Latest news with #AlQassabi
Observer
28-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Pacts signed for RO 217m solar cell project at Sohar Freezone
MUSCAT: Leading Chinese solar development company JA Solar signed agreements here yesterday for the establishment of a major plant specializing in the production of solar cells and panels at Sohar Freezone. The project, set on an area of 32.5 hectares within the second phase of the Sohar Freezone, represents a total investment of RO 217.3 million. The pacts were inked with Invest in Oman, Sohar Port and Freezone, and Majis Industrial Services during the Advantage Oman Forum 2025, which concluded in Muscat on April 28, 2025. JA Solar's project is scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of 2026, with an annual production capacity of 6 gigawatts of solar cells and 3 gigawatts of solar panels. This agreement is expected to advance the goals of Oman Vision 2040 by supporting the country's transition towards renewable energy and economic diversification, while also reflecting growing investor interest in the second phase of the Sohar Freezone. Commenting on the signing, Eng Khalid bin Salim al Qassabi, Director General of Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said: 'The agreements to establish a solar cells and panels manufacturing facility in the Sohar Freezone, with investments totaling RO 217 million, embody the ambitious directions of the Oman Industrial Strategy 2040, which focuses on nurturing future industries and enhancing value-added investments. Renewable energy industries are a top priority within the strategy due to their significant potential to create promising industrial opportunities, support economic diversification, and boost the industrial sector's contribution to the GDP, while strengthening Oman's energy mix.' Al Qassabi further highlighted that the project, once operational in early 2026, will not only contribute to the clean energy value chain but also attract related industries, positioning Oman as a regional hub for renewable energy and green industries. The two-day Advantage Oman Forum, organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, through Invest in Oman, brought together more than 250 senior officials, decision-makers, and regional and international investors, serving as a strategic platform that showcased Oman as a promising investment destination. In her closing remarks, Ibtisam bint Ahmed al Faroojiyah, Under-Secretary for Investment Promotion, emphasized that the forum was organized to support the country's economic diversification drive and to attract high-quality investments aligned with Oman's future vision. She added that the forum provided an outstanding platform to connect local and international investors with leading thought leaders and economic experts, facilitating the exchange of ideas and exploration of promising growth opportunities. Al Faroojiyah explained that the forum offered participants extensive opportunities to engage with leaders from both the public and private sectors, discuss key economic trends, and explore the investment map across vital sectors. She noted that the specialized panel discussions aimed to produce actionable, practical recommendations, inspired by regional and global success stories. She concluded by stressing the importance of the forum's outcomes and bilateral meetings, considering them a fundamental pillar in supporting Oman's efforts to achieve economic growth and transformation in line with national priorities. The second day of the forum featured panel discussions with key decision-makers, opportunities to build high-value partnerships, success stories from investors, and sector-specific roundtable meetings focusing on tourism, logistics, mining, food security, renewable energy, and information technology. The forum also enjoyed extensive international media coverage as part of a global promotional campaign positioning Oman as a regional and international investment hub. Renowned CNN journalist Richard Quest moderated two of the forum's main sessions. The 'Advantage Oman' Forum reaffirmed Oman's commitment to enhancing its investment climate in line with the objectives of Vision 2040, further solidifying its role as a regional economic center and a global investment destination.
Observer
19-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Wheat harvest season in Oman: promising yields despite challenges
Muscat: The governorates of the Sultanate of Oman are currently experiencing the peak of the 2025 wheat harvest season in April and May, with positive indicators regarding the quality and productivity of the crop, despite some challenges faced by farmers. Wheat is considered a strategic crop of both nutritional and economic importance and is cultivated across various wilayats (provinces) in Oman, where harvesting activities are progressing rapidly. This year, several wilayats have reported good production levels, thanks to the ongoing efforts of farmers; and the technical and advisory support provided by the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources. These efforts are combined with a continued push to expand cultivated areas and improve the quality of wheat varieties. Harvesting has commenced in a number of wilayats, including Shinas in Al Batinah North Governorate, Mahadha in Al Buraimi Governorate, and Yanqul in Al Dhahirah Governorate. Additionally, several villages in the Wilayat of Bahla such as Al Ghafat, Al Jilah, Bilad Sayt, Saih al Maashi and Wadi Quriyat have also begun harvesting activities. Hamdan al Qassabi, a farmer from Wadi Quriyat in Bahla, shared his experience this season, noting that the wheat growing season this year was good in terms of both quantity and quality. He emphasised that the people of the wilayat continue to cultivate wheat annually despite the challenges they face. Al Qassabi explained that the cultivated area this year did not exceed two acres, yet they were able to produce around one and a half tonnes of wheat. He attributed the limited cultivated area to water scarcity, which he identified as the greatest challenge facing farmers in the region. He also pointed to a shortage of labour during the harvest period as an additional obstacle. He added that farmers in Bahla are keen to grow wheat due to its high nutritional value and significance as a strategic crop. This season, they cultivated the "Koli" variety, a traditional Omani strain passed down through generations known for its high suitability to the region in terms of quality, ability to meet household needs and the valuable agricultural byproducts it provides. Regarding government support, Al Qassabi mentioned that there was no assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture this year for wheat cultivation, prompting farmers to rely entirely on their own resources. Due to the limited quantities produced, the harvest is marketed and sold directly at the local level. Various varieties of Omani wheat are cultivated, including the "Koli" variety, as well as others such as Al Saraeea, Al Maysani, Al Hamira, Al Jareeda, Al Walidi, and Al Shuweira. These varieties contribute to the diversity of production and support local food security.
