Reimagining Oman’s Economy Through the Creative Industries

Creative Industries: A Global Concept Shaping Gulf Policy Agendas

Today, creative industries are recognised as one of the key pillars of modern economies, attracting increasing attention from policymakers as drivers of sustainable growth, innovation, and cultural identity. While the term “creative industries” may appear relatively recent, its origins can be traced back several decades, with scholars offering different interpretations of its historical emergence.

According to much of the academic literature, Australia was the first country to formally adopt the term through its landmark Creative Nation policy launched by Prime Minister Paul Keating in 1994. However, Australian scholar John Hartley traces the concept even further back, identifying an early reference in an Australian newspaper article published in 1828. Regardless of its precise origin, the concept gained international prominence through the United Kingdom’s policy agenda in the late 1990s, when the UK government introduced the first Creative Industries Mapping Document. This defined creative industries as activities rooted in individual creativity, skill, and talent that generate wealth and employment through the exploitation of intellectual property.

Although this definition sparked considerable debate among cultural policy scholars, it quickly became one of the most influential frameworks worldwide. Its adoption by governments, international organisations, and research institutions contributed to the rapid global diffusion of the concept.

Today, the economic significance of cultural and creative industries is undeniable. According to UNESCO, the sector generates approximately USD 2.3 trillion annually, contributes 3.1% of global GDP, and accounts for 6.2% of employment worldwide. Beyond economic indicators, these figures reflect a profound transformation in the way creativity is understood. Creativity is no longer viewed as a purely cultural endeavour; it has become a strategic component of national development agendas.

From Cultural Preservation to Economic Diversification in the Gulf

Across the Gulf region, cultural and creative industries have traditionally been associated with heritage preservation, cultural identity, and artistic expression. However, in recent years, Gulf governments have increasingly recognised their economic value and their potential contribution to diversification strategies.

This shift coincided with the United Nations’ designation of 2021 as the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development. During the same period, Gulf countries began integrating creative industries into broader economic development frameworks.

The United Arab Emirates launched its National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries, aiming to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP to 5% by 2031. Saudi Arabia incorporated the creative economy into the priorities of Vision 2030, particularly through investments in sectors such as gaming, entertainment, and digital content. Qatar reported a contribution exceeding QAR 20 billion from cultural and creative industries, while Kuwait introduced a Cultural Investment Strategy to strengthen the sector’s role within the national economy.

These developments reflect a broader regional transformation. Creative industries are increasingly viewed not only as cultural assets but also as engines of economic growth, innovation, and international competitiveness.

Creative Industries in Oman’s Policy Landscape

In Oman, the concepts of creative industries and the creative economy were not explicitly mentioned in Oman Vision 2040. Nevertheless, many of the Vision’s objectives align closely with the principles underpinning the sector, particularly those related to cultural identity, knowledge-based development, innovation, and economic diversification.

A significant milestone occurred in 2021 with the launch of the Omani Cultural Strategy (2021–2040), which introduced the terms “cultural and creative industries” and “creative economy” directly into national policy discourse for the first time. The strategy established a dedicated framework to support creative enterprises, encourage cultural investment, and strengthen the sector’s contribution to national development.

This policy commitment was further reinforced through the establishment of a dedicated Cultural and Creative Industries Unit within the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, as well as a series of initiatives designed to support sector development.

Among the most significant initiatives was the Cultural and Creative Industries Mapping Project, the first national effort to analyse and map the sector in Oman. The project contributed to building a knowledge base for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders while identifying key opportunities and challenges facing the sector.

Towards an Omani Creative Economy

Although comprehensive statistical data on the contribution of the creative economy to Oman’s GDP remains limited, important progress has been made in establishing the foundations for future growth.

Recent initiatives have included the development of a national methodology for measuring the creative economy, assessing the readiness of the national statistical system, and designing investment-focused strategies for cultural and creative industries. These efforts have been supported through partnerships between government institutions and international experts in creative economy development.

The outcomes have already begun to materialise through investment projects, new market opportunities, and entrepreneurship support programmes. Small and medium-sized enterprises operating within creative sectors have also received increasing attention through dedicated incubation and business development initiatives.

International recognition has followed. The UNCTAD Creative Economy Outlook 2024 highlighted several Omani initiatives, including programmes supporting frankincense producers, innovation-driven entrepreneurship schemes, and projects promoting sustainability within traditional crafts.

Looking Ahead

Cultural and creative industries represent one of the most promising pathways for economic diversification, sustainable development, and cultural influence in the twenty-first century. International experience demonstrates that integrating creativity and innovation into public policy can foster more resilient, inclusive, and dynamic economies.

Oman has taken important steps towards building its creative economy through strategic policies, institutional initiatives, and investment programmes. However, unlocking the sector’s full potential will require continued efforts to strengthen legislation, improve statistical systems, develop national talent, and encourage partnerships between the public and private sectors.