Oman's Dhahirah: A Strategic Gateway Strengthening Trade with Saudi Arabia
The border crossing in the Empty Quarter, located about 170 kilometers from Ibri, plays a crucial role in facilitating commercial convoys and enhancing logistical integration between the two countries.
Recognizing the strategic significance of this route, Oman has developed an integrated economic zone in Dhahirah, spanning 388 square kilometers and situated just 20 kilometers from the border. This joint Omani-Saudi project aims to capitalize on the region's geographic and commercial advantages, driving economic growth and attracting investment.
The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and Oman Vision 2040, both of which prioritize economic diversification and regional cooperation. The project is expected to foster sustainable growth, create job opportunities, and position the area as a major economic hub in the Gulf.
The Dhahirah Economic Zone will offer diverse investment opportunities to support cross-border trade, including business complexes and industrial zones specializing in agriculture, livestock, and mining. It will also feature a 4-square-kilometer dry port, a logistics hub, warehouses, and import-export companies.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Ibri Governor Dr. Saeed Al-Harthi emphasized the strategic importance of the Saudi-Omani border crossing, highlighting that the new economic zone will be a major catalyst for development. He noted that trade between the two nations has surged by approximately 360% between 2022 and 2024.
The first phase of infrastructure development for the zone is estimated to cost around 120 million Omani rials ($312 million), with strong backing from both governments to ensure the project's success.
Additionally, Dhahirah has seen the launch of the Ibri Solar Power Plant, Oman's largest, with an investment of $403 million. Covering 13 million square meters, the plant has a production capacity of 500 megawatts. According to Al-Harthi, the first phase has been completed, with the second phase underway, contributing to Oman's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The industrial city within the zone is also a key component of Oman's strategy to support private sector growth and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), with an estimated contribution of $3.9 million to SME development.
Strategically positioned near the Empty Quarter border crossing, the industrial city is set to become a hub for manufacturing and logistics, strengthening economic ties between Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Commenting on the project's progress, Majid Al-Muqrashi, Director of Financial and Administrative Affairs at Ibri Industrial City, told Asharq Al-Awsat that since the first phase's inauguration in 2024—spanning 3 million square meters at a cost of $23.4 million—the city has seen significant growth.
He revealed that 15 contracts have been signed with investors across various sectors, with 191,000 square meters already leased. While some projects remain under construction, additional contracts are in the finalization stage, further cementing Dhahirah's role as a key economic hub in the region.
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