MUSCAT : Oman’s Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) signed 28 investment agreements worth more than RO 304 million for new projects and expansions, as the country seeks to broaden its industrial base and diversify its economy.

The projects cover more than two square kilometres across the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, Sohar Freezone, Salalah Free Zone, Khazaen Economic City and industrial cities in Sohar, Raysut, Ibri and Nizwa.

Industrial cities operated by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates, known as Madayn, accounted for about RO 147.6 million of the investment. Sohar Freezone attracted RO 58.5 million, Duqm RO 55.08 million, Salalah Free Zone RO 32.95 million and Khazaen more than RO 10.4 million.

OPAZ Chairman Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef said the agreements formed part of efforts to attract specialised investment, strengthen the competitiveness of Oman’s economic zones and create jobs in line with Oman Vision 2040.

The authority was working to improve regulatory clarity and service efficiency while helping investors benefit from Oman’s infrastructure, location and access to regional and international markets, he said.

Steel and ceramics lead industrial investment

Seven projects in Madayn’s industrial cities cover a combined area of 756,802 square metres.

The largest is an Atlas Iron project in Sohar Industrial City, with investment exceeding RO 112 million, to establish a steel and iron products factory on 440,000 square metres. A ceramics project by Fujian Mansheng Industries and Investment will involve RO 20 million and occupy more than 241,000 square metres.

Raysut Industrial City will host a RO 7 million phosphate and nitrogen fertiliser plant by Gulf Organic and Biological Fertilisers, alongside a RO 750,000 structural metal products project by Sahm Samhan Trading and Contracting.

National Paper Investment will establish a RO 500,000 corrugated paper and paperboard factory in Ibri Industrial City.

In Nizwa, Al Hilal Oil and Gas Services and Shandong Yukos Petroleum Equipment will invest RO 4 million and RO 3 million respectively in facilities to manufacture parts and repair and maintain equipment used in the oil and gas sector.

Madayn Chief Executive Dawood bin Salim Al Hadabi said the investments would expand Oman’s manufacturing base and create opportunities for local suppliers and small and medium-sized businesses.

He said Madayn would continue developing infrastructure, improving services and simplifying procedures to help projects move into construction, operation and expansion.

Vehicle assembly complex planned in Sohar

Sohar Freezone’s agreements include a RO 38 million automotive assembly complex spanning 317,000 square metres.

The project, to be developed by Sohar Automotive and Advanced Industries, aims to attract vehicle manufacturers, supply-chain companies and businesses involved in related light industries and advanced manufacturing.

Voltamp Power will invest RO 15 million in a transformer factory covering 75,000 square metres, producing power and distribution transformers for regional and international markets.

Lalan Middle East will invest RO 1.5 million to expand its medical device manufacturing plant, adding production, storage and supporting facilities.

Other agreements include a RO 3.85 million warehouse for Five Stars Group to sort and export used clothing, and a RO 150,000 storage and re-export facility for Dynamic Logistics Services.

Sohar Port and Freezone Chief Executive Raed bin Mohammed Al Rabeei said the investments would deepen links between manufacturing, logistics and international supply chains.

Duqm attracts food and fisheries projects

In Duqm, Al Jazer Feed will invest RO 40 million in a shrimp feed factory occupying nearly 88,000 square metres.

The facility will include production lines, raw material storage, quality-control facilities, packaging and distribution infrastructure to support the company’s integrated shrimp farming project.

Al Karkh Trading will establish a RO 4 million quarantine facility for imported livestock and red meat supply on more than 526,000 square metres.

Muscat Changming Investment will invest RO 5.36 million in a fish processing and canning plant with two production lines designed to handle a combined 40 to 60 tonnes of fresh demersal fish daily.

Al Sawari International Investment will establish a RO 3.6 million tuna and squid processing and drying plant with annual processing capacity of up to 10,000 tonnes.

The agreements also include a RO 1.92 million refinery by Smart Road Investment to recycle used oil and petroleum waste, and a RO 200,000 residential and commercial building by Easy Solutions Technology.

Duqm zone Chief Executive Ahmed bin Ali Akak said the projects would add value to local resources, develop supply chains and support investment in food, fisheries, recycling and services.

Salalah adds steel, gypsum and dairy facilities

Salalah Free Zone secured three projects worth a combined RO 32.95 million.

Al Nawras Industries will invest RO 19.25 million in a steel structures factory on more than 22,000 square metres, while Integrated Gypsum will establish a RO 7.7 million gypsum products plant covering more than 112,000 square metres.

Dhofar Meadows will invest RO 6 million in a facility producing Italian cheeses and other dairy products.

Salalah Free Zone Chief Executive Ali bin Mohammed Tabouk said the projects would benefit from access to the Port of Salalah and international markets while expanding opportunities for supporting businesses.

EV charger manufacturing among Khazaen deals

Khazaen Economic City’s agreements include an investment of more than RO 3.4 million by Alimeet International Services in an electric vehicle charger and components factory covering 15,000 square metres.

Joger Modular Construction Technologies will invest RO 2.5 million in a precast concrete building components facility on more than 22,000 square metres.

Other projects include a RO 2 million building materials factory by Al Yusr International, a RO 400,000 ready-mix concrete facility by Around the World Achievements, and a RO 1 million warehouse for Sinfinco Automotive Services Centre to store engine oils, related products and vehicle spare parts.

Khazaen Al Baraka Logistics will invest RO 400,000 in a manufacturing, commercial and logistics complex for building materials, while Kunooz International will invest RO 700,000 in industrial units.

Khazaen Chief Executive Salim bin Sulaiman Al Dhuhli said the projects would broaden the city’s industrial and logistics activities, adding that it would continue seeking investment in food, pharmaceuticals, logistics and technology.

Saeed bin Khalifa Al Quraini, OPAZ’s director general for investment development, said the agreements would strengthen links between specialised industries, logistics and supporting services across the authority’s zones.

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