Establishment of Two New Economic
Zones in Oman to Attract Quality Investments

Muscat, 8 Oct (ONA) — The issuance
of two Royal decrees establishing “The Special Economic Zone in the Governorate
of A’Dhahirah” (Wilayat of Ibri) and “The Special Economic Zone in Al Rawdhah”
(in the Wilayat of Mahadha in the Governorate of Al Buraimi)
reflects a national drive towards diversifying the economy and investing in the
geographical and economic advantages in the two governorates.

The new special economic zones will
also contribute to supporting the production and service sectors, the
generation of employment opportunities for citizens and the activation of commercial
and logistical activities, besides contributing to the realization of the goals
of Oman Vision 2040.

Eng. Ahmed Hassan Al Dheeb,
Deputy Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones
(OPAZ), said, “The two economic zones are subject to the provisions
of the Special Economic Zones and Free Zones Law promulgated by Royal Decree
No. 38/2025, which grants OPAZ powers based on comprehensive regulatory and
legislative provisions that bolster the investment climate and make it more
attractive to local and foreign businesses, thereby promoting the regional and
international competitiveness of the Sultanate of Oman.”

Al Dheeb told Oman News Agency (ONA)
that the step is in pursuance of success stories of existing special economic
zones, free zones and industrial cities supervised by OPAZ.

He pointed out that the two new
zones will be operated in accordance with the best international practices and provided
with integrated infrastructure and quality services that encourage investors to
establish their industrial, commercial and service projects.

He added that “The Special Economic Zone in the Governorate of A’Dhahirah” will contribute to inter-regional
traffic between the Sultanate of Oman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other
countries in the region, thanks to the zone’s strategic geographical location—approximately
20 kilometres from the Rub-el-Khali border crossing and approximately 105 kilometres
from Ibri Industrial City’s project. The zone will also support the sectors of manufacturing, food industries and logistics, making it a vital centre for
developing supply chains, he explained.

He observed that the Special Economic Zone in Al Rawdhah will constitute an important pillar in enhancing economic
activities with the United Arab Emirates—gaining impetus from the main road network
linking the Port of Sohar and the Port of Jebel Ali in the Emirate of Dubai. He added that the zone’s location is
approximately 85 kilometres from the Wilayat of Al Buraimi and 125 kilometres
from the Wilayat of Sohar. This economic zone will also
contribute to diversifying the economic investments in the fields of trade,
services, transport and logistics, besides benefiting local communities and
raising the quality of services and infrastructure. The zone will provide a suitable environment for establishing businesses and projects
in many economic sectors, including industry, tourism, education, health,
import and export in Al Buraimi Governorate, he said.

— Ends/Bishara