Integrated cold chain hub to be set up in Duqm
Duqm – Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) is planning to add integrated infrastructure for cold chain logistics to its existing facilities that include Fisheries Port, Duqm Port and Duqm Airport.
For this, Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has invited specialised and experienced companies to participate in a consultancy services tender for the Integrated Economic Cluster for Cold Chain Logistics in SEZAD.
'The integrated cold chain hub aims to enhance the capabilities of SEZAD in storing and distributing perishable goods, such as food products and pharmaceuticals, with high efficiency. This will help reduce waste and improve product quality,' Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, CEO of SEZAD, stated.
He explained that the project is focused on boosting competitiveness of Omani exports by providing an integrated infrastructure that enables these products to meet international standards, thereby facilitating entry into global markets. 'Additionally, the project aims to support economic diversification and stimulate the logistics services sector in SEZAD.' Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, CEO of SEZAD
The zone features comprehensive infrastructure, including an advanced network of dual and single-carriageway roads and residential communities that will help support the success of the new project.
Additionally, OPAZ offers incentives to investors.
Akaak highlighted the numerous economic benefits of the project, in addition to its crucial role in attracting foreign investments and creating more job opportunities for Omani youth.
'SEZAD is strategically located on the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, near major international shipping routes, making it an ideal location for the integrated cold chain hub.'
Tender documents can be purchased till March 18, while proposals can be submitted till April 17.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
35 minutes ago
- Muscat Daily
MoCIIP signs agreements to boost industrial sector growth
Muscat – In a major step towards enhancing industrial competitiveness and empowering national talent, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) on Monday signed a series of strategic agreements with key government bodies and private sector partners. The signing ceremony, held under the patronage of H E Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, was attended by H E Dr Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy; H E Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry; H E Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah; and several senior officials and private sector executives. H E Dr Masan described the agreements as a significant milestone in strengthening Oman's industrial capabilities. He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to investing in human capital, calling it a cornerstone of a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. 'These agreements support the goals of the Industrial Strategy 2040, which aims to establish a diversified and technology-driven industrial sector,' he said. Among the key agreements was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MoCIIP, the Office of the Governor of North Al Batinah, and Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel to establish a dedicated industrial training center in the governorate. The center will offer specialised training to equip Omani youth with skills tailored to market demands, enhancing their employability in the industrial sector. In another important development, a funding agreement was signed with Daleel Petroleum to support the development of Tasnee, a digital platform designed to connect industrial procurement with local products. The platform aims to improve supply chain efficiency and increase in-country value (ICV) by promoting local sourcing. MoCIIP also announced the launch of new industrial training programmes in partnership with Oman Cables Industry Company. Additionally, a cooperation agreement was signed with Al Alamia for Retail, providing 300 opportunities for training, qualification, and employment. Of these, 100 are direct jobs tied to training programmes, while 200 are training-to-employment opportunities for Omani youth. 'This initiative directly supports our efforts to strengthen national workforce participation and foster economic empowerment,' said Nasra bint Saif al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at MoCIIP. Eng Khalid bin Salim al Qassabi, Director General of Industry at MoCIIP, noted that these initiatives mark a pivotal phase in industrial development. 'Our aim is to align educational outcomes with market requirements by equipping graduates with the technical skills and specialised knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy,' he said. The new agreements reflect Oman's strategic vision of building a resilient, competitive industrial sector based on national competencies and robust public-private partnerships. They also support broader efforts to integrate Omanis into the workforce while advancing innovation and sustainable growth.
Observer
5 hours ago
- Observer
Aviation sector confirms readiness for khareef season
MUSCAT: The Civil Aviation Sector has confirmed its complete operational readiness to ensure a safe, smooth and efficient travel experience for passengers visiting Dhofar Governorate during the upcoming Khareef season, which traditionally attracts increasing numbers of domestic and international tourists. The comprehensive preparations involve coordinated efforts between the Civil Aviation Authority, Oman Airports, Oman Air and SalamAir as part of an integrated national system aimed at enhancing air transport operations. This includes increasing domestic flight frequencies and optimising operational efficiency at both Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport to ensure seamless air traffic flow while maintaining the highest standards of service quality and safety. Authorities emphasised that these preparations reflect the sector's commitment to developing a comprehensive and sustainable aviation system that supports Oman's tourism economy. The civil aviation sector serves as a strategic partner in this regard, providing advanced infrastructure that contributes to economic growth while reinforcing the Sultanate of Oman's position as a leading tourist destination. Operational readiness measures have been intensified through reviews of emergency response plans, verification of air traffic control system capabilities, provision of specialised aviation weather forecasts, and continuous coordination between all relevant entities. These efforts collectively ensure that travellers would experience safe and hassle-free journeys throughout the season. Flight operations will see significant expansion during the peak period. Oman Air will operate up to 12 daily flights during the busiest periods starting from July 1, while SalamAir will increase its operations to 8 daily flights during July and August, including the introduction of a new direct route between Sohar and Salalah from July 15 with one daily flight. Capacity enhancements include Oman Air adding over 70,000 additional seats for the season, representing a 16% increase compared to last year, while SalamAir has expanded its capacity by 58% with approximately 176,000 seats available for 2025. These adjustments directly respond to growing passenger demand while supporting Dhofar's tourism sector during the Khareef season. Special fare structures remain in place for Omani citizens, with Oman Air maintaining fixed pricing starting at RO 32 for one-way trips and RO 54 for round trips between July 1 and September 15. Similarly, SalamAir offers fares beginning at RO 30 for single journeys and RO 48 for return flights during the same period.
Times of Oman
6 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Consultancy tender for mining cluster in Shaleem and Halaniyat islands announced
Muscat: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has announced the tender for consultancy services to prepare the master plan, detailed design, and supervision for the first phase of the integrated mining economic cluster project in the Wilayat of Shaleem and the Halaniyat islands in Dhofar Governorate. The Authority has invited specialised consultancy offices, registered with the Secretariat General of the Tender Board in the excellent and first categories, to submit their proposals. The deadline for purchasing the tender documents is set for June 25, while the final date for submitting bids is July 9. The Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones reviewed, during its third meeting in 2024, the executive procedures for the results of the Ministry of Economy's study on establishing integrated industrial clusters in the Shaleem industrial minerals area, cooling chains and food industries in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), aluminum-based industries in the Sohar Free Zone, and linking these industrial clusters to the industrial strategy. The integrated mining economic cluster in Shaleem and the Halaniyat islands is distinguished by its location along regional maritime trade routes, and its wealth of natural resources such as minerals, fishery resources, and renewable energy sources, in addition to several tourism assets and oil and gas concessions. The cluster, overseen by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), will stimulate investment in the mining sector and its related industries, enhancing added value and supporting other sectors such as logistics, energy, food security, and tourism. The cluster aims to drive economic growth across various sectors, strengthen interconnections between economic sectors, expand the production and export base, and enable the sector to increase its contribution to the GDP. Wilayat of Shaleem and the Halaniyat Islands are promising mineral areas, distinguished by their strategic geographic location overlooking regional maritime corridors and their rich geological content, including gypsum, limestone, and dolomite ores.
