The Halal economy in Oman

In Oman, Halal certificates for imported food are checked by the Food Safety and Quality Center (FSQC). From 1 July 2027, it will only accept Halal certificates issued by certification bodies it has designated, so importers must make sure their suppliers' certifiers complete the designation before then. Oman also applies the Halal requirements shared by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Oman was the last Gulf state to allow Islamic banking: a royal decree of May 2011 authorised it, followed by a Central Bank of Oman circular the next month. The first Islamic banks, Bank Nizwa and Al Izz International Bank, were listed in 2012, and conventional banks opened Islamic windows. Muscat hosts food fairs such as Oman AgroFood. This guide lists the institutions behind each part, with their pages on Wasabih.

Photo: Muscat · Leon petrosyan · CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Key facts

From 1 July 2027, Halal certificates accompanying imported food will not be accepted in Oman if the certification body has not been designated by the Food Safety and Quality Center. Times of Oman
Importers are responsible for verifying that their Halal certification body is designated by the FSQC before signing contracts. Times of Oman
Islamic banking in Oman was authorised by a royal decree in May 2011, followed by Central Bank of Oman Circular BM 1081 in June 2011 allowing Islamic bank licensing. Oxford Business Group

Halal events in Oman

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Country guide · OIC member state

The Halal economy in Oman

In Oman, Halal certificates for imported food are checked by the Food Safety and Quality Center (FSQC). From 1 July 2027, it will only accept Halal certificates issued by certification bodies it has designated, so importers must make sure their suppliers' certifiers complete the designation before then. Oman also applies the Halal requirements shared by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Oman was the last Gulf state to allow Islamic banking: a royal decree of May 2011 authorised it, followed by a Central Bank of Oman circular the next month. The first Islamic banks, Bank Nizwa and Al Izz International Bank, were listed in 2012, and conventional banks opened Islamic windows. Muscat hosts food fairs such as Oman AgroFood. This guide lists the institutions behind each part, with their pages on Wasabih.

Photo: Muscat · Leon petrosyan · CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Key facts

From 1 July 2027, Halal certificates accompanying imported food will not be accepted in Oman if the certification body has not been designated by the Food Safety and Quality Center. Times of Oman
Importers are responsible for verifying that their Halal certification body is designated by the FSQC before signing contracts. Times of Oman
Islamic banking in Oman was authorised by a royal decree in May 2011, followed by Central Bank of Oman Circular BM 1081 in June 2011 allowing Islamic bank licensing. Oxford Business Group

Halal events in Oman

Coming up

Dec1–32026

Oman AgroFood

Muscat, Oman

UnverifiedHalal sectionFood & Beverage

All Halal events in Oman

Frequently asked questions

Which Halal certificates does Oman accept for food imports?

Certificates from Halal certification bodies designated by the Food Safety and Quality Center (FSQC). From 1 July 2027, certificates from bodies that are not designated will be rejected.

What must importers into Oman do before July 2027?

Coordinate with suppliers and their Halal certification bodies, make sure those bodies complete the FSQC designation process, and check the designation before signing any contract; the FSQC will not bear the consequences of dealings with undesignated bodies.

When did Islamic banking start in Oman?

A royal decree of May 2011 authorised Islamic banking, and a Central Bank of Oman circular in June 2011 opened licensing. The first Islamic banks, Bank Nizwa and Al Izz International Bank, listed in 2012.

Who regulates Islamic banks in Oman?

The Central Bank of Oman licenses and supervises Islamic banks and the Islamic windows of conventional banks under its Islamic banking regulatory framework.

Does Oman follow GCC Halal standards?

Yes. Oman applies the Halal requirements shared by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the GSO Halal standards, alongside its own designation of certification bodies.

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