Muscat: The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones. During a tour of the facilities, His Excellency reviewed projects covering a wide spectrum of plastic manufacturing, including three-layer food packaging, packaging bags, dairy and confectionery packaging, plastic pigments and compounds, thermoplastics, medical-grade plastics, advanced packaging solutions and polypropylene yarns.

The launch marks the transition of these projects into full-scale production, reflecting tangible progress in localising manufacturing industries and strengthening Oman’s position as a growing industrial hub, in line with Oman Vision 2040.

The Ladayn programme is the first integrated national framework of its kind in Oman, linking polymer production at OQ’s industrial complexes with downstream industries across industrial cities, special economic zones and free zones. By converting locally produced polymers into high value-added finished products, the programme supports economic diversification, stimulates private sector growth and enhances Oman’s regional and global competitiveness.

Of the total RO 40 million investment, RO 20.5 million comes from local capital, while RO 19.1 million represents direct foreign investment, underscoring strong partnerships between national and international investors. The projects are expected to create nearly 200 direct jobs, in addition to hundreds of indirect opportunities through supply chains and related services, while opening wider avenues for small and medium enterprises to integrate into industrial value chains.

His Excellency Dr. Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Trade and Industry, said the Industrial Strategy 2040 prioritises specialised industrial complexes such as the Plastics Complex, which has already seen the signing of 27 agreements worth more than RO 85 million. He noted that these initiatives help reduce imports of finished plastic products, boost exports and enhance the competitiveness of national industries, including packaging for food, consumer goods and high-quality medical supplies.

He added that work is ongoing to develop additional specialised complexes, including renewable energy technology manufacturing in the Sohar Free Zone, aluminium products in Sohar, fisheries industries in Duqm, mining industries in Shalim, and medical and food industries in the Khazaen Economic Zone, positioning these clusters as key drivers of economic growth.

OQ Group CEO Ashraf bin Hamad Al Maamari said the Ladayn programme is a practical translation of Oman Vision 2040, focused on maximising local added value, empowering SMEs and attracting long-term investment. He highlighted Sohar’s strategic importance as a launch platform, reinforcing its growing role as a centre for advanced polymer industries in the Gulf.

Al Maamari added that the collaboration between OQ, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, Madayn, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion and industrial partners represents a strong public-private partnership model that builds innovative and competitive value chains.

Meanwhile, Engineer Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Mayasi, Director General of Sohar Industrial City, said the new factories form a cornerstone for economic growth by attracting foreign direct investment, transferring technology and expertise, stimulating local investment and strengthening supply chains. He noted that the expansion of industrial activity boosts demand across sectors such as construction, logistics and services, while driving infrastructure development within industrial zones.

The Ladayn programme benefits from Sohar’s strategic location along major trade routes, combined with advanced infrastructure, the Sohar Port and Free Zone, and competitive investment incentives. OQ plays a central role by supplying high-quality polymers at competitive prices and purchasing select finished products, ensuring stable demand and long-term project sustainability.

The operational phase currently includes nine diversified downstream projects, with investments from Oman, China, India, Germany and Saudi Arabia. The first phase also features four flagship facilities in Sohar Industrial City, including the Multi Bond Metal project, MAC Sohar Chemical Industries, Saudi Global Flexibility Group and Madain Plastics by Omani firm MAPCO.

Collectively, the programme spans sectors such as high-performance polymers, industrial and food packaging, medical products, additives, woven polypropylene and automotive applications.