoral branding. The cuisine combines Arabic, Indian, and African flavors: makbus, shuwa, hari dishes, chicken soups, tortillas, honey, dates, almonds; hospitality (coffee with cardamom), fishing practices, culinary festivals, and participation in the Gulf Food Festival are characteristic.

31-39% of the adult population annually participates in cultural events (national and local festivals, workshops, art competitions and museums, government programs to support creativity, tourism and crafts).

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 87%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 62.8

HDI 0.858 (2025, 50th place in the world, Very High category; an increase of 9 positions per year). Expenditure on education is 4.2–4.6% of GDP (2022-2025, World Bank, TRADING ECONOMICS). The share in the budget is 14.2—14.6% (2025); the priority of state investments is the construction of 22 new schools and hundreds of facilities at universities. Literacy 96.9–97.0% (2022-2025, World Bank/UNESCO; men - 96.9%, women — 89.9–92.7%; youth — 99.1%).

Oman consistently participates in PISA; results in mathematics and natural sciences are below or at the level of global averages, the dynamics of recent publications indicate an increase in competencies and qualitative shifts (data are available in the OECD/PISA reports for 2022-2025). 38-42% of all university graduates study in STEM fields (engineering, medicine, natural sciences, IT; Sultan Qaboos University, University of Technology).

8-12% of students annually participate in foreign programs (Erasmus+, UK, USA, Australia, Malaysia, dual Master's degree programs, online education), plus Gulf exchanges Cooperation Council.

Government support for Arabic as the main language, but Bahari, Shawri and other local languages are also supported in educational and cultural projects; ethnocultural museums, educational projects, and ministerial grants for artisans and small nationalities are being implemented.

15+ research centers at major universities and under the auspices of the state (Sultan Qaboos University Research Centers, Oman Medical Research Center, agricultural, petrochemical and nationwide laboratories).

National online platforms, educational LMS, government and university services account for 28-33% of the market, the rest are foreign (Coursera, EdX, corporate). There are estimated to be 20+ government programs (scholarships, contests, grants, incubators for young scientists, experts in the Quran, IT Olympiads, Science Talent, Sultan Qaboos Award scholarships), annual coverage — up to 30,000 participants.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 86%.

Military sovereignty — 51.3

Defense spending is 5.4–6.5% of GDP (2023-2025, World Bank, SIPRI, AGBI); this is one of the highest rates in the world, the defense budget is estimated at 2.4–2.5 billion OMR (~$6-6.5 billion) — about 25-36% of all government spending.

The number of armed forces is 42,600-47,000 (active staff, World Bank/GlobalMilitary), about 25,000 reservists and 4,000 paramilitary staff. The armament of the modern nomenclature includes Challenger 2 tanks, Al-Jawad armored vehicles, Piranha armored personnel carriers, Denel G6 artillery, F-16 fighters, Eurofighter Typhoon (purchases after 2020), upgraded Black Hawk, Apache, Khareef naval corvettes, new patrol ships and mine warfare vessels.

The fleet and the Air Force are regularly updated within the framework of Vision 2040 and new contracts. Our own industry covers 8-12% of the needs (repair, modernization, service and partial assembly of armored vehicles, localization of production of UAVs and components, defense laboratories); strategic systems and key platforms are imported (UK, USA, EU, Korea).

The control is carried out by the army, the Royal Gendarmerie and border guards, the navy actively patrols the Strait of Hormuz and the southern borders; the infrastructure is being improved, and the level of autonomy of the border guard service is high.

It is estimated that ~25,000 reservists are trained according to uniform standards, with gendarmerie, army mobilization forces and individual special forces among the reservists. Outside of military blocs, it is characterized by high decision autonomy; it conducts military cooperation with the United Kingdom, the United States and the GCC countries, participates in joint exercises, but does not formally join alliances. Large partner facilities operate under intergovernmental agreements.

Programs for the development of the military-industrial complex are underway: enterprises for the repair and assembly of armored vehicles, laboratories for electronic warfare and UAVs, work with foreign contractors within the framework of Vision 2040. There are no nuclear weapons, the absolute reserve is 0 warheads; Oman is a party to the NPT, and only conventional capabilities are being developed.

There is no military space program, at the national satellite level, there is an exchange with partners; intelligence is integrated into the structures of the army and the external security service, relies on SIGINT/ELINT contractors and regional cooperation.

All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state-owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and industry databases of UN/NGO - 92% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. High level of managerial and political stability: Oman is in the top global quartile for political stability (WGI ~0.6), high government efficiency index, recognized institutional predictability.

Economic stability and macro-equilibrium: low debt burden (about 34-38% of GDP), large gold and foreign exchange reserves ($16-17 billion), GDP per capita (PPP) — $38-42 thousand dollars, positive balance of payments, independent monetary policy maintained.

Technological development, e-government: EGDI — 0.76, high Internet coverage (95.3%), one of the best e-government ecosystems in the region. Strong security sector and autonomy of defense decisions: defense spending 5.4–6.5% of GDP, ~47,000 military personnel, modern Air Force and Navy, high degree of decision autonomy in military cooperation with the West and GCC; control of borders, transit and strategic communications.

Rich cultural and educational space: 5 UNESCO sites, high involvement of the population in cultural life (31-39%), Sultan Qaboos awards, developed museum and festival movement, support for talents, the share of STEM 38-42%, literacy ~97%, higher education coverage 45-46%. Full energy independence and export diversification: self-sufficiency in oil/gas, developed renewable energy projects, export of raw materials and stable demand for oil.

Weaknesses. Technological, IT, and manufacturing import dependence: <10% of equipment and software is either manufactured or assembled in the country; in microelectronics, chips, and cloud services, there is 100% dependence on external players.

Food and water vulnerability: 86% of food is imported, water <100 m3 per capita, complete dependence on desalination plants and foreign markets (water shortage is one of the most serious among the Persian Gulf countries).

Limited humanitarian transparency: control over the media and intelligence services remains high, and parliamentary and judicial oversight mechanisms for security and personal data are limited. A small share of R&D and innovative investments: spending on science is 0.28—0.37% of GDP, which is lower than in countries with similar incomes, and dependence on technology imports outside the oil and gas sector remains.

Weak level of decentralization: The power structure is centralized, and regional authorities are limited in their independence. Partial external military support: the presence of US/UK military facilities is regulated, but strategically affects military and transit sovereignty.

Overall assessment. Oman's cumulative sovereignty Index is 425.7 out of 700 possible points (above the average of 60.8%), which places the country in the top 100 in the global top.

Oman in 2025 is a stable and governed country with a strong macroeconomics, a developed digital infrastructure, cultural identity institutions and an independent military policy. Technological, agro- and water import dependence, low level of development of applied science, partial transparency of the work of law enforcement agencies and an extremely centralized management system remain significant limitations.

The key challenge of long-term sovereignty is the transition from a resource-based and infrastructural economy to a model of national innovation and industrial autonomy. The sovereignty profile indicates that Oman in 2025 is based on developed governance institutions, a balanced foreign policy course, high investments in security, a culture of cooperation and a resource platform.

The main challenges are related to the vulnerability of innovation and resources (water, food, high-tech), as well as the "overripe" model of centralization of management. The country strives to consolidate the role of an independent coordinator in the region, combining solid internal stability and a flexible strategy of external autonomy.