Latest news with #AlDhahirah
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Major development projects in Al Dhahirah Governorate reviewed
Muscat: Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, conducted a field visit to Al Dhahirah Governorate, during which he reviewed several vital development projects serving the marketing of fisheries, livestock production, and water resources in the Wilayats of Yanqul and Ibri. He was accompanied during the visit by Dr. Ahmed bin Nasser Al Bakri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture; Sheikh Saeed bin Humaid Al Harthi, Wali of Ibri; Engineer Salem bin Ali Al Amrani, Director General of Agricultural Resources and Water Resources in Al Dhahirah Governorate; a number of directors general and officials from the Ministry; and the Chairman of the Omani Agricultural Society. The visit included the fish market project in the Wilayat of Yanqul, which is currently in its final stages of completion. The Minister was briefed on the progress of the project and the market's components. This project is considered an important service project aimed at strengthening the fish marketing system in the Wilayat and enhancing the efficiency of seafood trade in a healthy and organised environment. The Minister also visited the water dam in the Dhahir Al Fawares area of Ibri, implemented through community partnerships, and observed the dam's positive impact in replenishing groundwater and protecting residential and agricultural areas from flood hazards. He listened to an explanation from specialists about the dam's performance and its role in improving water resource management in the region. The Minister also visited the Gulf International Company's table egg production project in Ibri. This project is one of the leading investment projects in the food security sector. Established in 2019, it is considered one of the largest projects in the Gulf region, spanning an area of 18 million square metres at an estimated cost of OMR26 million, with a daily production capacity of up to one million eggs. He was briefed on the production stages and technologies used in poultry farming, emphasising the importance of supporting these projects that supply the local market with high-quality food products. During his visit, The Minister affirmed that the Ministry continues to support development and investment projects that contribute to achieving food security and environmental sustainability, praising the efforts of the private sector and the effective partnership with the local community in the success of these initiatives that enhance food production. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Al Dhahirah Governorate to construct 18 groundwater recharge dams
Ibri: Acting in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, citizens in wilayats of Al Dhahirah Governorate joined hands in the construction of 18 groundwater recharge dams as part of a community partnership project. The project aims to boost groundwater reserves and ensure the sustainability of water resources for future generations. The step reflects the growing trend of community awareness about the importance of community-enhanced management of water resources. The dams' construction was funded by local citizens and the Ministry in a gesture that embodied the success of integrated efforts in the field of water resources management. Eng. Mubarak Salim Al Jabri, Director of the Water Resources Department in Al Dhahirah Governorate, said that work is currently underway to construct 7 new groundwater recharge dams as part of the community partnership initiative, as follows: 3 dams in the wilayat of Ibri, 3 dams in the wilayat of Yanqul and 1 dam in the wilayat of Dhank. The ministry contributes 20 percent of the cost of the project, while the citizens bear the remaining 80 percent. Al Jabri told Oman News Agency (ONA) that dams are a key element in improving water supply in wells and aflaj, and this helps raise agricultural productivity and provide water in a sustainable manner for the community. Al Jabri added that this year also saw the completion of maintenance of 8 existing dams in Al Dhahirah Governorate. Al Jabri said that Al Dhahirah Governorate has 36 dams ('groundwater recharge dams' and 'flood protection dams'):18 are government dams and 18 are community partnerships-based dams. He pointed out that these dams represent a fundamental pillar in supporting the infrastructure of water security and water resources. The dams achieve sustainable agricultural development in the governorate's various wilayats, he explained.
