Oman Forklift Rental Market Report Size Share Growth Drivers Trends Opportunities & Forecast 2025–2030

Oman Forklift Rental Market Overview

• The Oman Forklift Rental Market is valued at USD 15 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for efficient material handling solutions across construction, logistics, free zones, and manufacturing, in line with Oman’s industrial and logistics development plans. The rise in infrastructure projects, growth of ports such as Sohar and Salalah, and the expansion of the warehousing and logistics sector, including 3PL providers and e?commerce distribution centers, have significantly contributed to the market’s growth.
• Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar are the dominant cities in the Oman Forklift Rental Market. Muscat, being the capital, has a high concentration of commercial activities, industrial estates such as Rusayl, and major infrastructure projects. Salalah and Sohar benefit from their strategic deep?sea ports and free zones that serve as key hubs for trade, logistics, and warehousing, which drives sustained demand for forklift rentals to support container handling, bulk cargo, and distribution operations. These cities are pivotal in driving demand for forklift rentals due to ongoing port expansions, industrial zone development, and growth in logistics and value?added services.
• In 2023, the Omani government strengthened regulations to enhance safety standards for powered industrial trucks, including forklifts, used in rental and industrial operations, through enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulation (Ministerial Decision No. 286/2008) issued by the Ministry of Manpower (now Ministry of Labour). This framework requires employers to provide mandatory training and certification for operators, implement safe?operation procedures, and ensure periodic inspection and maintenance of lifting and material?handling equipment to meet technical and safety specifications. These requirements are increasingly embedded into rental contracts, with rental providers offering trained operators, inspection records, and compliant equipment to reduce workplace accidents and improve operational efficiency in sectors utilizing forklifts.

Oman Forklift Rental Market Segmentation

By Power Source:The forklift rental market is segmented by power source into Electric Forklifts, Diesel Forklifts, LPG/CNG Forklifts, Hybrid/Hydrogen Forklifts, and Others. Electric forklifts are gaining traction in Oman, particularly in warehouses, logistics centers, and indoor industrial facilities, due to their lower emissions, reduced noise, and increasingly competitive total cost of ownership supported by advances in lithium?ion battery technology. Diesel forklifts remain popular for heavy?duty outdoor applications in construction sites, ports, and industrial yards where higher load capacities and longer operating times are needed. LPG/CNG forklifts are preferred in industries seeking a balance between indoor and outdoor use with quick refueling, while hybrid and hydrogen options are at an early stage globally but are emerging as sustainable choices in advanced logistics operations and are expected to influence future fleet decisions in Oman.

By Truck Class / Type:This segment includes Counterbalance Forklifts, Reach Trucks, Pallet Trucks/Pallet Jacks, Order Pickers, Rough Terrain Forklifts & Telehandlers, and Others. Counterbalance forklifts dominate rental demand due to their versatility across ports, construction sites, manufacturing plants, and general warehousing, aligning with global rental fleet compositions. Reach trucks are preferred in high?bay warehouses and distribution centers in Muscat, Sohar, and Salalah free zones, where narrow?aisle operations and high racking systems are common. Pallet trucks and pallet jacks are widely used for light?duty horizontal movements in retail, FMCG warehousing, and smaller logistics facilities, while order pickers are essential for e?commerce and retail order fulfillment where case? and piece?picking efficiency is critical. Rough terrain forklifts and telehandlers serve specialized applications in construction, oil and gas, and industrial projects in remote or uneven terrain.

Oman Forklift Rental Market Competitive Landscape

The Oman Forklift Rental Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (FAMCO), General Engineering Services Co. L.L.C (Genserv), Zubair Automotive Group, Saud Bahwan Group, Al-Bahar (Caterpillar Dealer), Sarooj Construction & Equipment Rental, Muscat Overseas Group, Azzan Group / Azzan Equipment Rental, Al Fairuz Trading & Contracting Co. L.L.C., Oasis Trading & Equipment Rental, Galfar Engineering & Contracting SAOG, MB Holding Company LLC (including MB Plant & Equipment), Al-Taher Group, Towell Group (Equipment & Rental Division), Other Local Forklift Rental Operators contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Oman Forklift Rental Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Logistics and Warehousing:The logistics and warehousing sector in Oman is projected to grow significantly, with the World Bank estimating a 4.5% increase in logistics activities in future. This growth is driven by the rise in e-commerce, which is expected to reach $2 billion in future. Consequently, the demand for forklifts in warehouses is surging, as companies seek efficient solutions to manage inventory and streamline operations, thereby boosting the forklift rental market.
• Expansion of Construction Projects:Oman’s construction sector is anticipated to grow by 6% in future, fueled by government investments in infrastructure projects. The government allocated $12 billion for infrastructure development, including roads and airports. This expansion necessitates the use of forklifts for material handling, leading to increased rental demand. As construction companies prefer renting over purchasing, this trend significantly contributes to the growth of the forklift rental market in Oman.
• Rising Adoption of Rental Services Over Ownership:The trend towards renting equipment rather than owning it is gaining traction in Oman, with a reported 35% increase in rental service adoption in future. Companies are increasingly recognizing the financial benefits of rental services, such as reduced maintenance costs and flexibility. This shift is particularly evident in sectors like construction and logistics, where operational efficiency is paramount, further driving the forklift rental market's growth.

Market Challenges

• High Initial Investment Costs:The high initial investment required for purchasing forklifts poses a significant challenge for businesses in Oman. The average cost of a new forklift ranges from $25,000 to $55,000, which can strain the budgets of small to medium-sized enterprises. This financial barrier often leads companies to delay equipment acquisition, impacting overall operational efficiency and limiting market growth for forklift rentals.
• Limited Availability of Skilled Operators:The shortage of skilled forklift operators in Oman is a pressing challenge, with estimates indicating a gap of approximately 2,000 qualified operators in future. This shortage can hinder the effective utilization of rental forklifts, as companies struggle to find trained personnel to operate the equipment safely. Consequently, this challenge may deter businesses from renting forklifts, impacting market growth and operational efficiency.

Oman Forklift Rental Market Future Outlook

The Oman forklift rental market is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing investments in infrastructure and the expansion of the logistics sector. As companies continue to prioritize operational efficiency, the shift towards rental services is expected to accelerate. Additionally, technological advancements in forklift design and the integration of IoT for fleet management will enhance operational capabilities. These trends indicate a robust future for the forklift rental market, with opportunities for innovation and expansion in various sectors.

Market Opportunities

• Growth in E-commerce and Retail Sectors:The rapid growth of the e-commerce sector, projected to reach $2 billion in future, presents a significant opportunity for forklift rentals. Retailers require efficient material handling solutions to manage inventory and fulfill orders, driving demand for rental forklifts. This trend is expected to create a lucrative market for rental services tailored to the needs of e-commerce businesses.
• Increasing Focus on Sustainability and Electric Forklifts:The growing emphasis on sustainability is leading to a rise in demand for electric forklifts, which are more environmentally friendly. With the Omani government promoting green initiatives, the market for electric forklift rentals is expected to expand. Companies are likely to seek rental options for electric forklifts to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining operational efficiency.