OMAN : The new projects, covering industrial and logistics activities as well as export offices, are being established on a combined area of around 2,415 square metres.

The Public Establishment for Industrial Estates — Madayn, which manages and operates Al Mazyouna Free Zone, said the total leased area in the zone has now exceeded 1.4 million square metres, out of a total allocated area of more than 15.36 million square metres.

The free zone currently employs around 472 workers.

Engineer Ahmed bin Khamis Al Kasbi, Director General of Al Mazyouna Free Zone, said the zone completed the readiness of its water desalination plant during the first half of the year and has begun receiving applications for the service.

He added that design work for the infrastructure of the zone’s fourth phase, covering around 1.5 million square metres, has also been completed.

Madayn is planning a number of new projects in Al Mazyouna, including a sovereign gateway for the free zone and internal irrigation works aimed at increasing green areas.

Al Kasbi told the Oman News Agency that several other projects are being considered under the current five-year plan.

These include the establishment of an industrial incubator complex and specialised warehouses covering around 50,000 square metres, the study of a 1,000-square-metre refrigerated warehouse, and the opening of a representative office targeting the Yemeni market.

The zone is also studying memoranda of understanding for the establishment of factories producing animal feed from agricultural waste in Najd, as well as compound fertiliser plants.

Plans also include infrastructure for a 50,000-square-metre automotive complex, which would feature vehicle showrooms and public parking areas.

Renewable energy will also form part of the zone’s expansion plans. Authorities are studying the addition of one megawatt of solar energy, including solar-powered lighting.

Existing companies will also be encouraged to shift around 10 per cent of their electricity consumption to clean energy, while new companies are expected to incorporate renewable energy systems.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the second Al Mazyouna Economic Exhibition and Forum, scheduled to take place from October 20 to 22.

The event aims to build on the success of its first edition and strengthen trade and investment cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Yemen.

The upcoming forum is expected to attract wider participation from local companies and provide opportunities for investors to explore new projects and establish strategic partnerships.

It will target service companies, factories, brand representatives, automobile showrooms, import and export businesses, logistics companies, food suppliers and small and medium enterprises.

Al Mazyouna Free Zone is considered a key economic and commercial gateway linking Oman with regional markets, particularly Yemen.

Investors in the zone benefit from a range of incentives, including income tax exemptions on profits for 30 years, exemptions from commercial agency requirements and customs duties, as well as the ability for foreign investors to own 100 per cent of project capital.

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