
Pact signed to establish advanced testing facility at Sohar Port and Freezone
Sohar Port and Freezone will soon have an advanced and comprehensive testing Centre for all imports and exports to ensure compliance with international quality and safety standards.
An agreement to this effect was signed between Global Laboratories and Testing LLC and Al Madina Logistics to establish an advanced testing facility at the Port at the Oman Logistics Day 2025, where 18 investment agreements totalling over RO 100 million were signed to advance the nation's logistics sector.
The agreement was entered into by Mahmood bin Sakhi al Balushi, CEO of Al Madina Logistics, and TK Vijayan, Chairman of Global Laboratories and Testing LLC.
'This initiative is part of a broader strategy unveiled during the Oman Logistics Day 2025, and the collaboration between Global Laboratories and Al Madina Logistics underscores a shared commitment to elevating Oman's trade capabilities and ensuring the highest standards of product safety and quality in the global marketplace. The new facility aims to provide comprehensive testing services for all imports and exports processed through Al Madina Logistics, to ensure international standards,' said Mahmood bin Sakhi al Balushi, CEO of Al Madina Logistics.
Al Madina Logistics, a leading logistics provider in Oman, operates the Sohar Logistics Hub, strategically located near Sohar Port. The collaboration with GLT is expected to streamline the testing and certification processes for goods, thereby facilitating smoother trade operations and bolstering Oman's position as a logistics hub in the region.
'We believe it is a significant development for Oman's logistics and trade sectors by Global Laboratories and Testing LLC (GLT) partnering with Al Madina Logistics to enter into a strategic agreement to establish a state-of-the-art testing laboratory at the Sohar Logistics Hub. We hope to meet the global standards in serving clients from Oman and beyond and support the nation in meeting the Vision 2040 goals,' said TK Vijayan, Chairman of Global Laboratories and Testing LLC.
Established in 2011, Global Laboratories and Testing LLC is a GAC-accredited laboratory renowned for its advanced technical capabilities and cutting-edge instrumentation. The laboratory offers a wide range of testing services, including analyses of food substances, water, cosmetics, petroleum products, and more, catering to the diverse needs of Oman's industries.
Key projects signed at the OLD 2025 include the development of LNG infrastructure at Sohar Port and the establishment of a drone research academy at Muscat International Airport.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
21 hours ago
- Observer
Oman leverages ‘precision agriculture' to strengthen food security
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is increasingly harnessing technology and innovation to expand and diversify its agricultural base, with the goal of strengthening food security in a sustainable manner. To this end, various state-owned enterprises are deploying precision agriculture techniques—centered on the use of AI and other tech-based tools—to boost crop yields and food production while minimizing water use and other inputs. This technology-driven approach has been emphasized by Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, in a recent interview featured in Oxford Business Group's (OBG) 2025 annual spotlight on Oman. 'Oman's agricultural strategy over the next five to ten years prioritizes strengthening food security by diversifying crop production, increasing livestock numbers, and boosting aquaculture. Diversifying crops aims to make the Sultanate more self-sufficient and reduce dependency on imports,' Al Habsi said. 'To make Omani agricultural products more competitive on a regional scale, modern farming practices—such as precision agriculture and sustainable methods—are being adopted to improve yields and reduce input costs. Additionally, the development of food safety systems and the improvement of food establishments enhance product value while minimizing food loss and waste. Export markets are being developed through quality certification, targeted marketing, and collaboration with trade bodies to ensure Omani products meet international standards,' the Minister added. Precision agriculture is a modern farming practice that uses advanced technologies to monitor, measure, and respond to variability in fields, with the goal of optimizing productivity while reducing waste and environmental impact. It involves tools such as GPS-guided tractors and harvesters, soil and crop sensors, drones and aerial imaging, satellite-based remote sensing, and AI-powered farm management software. According to Al Habsi, technology and innovation are 'transformative forces' that enhance productivity and resource management. 