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Cyprus Strengthens Maritime Ties With Oman And Qatar

Cyprus is expanding its global maritime footprint as Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis embarks on an official visit to Oman and Qatar for high-level discussions on maritime cooperation and industry growth.

Hadjimanolis will first travel to the Sultanate of Oman on Saturday at the invitation of Saeed bin Hamoud bin Saeed al Maawali, Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology. During her visit, she will engage in bilateral meetings with senior government officials and representatives from Asyad, Oman’s state-owned shipping company.

A key milestone of the visit will be the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Cyprus and Oman, aimed at strengthening maritime transport collaboration.

Following her engagements in Oman, Hadjimanolis will head to Qatar, where she will attend the Seatrade Maritime Qatar Exhibition & Conference 2025 at the invitation of Qatar’s Minister of Transport, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani. In Doha, she will hold bilateral discussions with Qatari officials and participate in industry meetings to further promote Cyprus’ position as a global shipping hub.

These diplomatic efforts underscore Cyprus’ commitment to enhancing maritime cooperation in the Gulf region, reinforcing its status as a leading player in global shipping.

Cyprus Services Sector Shows Robust Performance In 2025 As Tourism, Digital Innovation, And Shipping Surge

The Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEV) reported growth across Cyprus’ services sector in 2025, with increases recorded in tourism, professional services and administrative activities. Data show continued expansion across multiple sub-sectors, reinforcing the role of services in economic output and employment.

Service Sector Leadership

Accommodation and food services grew by 9.5%, while administrative and support activities increased by 7.4%. Professional, scientific and technical activities rose by 4.6%, followed by information and communication at 4.3%. Transport and storage recorded growth of 2.8%, while real estate activity increased by 0.4%. These figures indicate broad-based expansion across service industries.

A Remarkable Tourism Surge

Tourist arrivals reached 4,534,073 in 2025, marking a 12.2% increase year-on-year. December arrivals totaled 156,959, up 18% compared with the same period a year earlier. Tourism continues to support revenue generation and seasonal demand across the economy. Growth in visitor numbers contributes to activity in hospitality and related sectors.

Driving Digital Transformation

OEV is supporting digital adoption through initiatives such as the DiGiNN Cyprus Digital Innovation Hub. The program focuses on improving business processes, skills development and technology integration. Additional efforts include the establishment of a Digital Transformation and Innovation Committee and international engagement through business missions. These actions support the adoption of digital tools across sectors.

Resilient Shipping Sector

Shipping accounted for about 7% of Cyprus’s GDP in 2025, remaining a key component of the economy. The Cyprus Registry recorded its highest tonnage in 20 years, with an increase of nearly 20%. Fleet growth strengthens Cyprus’ position within European Union shipping registries and global maritime markets. The sector continues to contribute to economic stability.

Strengthening The Economic Foundation

OEV is organizing conferences, workshops and exhibitions to support business development across sectors. These initiatives focus on improving operational practices and industry collaboration. Continued investment in services and digital infrastructure is expected to support economic performance.

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