Nawat Oman: A OMR 6.5 Million Step Into Domestic Nuclear Medicine Production
Backed by the Oman Investment Authority and the Ministries of Health and Finance, Oman’s first radiopharmaceutical facility will produce short-lived diagnostic and therapeutic isotopes inside the Sultanate.
In nuclear medicine, time is measured in hours. The radioactive tracers used by oncologists and cardiologists to detect tumors, map heart disease, and monitor neurological conditions begin decaying the moment they leave a production facility. Until now, Omani hospitals have relied on air-freighted imports with narrow delivery windows—meaning a flight delay or regional supply disruption could postpone a patient’s scan or targeted radiation therapy.
With the launch of the Nawat Oman project at an investment cost of OMR 6.5 million (USD 17 million), the Sultanate is building its first domestic facility for manufacturing diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. Established by the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Maha Isotopes Industrial Company and in coordination with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance, the venture brings one of healthcare’s most time-sensitive supply chains home.
Securing Time-Critical Cancer and Cardiac Care
Operated as a long-term public-private partnership concession with the Ministry of Health, Nawat Oman will house integrated production units for two critical classes of medical isotopes: diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear imaging to detect cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders at early stages, and therapeutic isotopes designed for targeted radiation treatment.
Alongside the production lines, the complex will include a secondary standards dosimetry laboratory to calibrate radiation measurement equipment in accordance with international safety benchmarks. This calibration hub will serve both healthcare facilities and industrial sectors across Oman, paired with dedicated research and development laboratories to formulate next-generation targeted therapies.
Building an Omani Scientific Value Chain
For the Ministry of Finance and the Oman Investment Authority, the project shows how sovereign capital and private technical partners can address urgent domestic needs while building high-skill industry. Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance, noted that structuring the project through the public-private partnership framework channels private technical expertise directly into priority public health infrastructure.
Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, President of the Oman Investment Authority, emphasized that the joint venture is structured around technology transfer and training Omani specialists in radiopharmaceutical production, radiation dosimetry, and quality assurance. Dr. Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health, added that reliable domestic access to radiopharmaceuticals will allow public and private hospitals across Oman to expand early screening and precision oncology services—while positioning the Sultanate’s logistics and air connectivity to supply neighboring markets in the future.
