Muscat – This next stage of development will significantly enhance the Freezone’s role as a key economic hub in the Sultanate of Oman and strengthen its global standing.

The economic benefits of this expansion include a significant increase in handling volume, with 2.5 million tons of cargo being added annually, along with investments exceeding RO 1.923 billion (US$5 billion) and 500 hectares of land available for lease.

The expansion will also provide between 300 and 700 new job opportunities, which will contribute to increasing land rental revenues and stimulating local trade, thus supporting the region’s GDP.
In line with national goals to enhance local content, 85 percent of the project’s requirements will be fulfilled by Omani suppliers and contractors. The project will begin with the rollout of general design services, followed by construction works to prepare new leasable land for prospective businesses.
The expansion aligns with the Sultanate’s broader economic vision and is bolstered by the recently issued Royal Decree No. (38/2025) concerning the Special Economic Zones and Free Zones Law. This legislative framework further enhances the investment appeal of the Sohar Freezone and reinforces investor confidence.

Mohammed bin Ali Al Shezawi, Acting CEO of Sohar Freezone and Vice President of Human Resources and Support Services at Sohar Port and Freezone, stated that the expansion is a strategic step toward supporting economic growth in the region, in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. He emphasized that the zone’s growth reflects the government’s commitment to developing world-class infrastructure and attracting global investors.

Thanks to its strategic location at the crossroads of major global trade routes between Asia and Europe, Sohar Port and Freezone has attracted over OMR 11.54 billion (US$30 billion) in investments to date. Al Shezawi highlighted that Sohar Freezone provides a streamlined administrative structure, enabling fast-track operations, with a duty-free corridor linking the port and the free zone that allows goods to transit in just 14 minutes.

Home to a wide range of industries including logistics, petrochemicals, automotive, plastics, chemicals, and metals, Sohar Freezone continues to serve as a vital hub for both local and international businesses. It offers essential infrastructure and services that foster sustainable development across sectors.
With this expansion, Sohar Port and Freezone reaffirms its commitment to economic diversification and supply chain efficiency, aiming to create long-term value for local communities, businesses, and the national economy.