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Major development projects in Al Dhahirah Governorate reviewed
Muscat: Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, conducted a field visit to Al Dhahirah Governorate, during which he reviewed several vital development projects serving the marketing of fisheries, livestock production, and water resources in the Wilayats of Yanqul and Ibri. He was accompanied during the visit by Dr. Ahmed bin Nasser Al Bakri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture; Sheikh Saeed bin Humaid Al Harthi, Wali of Ibri; Engineer Salem bin Ali Al Amrani, Director General of Agricultural Resources and Water Resources in Al Dhahirah Governorate; a number of directors general and officials from the Ministry; and the Chairman of the Omani Agricultural Society. The visit included the fish market project in the Wilayat of Yanqul, which is currently in its final stages of completion. The Minister was briefed on the progress of the project and the market's components. This project is considered an important service project aimed at strengthening the fish marketing system in the Wilayat and enhancing the efficiency of seafood trade in a healthy and organised environment. The Minister also visited the water dam in the Dhahir Al Fawares area of Ibri, implemented through community partnerships, and observed the dam's positive impact in replenishing groundwater and protecting residential and agricultural areas from flood hazards. He listened to an explanation from specialists about the dam's performance and its role in improving water resource management in the region. The Minister also visited the Gulf International Company's table egg production project in Ibri. This project is one of the leading investment projects in the food security sector. Established in 2019, it is considered one of the largest projects in the Gulf region, spanning an area of 18 million square metres at an estimated cost of OMR26 million, with a daily production capacity of up to one million eggs. He was briefed on the production stages and technologies used in poultry farming, emphasising the importance of supporting these projects that supply the local market with high-quality food products. During his visit, The Minister affirmed that the Ministry continues to support development and investment projects that contribute to achieving food security and environmental sustainability, praising the efforts of the private sector and the effective partnership with the local community in the success of these initiatives that enhance food production.
Zawya
23-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Mazoon copper project puts environmental sustainability at forefront
MUSCAT: Environmental sustainability is a key defining feature of Oman's largest copper mining endeavour, the Mazoon Copper Project, according to Mattar bin Salim al Badi, CEO of Minerals Development Oman (MDO). The project, developed by Mazoon Mining, a subsidiary of MDO, is located in Yanqul (Al Dhahirah Governorate) is expected to produce around 115,000 tonnes of 21.5% copper concentrate annually starting in 2027. In an interview with Oman General Radio, Al Badi the CEO shared that the project was designed with environmental responsibility from the outset. 'The Mazoon Project was designed with environmental responsibility at its foundation. We're using dry stacking — an environmentally sound method for managing mine waste — which significantly reduces water usage and lowers emissions. This approach gives investors strong confidence in Oman's position as a credible copper-exporting country,' the CEO explained. According to Al Badi, while the project remains the largest in the Sultanate, it is not considered a large-scale project by global standards. "The Mazoon Copper Project is, of course, the largest in the Sultanate in terms of production and also in terms of investment value. But by global standards, it is not considered a large-scale project,' he said. 'However, its strategic importance for us lies in the fact that it places the Sultanate among the countries exporting this important raw material. Especially when we talk about copper — it is currently one of the critical minerals, and there is a global race to mine copper,' he said. Earlier this year, Mazoon Mining announced that it had secured RO 104 million in funding from a consortium of local and regional banks. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
22-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: EZAD, anchoring investments for a diversified future
Oman's economic landscape is undergoing a profound transformation guided by Vision 2040, the Sultanate of Oman's strategic roadmap towards a diversified, knowledge-driven economy. Central to this vision is the Al Dhahirah Economic Zone (EZAD), a flagship initiative that reflects Oman's commitment to redefining its economic narrative and deepening regional integration within the GCC. EZAD is more than just an economic zone; it is a symbol of visionary policy, geographic advantage, and sustainable development. Situated in the Al Dhahirah Governorate, just 20 kilometers from the Rub Al Khali border crossing with Saudi Arabia, EZAD strategically positions Oman as a gateway to the $1.6 trillion GCC market. This proximity enables seamless overland trade, substantially reducing transportation costs and delivery times for businesses accessing the Saudi market and