The 2026 Investment Forum · Washington, DC · September 23, 2026
Held at the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center in Washington, DC, the Zahra Oman–USA Investment Forum convenes senior leaders across industry, government, and institutional capital to explore long-term partnership opportunities between Oman and the United States.
Date
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Venue
Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center, Washington, DC
Attendance
Invitation Only
Why This Moment Matters
Global systems are being reshaped by artificial intelligence infrastructure, resilient supply chains, sovereign investment, energy transformation, and evolving geopolitical alignment.
As capital and infrastructure priorities reorganize globally, the Gulf region is becoming increasingly important to the future of trade, technology, industrial development, and cross-border investment.
Oman occupies a uniquely strategic position within this transformation — with direct access to the Indian Ocean, longstanding diplomatic relationships, significant infrastructure investment, and one of the few Free Trade Agreements between the United States and the region.
The Forum was created to convene the relationships shaping what comes next.
Why Oman
Oman's strategic geography, trusted diplomacy, and Vision 2040 transformation position it as a compelling platform for long-term investment, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity at a time when global supply chains, energy systems, and digital networks are being redefined.
01
Oman sits at the intersection of emerging trade, energy, and digital corridors connecting the Gulf, India, Africa, and global markets. Its ports, industrial zones, and subsea connectivity position the Sultanate as a strategic gateway for the next generation of commerce and infrastructure.
02
Backed by a longstanding Free Trade Agreement and decades of diplomatic cooperation, Oman offers American companies and investors a trusted platform for engagement in one of the world's fastest-evolving regions.
03
Through Vision 2040, Oman is building for the future—investing in AI and digital ecosystems, logistics and industrial platforms, renewable energy, and critical minerals to diversify its economy and create long-term strategic partnerships.
Strategic Focus Areas
Focused on the sectors shaping the future of infrastructure, connectivity, trade, industrial development, and long-term investment.
I
The AI era is transforming compute into a strategic asset as important as energy, ports, and trade routes. Oman's strategic geography, energy resources, digital connectivity, and reputation as a trusted partner position it to become a leading hub for AI infrastructure, sovereign compute, and digital ecosystems serving a rapidly evolving global economy.
II
As global commerce shifts toward more resilient and diversified economic corridors, Oman is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Its world-class ports, free zones, and integrated infrastructure are establishing the Sultanate as a critical gateway for trade, industrial development, and next-generation manufacturing.
III
Critical minerals have become foundational to the future of artificial intelligence, energy security, electrification, and advanced manufacturing. Oman’s resource base, mining investments, and downstream processing ambitions are strengthening its role in the strategic supply chains that will power the industries of the future.
Event Details
Date
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Timing
8:00 AM — 2:00 PM
Venue
Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center · Washington, DC
Private Reception
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 · Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman
Attendance
Invitation Only
Inquiries
forum@thezahragroup.com
Schedule
The Forum is intentionally designed as a focused, invitation-only convening emphasizing high-trust engagement, executive dialogue, and long-term partnership development.
6:00 — 9:00 PM
Private Reception & Dinner
Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman · Invitation-only gathering for speakers, partners, diplomatic guests, and strategic delegates.
8:00 — 9:00 AM
Breakfast & Opening Keynote
Introduction to Oman and setting the stage for a new era of strategic corridors.
9:00 AM — 12:30 PM
Executive Sessions & Strategic Roundtables
Focused dialogue across AI infrastructure, trade and logistics, and critical minerals.
12:30 — 2:00 PM
Lunch & Closing Keynote
Synthesis of the day and pathways forward.
Keynote Speaker
His Excellency
Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the United States of America
His Excellency Talal Al Rahbi serves as the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the United States, representing the Sultanate's strategic interests in Washington and advancing the longstanding partnership between the two nations.
Prior to his diplomatic appointment, His Excellency held senior leadership roles in Oman's national planning and economic development, where he played a central role in shaping Oman Vision 2040 — the Sultanate's long-term strategy for economic diversification, investment, and global engagement.
At the Zahra Oman–USA Investment Forum, His Excellency will deliver the keynote address, framing the strategic context for deeper bilateral collaboration across infrastructure, technology, energy, and capital.
Featured Speakers
A curated roster of current and former cabinet-level officials, sovereign fund executives, and founders of billion-dollar infrastructure platforms — each confirmed on the basis of active, relevant decision-making authority. Full speaker roster and bios will be published as confirmations are finalized.
Request InvitationFounding Partners
Forum Sponsors
Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center
Located in the heart of Washington, DC, the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center serves as a bridge of cultural and intellectual exchange between Oman and the United States. Its mission of dialogue, partnership, and cross-cultural engagement reflects the spirit at the heart of Zahra.
Zahra — the Arabic word for flower — represents growth, beauty, and the blossoming of long-term partnership.
Request an Invitation
Participation in the Zahra Investment Forum is by invitation only. To inquire about attendance, sponsorship, speaking participation, or strategic partnership, please contact the Zahra team.
