Oman has recorded a new achievement in the global Environmental Performance Index (EPI) for 2026, advancing to 49th place worldwide among 180 countries — a rise of six positions compared with the 2024 edition, in which the Sultanate placed 55th.

The result confirms the effectiveness of the national effort to strengthen environmental sustainability and improve environmental performance indicators across the country.

Leading Positions Regionally

Alongside its global ranking, Oman secured advanced positions at regional and Arab level: third among Middle East countries, second in the Arab world, and second among the Gulf Cooperation Council states. Those placings reflect the Sultanate’s growing standing in environmental protection and the sustainable management of natural resources.

What Drove the Improvement

The progress is the product of national policies implemented across climate action, biodiversity conservation, air quality improvement and the sustainable management of natural resources — together with the expansion of renewable energy projects, the strengthening of the circular economy, and the rollout of initiatives supporting environmental sustainability in line with the targets of Oman Vision 2040.

The Environmental Performance Index, issued by Yale and Columbia universities in the United States, is among the most prominent international indices measuring the performance of 180 countries in environment and sustainability. It draws on a wide range of indicators covering climate change, environmental health and ecosystem vitality.

A Consistent Upward Trend

The 2026 result continues a sustained improvement in Oman’s international environmental indicators. It reflects the success of joint efforts between the Environment Authority and related government bodies in developing environmental policy, strengthening sustainable resource management, and supporting national initiatives that contribute to sustainable development and improved quality of life.

The Environmental Performance Index is one of three headline indicators used to track the Environment and Natural Resources priority under Oman Vision 2040, alongside the Oman Water Index and the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption.

Oman’s environmental performance and the national data behind it will feature in the programme at Oman Climate Week 2026, taking place 14–16 September at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre in Muscat.

Source: Oman Daily (Al Omaniya News Agency)
Original Article: https://www.omandaily.om/ampArticle/1206401