Oman Industrial Operations

Oman set out a spending plan, which aims to create jobs and improve living standards through the development of the country’s infrastructure, hospitals and education system.
There are four operational free zones in Oman at the northern industrial city of Sohar, next to the southern port of Salalah, at Duqm in the central coastal area and at Mazunah, close to the Yemen border. In 2012, the Free Trade Zones Authority announced it would invest $450m in extending the country’s free zones. This will include expanding land plots, constructing warehouses, offices, roads and staff accommodation, and providing space for storage units.

Sohar Free Zone

The Sohar Free Trade Zone has attracted foreign companies, which have invested in metals, minerals and logistics. Other sectors covered include oil and gas, light manufacturing, chemicals and food processing. In the year 2013, the zone announced it was expecting $450m in investments over the next year.

Al-Mazunah Free Zone

Al-Mazunah Free Zone was set up in 1999 and facilitates the transport of cargo between Oman and Yemen. Salalah Free Zone was ranked 17th in the Top 50 Free Zones of the Future, as well as fifth-best port zone, while Salalah Airport Zone came joint fifth in the ranking of best airport zones. Plots of land for the under-construction Duqm Special Economic Zone were allocated in February 2013. Across Oman, the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates also runs 10 industrial estates, catering to various sectors.

Fast Facts

• Oman is aiming for the oil sector to contribute 9 per cent of gross domestic product by year end.
• The government had invested $76bn in its 2011-15 spending plan.
• The 2013 budget allocation was $35.5bn.
• There are 10 industrial estates spread across the Sultanate.