Icons Oman is proud to recognize Salim Al-Furaisi as one of the Top 100 Leaders in Oman’s finance sector for 2025. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Salim has established himself as a transformative leader, driving fiscal sustainability, regulatory reform, and financial sector development at the national level.

Strategic Leadership at the Heart of Oman’s Financial Transformation

As Deputy Director of the National Program for Fiscal Sustainability and Financial Sector Development, Salim had a pivotal contribution in Oman’s economic diversification strategies. He is accountable for meeting ambitious program objectives, keeping key stakeholders engaged, and delivering mandates through a high-performing team of leaders. His work is instrumental in aligning fiscal policy with the nation’s long-term vision, ensuring that Oman’s financial sector remains robust, innovative, and globally competitive.

Previously, as Project Manager in the Program Management Office at the Ministry of Finance, Salim led a group of senior project leaders across five critical domains:

• Green and Sustainable Finance
• Financial Technology (FinTech)
• Regulatory Enhancement
• Human Capital Development
• Financial Literacy

His leadership in these areas has accelerated the adoption of sustainable practices, digital innovation, and regulatory modernization—laying the foundation for a resilient, future-ready financial sector.

Building on a Foundation of Operational Excellence

Salim’s expertise is rooted in a 20-year tenure at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), where he held progressive roles in contract management, well engineering, internal audit, and operational leadership. As Contract Management Team Lead and later as Portfolio Manager for well construction services, he managed complex contracts and large-scale drilling operations, ensuring operational excellence, cost optimization, and risk management. His experience as a Certified LEAN Practitioner and Lean Champion saw him lead transformative projects that standardized processes, improved efficiency, and delivered measurable value across PDO’s operations.

Salim’s time as Senior Internal Auditor and Well Delivery Team Leader further honed his skills in governance, compliance, and team management—attributes that now underpin his strategic work in the finance sector.

Academic and Professional Credentials

Salim holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Strathclyde, with merit, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Honors) from Sultan Qaboos University. He has also completed executive education in Organizational Leadership at London Business School and holds a certificate in Leading Sustainable Corporations from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. His credentials as a Certified Arbitrator and Shell Lead Internal Auditor reflect his commitment to professional excellence and ethical leadership.

Driving Impact and Innovation

Salim’s impact extends beyond project delivery—he is a strategic thinker who champions sustainability, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, and the integration of technology in finance. His work in advancing Green Finance and FinTech initiatives is shaping a more inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystem in Oman. Salim is also passionate about developing human capital, enhancing financial literacy, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

A Vision for Oman’s Financial Future

Salim Al-Furaisi’s journey is defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a commitment to innovation, and an unwavering dedication to Oman’s economic progress. His leadership continues to inspire peers and set new benchmarks for fiscal responsibility, digital transformation, and sustainable growth in the finance sector.

Icons Oman celebrates Salim Al-Furaisi for his visionary leadership and transformative contributions to Oman’s financial landscape, making him a true champion of fiscal sustainability and financial innovation.