Oman Crowdfunding Raises OMR19 Million in 2025 as Funded Projects More Than Double to 243
Updated
Updated · Times Of Oman · Aug 24
Oman Crowdfunding Raises OMR19 Million in 2025 as Funded Projects More Than Double to 243
1 articles · Updated · Times Of Oman · Aug 24
Summary
OMR19 million was raised by Oman’s crowdfunding platforms in 2025, more than triple 2024’s OMR5.9 million, while funded projects climbed to 243 from 114.
That growth reflects rising demand from startups and small businesses that struggle to meet bank collateral requirements, with SMEs still receiving only 3.7% of total credit in Oman.
Since launching in 2022, the sector has funded 357 projects worth OMR29.4 million; seven platforms were active in 2025, down from nine after regulators canceled two licenses.
The market remains small against a GCC SME funding gap estimated at $250 billion, though backers say faster, data-based lending and Sharia-compliant products could broaden its reach.
Oman’s push sits within a wider buildout of non-bank finance under Vision 2040, with the Middle East alternative-lending market projected to grow from $18.9 billion in 2025 to $31.3 billion by 2029.
Why are Oman's asset-light startups abandoning traditional banks, and can alternative lenders truly bridge the massive regional funding gap?
With weaker crowdfunding platforms already collapsing in Oman, what hidden risks do alternative lenders face when replacing collateral with payment records?