Oman has seen remarkable progress in its ranking on the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), climbing 20 positions to rank 50th globally out of 180 countries. The Sultanate is now ranked 4th in the Arab world, up from its previous position of 70th in 2023. This improvement is highlighted by an increase in its score, which rose from 43 in 2023 to 55 in 2024, marking a substantial gain of 12 points.
The Corruption Perceptions Index, published annually by Transparency International, serves as a global benchmark for measuring perceived levels of corruption in the public sector. The results reflect Oman’s ongoing commitment to adopting best international practices aimed at safeguarding public funds, improving their management, and promoting integrity across various sectors.
Dr. Hamyar Nasser Al Mahrouqi, spokesperson for the State Audit Institution (SAI), discussed the significance of Oman’s improved position, emphasizing the importance of ranking 4th in the Arab world. He noted that the ranking enhances Oman’s global reputation, demonstrating that the country is a favorable environment for business and investment. Dr. Hamyar explained that the CPI is a highly reliable global measure, based on rigorous assessments by Transparency International.
He also attributed Oman’s progress to the nation’s focus on protecting public funds and fostering integrity. The State Audit Institution, in partnership with other relevant authorities, has played a pivotal role in this achievement through efforts aimed at strengthening governance and transparency.
Dr. Hamyar pointed out that the improved ranking is a result of continuous collaboration between the State Audit Institution, the National Competitiveness Office, and other entities, which have worked to elevate Oman’s performance in the index. He highlighted the role of SAI in raising public awareness about the importance of managing public funds responsibly, through various programs aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and the National Integrity Enhancement Plan. The SAI also issues an annual report, accompanied by a Community Summary in both Arabic and English, to update the public on the institution’s activities.
In addition to the internal efforts, Dr. Hamyar stressed the importance of the role played by various institutions and the public in complying with national legislation, which contributes to Oman’s continued progress in the CPI. The government is also working to increase the number of institutions that assess Oman in this index and engage with international organizations to better understand the reasons behind the country’s ranking and the measures taken to improve its business environment.
Transparency International, a non-governmental organization, plays a crucial role in the global fight against corruption. Its Corruption Perceptions Index is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative reports on corruption worldwide. The index is based on data from six international sources, which Transparency International consolidates and standardizes on a scale from 0 to 100. A score of 0 indicates a high level of perceived corruption, while 100 signifies very low perceived corruption. The final CPI score is an average of the scores from all data sources, offering a comprehensive overview of a country’s anti-corruption efforts.
This achievement reflects the Sultanate’s ongoing efforts to build a more transparent and accountable governance structure, further positioning Oman as a leader in regional and global efforts to combat corruption.