'Precision agriculture, with tools including GPS, IoT sensors, and drones, allows real-time monitoring of soil health, crop conditions, and water usage—optimizing the application of vital inputs. Advanced irrigation systems, such as smart and drip irrigation, help conserve water, thereby supporting environmental sustainability, one of the four pillars of Oman Vision 2040,' he noted. Vision 2040 targets a significant strengthening of agriculture and food security by raising food self-sufficiency from around 48% to 70%, expanding cultivated land from 544 km² to 1,044 km², and promoting high-value crop production. The strategy emphasizes sustainable water use, aiming for a 40% increase in availability, and supports the adoption of modern technologies, precision farming, and digitized agricultural services. The Ministry, in collaboration with various agri- and food-focused public enterprises, has already made significant progress in leveraging technology to achieve these goals. 'Climate-resilient crops and new farming techniques such as hydroponics and greenhouse cultivation are being introduced to maximize output with limited resources. Data analytics and AI tools help farmers make informed decisions based on market trends, crop health, and weather predictions. Agricultural biotechnology, such as tissue culture, is improving crop yields and resistance to disease. Integrating these technologies enhances productivity and ensures a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system,' Al Habsi said. A leading example of precision agriculture in Oman is the Million Date Trees Plantation Project, which has employed satellite imagery, GIS, and AI to optimize date palm cultivation. Data collected via sensors and drones are analyzed using AI/ML technologies to detect issues such as pest infestations, enabling targeted interventions. This has led to increased production and improved date quality.


Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
MSX market cap surpasses RO 28 billion
MUSCAT: The market capitalisation of the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) climbed to over RO 28 billion last week, supported by weekly gains of RO 79.3 million as several stocks ended higher. The MSX's main index closed at 4,578 points, up 17 points, maintaining the momentum seen over the past five weeks. The services sector index gained 5 points, driven by strong performances from Ooredoo, Omantel and OQ Gas Networks. In contrast, the industrial and financial sector indices dropped by 17 and 10 points, respectively, while the Shariah index recorded a marginal decline. The daily trading volume increased to RO 11 million, up from RO 10 million the previous week. The average daily number of transactions also rose, reaching 2,149 compared to 1,787. Trading was limited to four days due to the Eid Al Adha holiday. OQ Base Industries dominated activity with trades worth RO 10.58 million — 24 per cent of the week's total trading value of RO 44 million. Its share price rose by 4 baisas to close at 122 baisas. Bank Muscat followed with RO 5.49 million in trades, while OQ Gas Networks, Sohar International Bank, and OQ Exploration and Production rounded out the top five most traded stocks. Market performance remained buoyant with 34 securities gaining, 30 losing and 17 remaining unchanged. Muscat Gases posted the highest weekly gain at 18 per cent, closing at 118 baisas. Galfar Engineering rose 9 per cent to 72 baisas, while National Gas gained 8.8 per cent to 86 baisas. National Gas Company also announced the acquisition of an 80-per cent stake in Samharam Gas Company, which operates LPG bottling and distribution in Dhofar. The deal is expected to enhance the company's market position and profitability. In corporate news, Al Anwar Investments reported a surge in net profits from RO 532,000 to approximately RO 2.4 million for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2025. Its board approved a 4-per cent cash dividend and a 4-per cent bonus share issue, subject to approval at the AGM on June 25. The share closed last week at 83 baisas, down 2 baisas. — ONA


Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman, Turkey announce RO5mn venture to boost marine industry
Muscat – Musandam International Investment Company, in partnership with Turkish investors, has signed binding commercial terms and a shareholders' agreement to establish the Musandam Drydock and Marine Industries Company. The venture, based in Musandam governorate, will see an initial investment of over RO5mn in its first phase. The signing ceremony was attended by H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidi, Governor of Musandam. The company will offer a range of marine services including construction and maintenance of fish farming cages, coastal and commercial fishing vessels, marine tugs, service vessels, and transport vessels up to 35 metres in length. The facility is intended to cater to Oman's domestic market as well as regional demand. The project aims to enhance industrial integration in the marine and fisheries sector, supporting national goals for food security and sustainable economic growth. It forms part of Musandam International Investment Company's wider strategy to build an integrated local ecosystem and promote development in Musandam, aligned with Oman Vision 2040.