Muscat – The exhibition aims to highlight the achievements of Omani industries and showcase the advancements within the sector, while promoting industrial investment and increasing the competitiveness of Omani-made products.

Organised by the Salalah Free Zone, the exhibition brought together 32 leading industrial companies from the pharmaceutical, food, and petrochemical industries. These companies displayed their latest products and innovations, reflecting the sector’s diversity and creative progress. The event also featured specialized workshops focused on enhancing industrial skills, quality, and productivity standards.
Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Tabuk, CEO of Salalah Free Zone, addressed the audience, emphasizing the zone’s role in supporting the growth of national industries and enhancing their reach to regional and global markets. He highlighted that the zone currently houses 41 industrial projects across a leased area of over 6.2 million square meters, with industrial ventures representing 60 percent of total investments in the region.

The Salalah Free Zone is seen as a vital player in Oman’s manufacturing chain, contributing to the conversion of natural resources into value-added industries. This process not only supports local economic growth but also bolsters Omani exports to international markets. The zone’s proximity to resources such as natural gas, minerals, and fish is integral to its success in fostering manufacturing industries that utilize local raw materials.

Dr. Tabuk also mentioned that the total investments in the Salalah Free Zone amount to RO 4.7 billion, with an impressive annual growth rate of 40 percent over the past five years. The zone has directly employed around 3,096 individuals, with an annual workforce growth rate of 9 percent and an Omanisation rate of 34 percent, reinforcing the zone’s commitment to creating job opportunities for Omani talent.

The industrial investments in the Salalah Free Zone span diverse sectors including food industries, logistics, petrochemicals, and mining. Investors from various countries, including India, Mexico, Yemen, and Oman, have contributed to the zone’s expanding industrial landscape.

According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information, manufacturing industries now contribute about 10.5 percent to Oman’s GDP, with a value exceeding RO 2.19 billion, signalling the growing importance of this sector in the nation’s economic development.