OPAZ Board of Directors Holds First
Meeting in 2026

Muscat, 18 Feb 2026 (ONA) — The
Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free
Zones (OPAZ) today held its first meeting in 2026. The meeting was chaired by
Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of OPAZ Board of Directors.

Acting on behalf of all estates, Al
Yousef expressed gratitude to His Majesty the Sultan for the issuance of Royal
decree No. (30/2026) on the ratification of the Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the government of the Sultanate of Oman
and the government of the Republic of India. He underlined the
agreement’s great impact on the development of investments in the Sultanate of
Oman.

Al Yousef also welcomed the new
members of OPAZ Board of Directors. During his speech, he underscored the
significance of integrating efforts over the forthcoming stage to enhance the
competitiveness of economic zones, free zones and industrial cities.

The Board of Directors expressed
thanks for the efforts made by Sheikh Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi during his
mandate as Chairman of OPAZ Board of Directors. It also extended thanks to
Sheikh Nasser bin Suleiman Al Harthi, a member of OPAZ Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors discussed
various topics on the agenda, notably the restructuring of subcommittees,
including the Audit Committees of OPAZ and the Public Establishment for
Industrial Estates “Madayn”.

The Board reviewed the latest
developments that took place in economic zones, free zones and industrial
zones. It took note of the progress of strategic projects and initiatives. It
also followed up priority issues aimed at improving the investment climate and
attracting more high-quality investments.

Discussions during the meeting also
touched on the status of infrastructure for Duqm Special Economic Zone, the
development of projects in the health sector and requirements for security and
safety systems in the zone. It also looked into the progress of work at Al Rawdah
Special Economic Zone.

In addition, the meeting referred to
key topics in the Authority’s media briefing, including performance indicators,
achievements and future plans. It laid emphasis on the need to achieve
efficient communication with various partners and media outlets in order to
highlight the role of economic zones in supporting sustainable economic growth
in the Sultanate of Oman.

The meeting lauded the Authority’s
occupying first place in the Government Institutions Performance Index in 2025.
It also commended the Authority’s achieving good results in the National
Government Digital Transition Programme.

— Ends/Bishara