Riyada Card in Oman: What It Is and Why It Matters for Your Startup
The Riyada card, officially the Entrepreneurship Card, is issued by the SME Development Authority (Riyada) to Omani small and medium enterprises. It opens access to benefits from government and private-sector partners, most importantly to government tenders. By the end of June 2026, 32,103 Omani enterprises held the card, after 19,267 new cards were issued in the first half of the year (source: Muscat Daily, 26 July 2026).
Main benefits
- Government tenders: selected tenders and projects are allocated to card holders, and government purchases under OMR 25,000 are reserved for card-holding firms (source: Oman Observer)
- Financing routes: Riyada works with Oman Development Bank on SME loans
- Support: incubators, advisory services and training programmes
- Partner offers from private companies, which change over time
There is also a separate startup company card for technology and innovation-focused startups. Full eligibility rules are on riyada.om.
What tenders and lenders will ask for
Winning a government tender or a loan is a finance test as much as a sales test. Expect to show:
- Up-to-date financial statements and management accounts
- A cash forecast that shows you can fund the work before you are paid
- VAT registration and compliant invoices if you are above the threshold
- Clear pricing with cost and margin per contract
Plan the cash before you bid
Government contracts can pay later than private customers. Before you bid, model the contract in a 13-week cash forecast: when you spend on staff and materials, when you invoice, and when you are likely to be paid. Make sure the margin covers financing costs if you need a facility.
How we help card holders
We build the cash forecast and contract pricing, prepare lender and tender finance packs, and keep the monthly close and VAT on time, in English and Arabic. Book a free first call.
Frequently asked questions
The Entrepreneurship Card issued by the SME Development Authority in Oman, giving SMEs access to benefits including government tenders and support programmes.
How many companies hold the card?32,103 Omani enterprises by the end of June 2026, according to Muscat Daily.
Does the card give funding directly?It opens routes to financing and support, including Riyada's work with Oman Development Bank. Lenders still assess your financial position.
Where do these figures come from?Muscat Daily, 26 July 2026: https://www.muscatdaily.com/2026/07/26/oman-issues-over-19000-entrepreneurship-cards-in-h1-2026/ ; Oman Observer: https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1184187/business/omans-sme-sector-grows-strongly-reaching-130359-firms ; official: https://riyada.om
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Written by Akram El-Karrar, CPA, from the work we do for startups every week.