SOHAR Port and Freezone Consolidates
Its Position in Oman’s Economic Diversification Journey

Muscat, 21 Jan 2026 (ONA) — SOHAR
Port and Freezone has consolidated its position as one of the most prominent
national operational models embodying economic transformation on the ground,
through an integrated system that links trade, industry, and investment within
a highly efficient and competitive environment.

SOHAR Port and Freezone plays a
pivotal role in enhancing logistical connectivity, raising the competitiveness
of supply chains, supporting economic diversification, and maximizing
value-added through localizing production chains and developing local content.

Since 2019, SOHAR Port and
Freezone has recorded consistent growth in line with Oman’s economic
transformation approaches. Total handling increased from 62 million metric tons
to 72 million metric tons annually by the end of 2025, as a result of growing
trade movement, enhanced integration of the system within global supply chains,
and increased confidence from international shipping lines and industrial operators.

The number of vessels received by
the port also rose from 3,144 to 3,427, reflecting the growing role of SOHAR
Port and Freezone as a key logistics hub on both the regional and international
levels.

SOHAR Port and Freezone successfully
attracted new investments worth $968 million through eight agreements during
the year. These included leasing 76 hectares of land within the port and
freezone, with these projects aimed at supporting exports, in addition to their
complete alignment with national priorities related to industrial
diversification.

Emile Hoogsteden, CEO of SOHAR Port said
that SOHAR Port and Freezone continues to build an integrated industrial
logistics system that supports trade and industrial development and enhances
the resilience of supply chains in the long term. He indicated that this growth
reflects strategic planning and continuous investment in infrastructure, with a
clear focus on reliability and sustainability.

He added that SOHAR Port and
Freezone’s focus has not been limited to boosting movement and attracting
investments, but has also been keen on consolidating its role in developing the
local community. The fruits of its corporate social responsibility programs
reached approximately 50,000 beneficiaries during 2025, including initiatives
in education, skill development, healthcare, and environmental projects.

For his part, Eng. Raid Al Rubaiey,
CEO of SOHAR Freezone and Deputy CEO of SOHAR Port said that the
volume of investments in SOHAR Port and Freezone reflects the level of
confidence in Oman’s economic path and its institutional stability, within the
framework of the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. He indicated that these investments
confirm their alignment with national priorities in the fields of economic
diversification, increasing exports, and enhancing local content.

He added that SOHAR Port and
Freezone operates as an integrated national system supporting comprehensive and
sustainable development, built on established partnerships between the
government, the industrial sector, and the local community.

SOHAR Port and Freezone organized
its annual reception last night, with the participation of a number of
officials, investors, and partners. The event served as a platform bringing
together decision-makers and sector leaders to discuss growth opportunities and
enhance impactful partnerships.

This event comes at a stage where
the Sultanate of Oman has witnessed tangible economic acceleration over the
past six years. This acceleration has contributed to redirecting priorities,
enhancing financial sustainability, and preparing a more attractive environment
for investment, translating the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 into measurable
programs and projects under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham
bin Tarik.

— Ends/AH