beyond. The newly established direct Oman-Saudi road has already driven a remarkable 350% increase in bilateral trade between 2022 and 2024, reaching nearly RO 2.18 billion. This momentum underscores the immense potential EZAD holds in enhancing trade flows and industrial collaboration across borders. The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) plays a pivotal role in steering the development of EZAD. The zone encompasses a total area of 388 km², with OPAZ currently focused on Phase 1A, which spans 7.5 km² as part of the initial urgent development stage. This phase includes essential facilities such as the dry port and a dedicated veterinary quarantine centre. Through a robust regulatory framework and a streamlined 'one-stop shop' service, OPAZ ensures a highly investor-friendly environment. Investors benefit from a suite of competitive incentives including 100% foreign ownership, tax holidays of up to 30 years, duty exemptions on equipment and raw materials, and full repatriation of profits. These advantages firmly position EZAD as a leading investment destination within the Middle East. Aligned with Oman's economic diversification objectives, EZAD is purposefully designed to cultivate sectors beyond hydrocarbons. Key industries targeted include clean and renewable energy, high-precision manufacturing, logistics, and advanced manufacturing that demand sophisticated infrastructure and specialised facilities. EZAD is poised to emerge as a regional logistics hub, featuring a 4 km² dry port managed by Asyad Group on behalf of the Omani government. The first phase of the dry port development covers 1 km² and will include customs facilities, bonded warehouses, and container handling infrastructure. Smart city innovations, such as solar-powered lighting and intelligent traffic management systems, underline the zone's commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency. To support this expansive vision, RO 122 million has been secured for comprehensive infrastructure development, encompassing roads, drainage systems, and connectivity enhancements. Specifically, RO 22.3 million has been allocated for Phase 1, ensuring the foundational infrastructure is in place to catalyse growth and investor confidence. The zone's commitment to empowering local businesses is clear. Contracts stipulate significant subcontracting opportunities for Omani SMEs, with over RO 10 million earmarked for local enterprises. This strategy not only fosters job creation and skill development but also embeds SMEs into regional supply chains, contributing to Oman's broader economic objectives. EZAD exemplifies Oman-Saudi collaboration. A joint executive committee oversees the zone's development, fostering mutual investments, regulatory alignment, and business facilitation. Discussions on establishing a joint Saudi-Omani operating company further solidify this bilateral partnership, reducing investor risks and enhancing regional cooperation. While the zone's primary focus is regional, it actively seeks investments from Asia—particularly China and India—as well as Europe. Oman's stable investment climate, strategic logistics positioning, and connectivity to Gulf and African markets present compelling advantages for international investors. The zone is an ideal base for distribution centres, cold storage facilities, and third-party logistics operations. Diverse investment opportunities await both local and international players. Agro-processing units can leverage Al Dhahirah's agricultural potential, while the veterinary quarantine centre opens pathways in livestock trade. Mining and mineral processing offer prospects to capitalise on Oman's rich natural resources. Financial institutions like Sohar International Bank stand ready to support these ventures through joint ventures and PPP models. To maximise EZAD's potential, strategic enhancements are essential. Improving customs protocols with Saudi Arabia, adopting single-window systems, and integrating digital documentation will streamline cross-border trade. Utility infrastructure, including reliable energy, water, and telecommunications, must be fortified to support industrial activity. OPAZ has also tendered projects for an administrative and commercial complex featuring a hotel, clinic, administration building, business centre and mall. Promotion of EZAD should leverage its unique Oman-Saudi identity. Establishing an annual Al Dhahirah Economic Forum could serve as a dynamic platform to showcase investment opportunities. Additionally, academic and vocational training partnerships will be pivotal in cultivating a skilled workforce tailored to the zone's specialised industries. Facilitating technology transfers and fostering innovation clusters will further elevate EZAD's global competitiveness. In conclusion, the Al Dhahirah Economic Zone stands as a strategic nexus for Oman's economic diversification, regional integration, and global engagement. Its strategic location, investor-friendly policies, comprehensive infrastructure, and deep-rooted Oman-Saudi collaboration make it a beacon of sustainable growth and investment. As Oman advances toward its Vision 2040 goals, EZAD is poised to play a transformative role in shaping a resilient, diversified, and globally competitive economy. Its success will not only benefit Oman but also serve as a testament to the power of visionary leadership, collaborative governance, and shared prosperity.
