Latest news with #Esnad
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Tender floated for commercial hub in EZAD Square
MUSCAT: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) announced on Wednesday the launch of a tender for the construction of the administrative and commercial buildings complex in the Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah EZAD Square, IP4. The Authority invited experienced Omani-Saudi consortiums to submit bids via the electronic tendering platform 'Esnad.' The deadline for purchasing tender documents is set for June 26, with a site visit scheduled for June 30. The final date for submitting bids is August 11, 2025. The tender includes the construction of the main square of the Al Dhahirah Integrated Economic Zone, a business centre, an administrative building, a commercial centre, as well as a hotel and a health centre. The scope of work includes the execution of civil works, electrical and mechanical systems, and steel structures for the buildings. It also covers external works such as the construction of internal roads, sewage networks, water and irrigation systems, and landscaping. The total land area allocated for the complex is approximately 50,000 square metres, with the first phase covering a built-up area of around 17,000 square metres and the potential to expand to 38,000 square metres. Eng. Ibrahim Yousuf Al Zadjali, EZAD Project Manager, affirmed that smart city principles have been considered in the design of the facilities. The buildings have also been designed in line with the requirements for obtaining LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building certification, which will be implemented by the consortium awarded the tender. Al Dhahirah Integrated Economic Zone is located 20 kilometres from the Empty Quarter border crossing between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a total area of 388 square kilometres.
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Tender floated for administrative, commercial complex in Al Dhahirah Economic Zone
Muscat: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has officially announced a tender for the construction of an administrative and commercial complex within Al Dhahirah Integrated Economic Zone, marking the fourth package of this major development project. The authority has called upon experienced Omani-Saudi consortiums to participate through the "Esnad" electronic tendering platform, setting 26 June as the deadline for purchasing tender documents. A site visit is scheduled for June 30, with August 11 established as the final date for bid submissions. The ambitious project encompasses the development of several key facilities including a central plaza for the economic zone, a business center, administrative buildings, a commercial complex, along with a hotel and health center. The scope of work extends to civil construction, electrical and mechanical works, steel structure implementation for buildings, as well as extensive external works involving internal road networks, sewage systems, water and irrigation infrastructure, and comprehensive landscaping. Spanning approximately 50,000 square metres of land, the complex will initially feature 17,000 square metres of built-up area with potential for expansion up to 38,000 square metres. Eng Ibrahim Yousuf al Zadjali, Project Director for Al Dhahirah Economic Zone Development, confirmed that the design incorporates smart city principles across all facilities and adheres to requirements for obtaining LEED green building certification, which will be implemented by the successful bidding consortium. Strategically located in Al Dhahirah Governorate, just 20 kilometers from the Empty Quarter border crossing between Oman and Saudi Arabia, the integrated economic zone represents a significant cross-border development initiative. The current phase involves developing 6.5 square kilometres of the zone's total 388 square kilometre area.
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Tender announced for Integrated Economic Zone's administrative and commercial Complex in Al Dhahirah
Muscat: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz) has officially announced a tender for the construction of an administrative and commercial complex within Al Dhahirah Integrated Economic Zone, marking the fourth package of this major development project. The authority has called upon experienced Omani-Saudi consortiums to participate through the "Esnad" electronic tendering platform, setting 26 June as the deadline for purchasing tender documents. A site visit is scheduled for 30 June, with 11 August established as the final date for bid submissions. The ambitious project encompasses the development of several key facilities including a central plaza for the economic zone, a business centre, administrative buildings, a commercial complex, along with a hotel and health centre. The scope of work extends to civil construction, electrical and mechanical works, steel structure implementation for buildings, as well as extensive external works involving internal road networks, sewage systems, water and irrigation infrastructure, and comprehensive landscaping. Spanning approximately 50,000 square metres of land, the complex will initially feature 17,000 square metres of built-up area with potential for expansion up to 38,000 square metres. Eng. Ibrahim Yousuf Al Zadjali, Project Director for Al Dhahirah Economic Zone Development, confirmed that the design incorporates smart city principles across all facilities and adheres to requirements for obtaining LEED green building certification, which will be implemented by the successful bidding consortium. Strategically located in Al Dhahirah Governorate, just 20 kilometres from the Empty Quarter border crossing between Oman and Saudi Arabia, the integrated economic zone represents a significant cross-border development initiative. The current phase involves developing 6.5 square kilometres of the zone's total 388 square kilometre area.
Times of Oman
02-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman bans government contracts for firms failing Omanisation targets
MUSCAT: In a sweeping move to tighten enforcement of its national employment policy, the Sultanate of Oman's Tender Board has made it mandatory for all private sector companies to comply with approved Omanisation rates in order to be eligible for government contracts. The directive, issued under Circular No. 2025/2, instructs all ministries and government entities governed by the Tender Law to refrain from awarding contracts to companies that fail to meet the stipulated Omanisation levels, marking a significant shift toward safeguarding jobs for Omani nationals. The circular, issued by the General Secretariat of the Tender Board, aims to ensure that the employment of Omani citizens becomes a non-negotiable requirement in public sector contracting. It instructs government bodies to include a clause related to Omanisation compliance in all tender documents before the tender is floated. This clause is to be inserted in accordance with the official format provided and must make clear that non-compliance with national workforce targets will result in disqualification from the bidding process. In a move that streamlines compliance and enhances transparency, the circular also mandates that government entities verify a company's adherence to Omanisation targets through the Esnad electronic tendering system. This verification is to be carried out prior to awarding any contract, with Esnad drawing real-time employment data directly from the Ministry of Labour. The integration of this digital system ensures that non-compliant companies are screened out at an early stage, minimising the possibility of circumvention. Further, the new rules extend to international companies and institutions that are not registered within the Sultanate but participate in tenders for large-scale or strategic government projects. While such companies may not be immediately subject to pre-award Omanisation verification, their compliance will be closely monitored post-award and during contract implementation. This oversight forms part of the broader local content strategy, which includes evaluating how effectively these companies contribute to Oman's workforce development and national economic goals throughout the lifecycle of a project. The Tender Board has called on all ministries and public sector units to fully comply with the provisions of the circular 'in the public interest,' underlining the importance of the directive in advancing national priorities. The move is aligned with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which places a strong emphasis on empowering the national workforce, enhancing economic sustainability, and reducing dependence on expat labour in key sectors. The policy is expected to significantly impact the way private and foreign companies approach public tenders in Oman, compelling them to prioritise the recruitment, training, and retention of Omani nationals as part of their operational strategy. Industry analysts believe the move will not only create more job opportunities for Omanis but also push companies to invest in long-term human capital development within the country.
Observer
22-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Over 19,000 tenders awarded through 'Esnad' platform
MUSCAT: The Secretariat General of the Tender Board announced that the number of companies registered on the 'Esnad' platform reached 17,523 by mid-April 2025, including 9,717 local companies and 3,371 international firms. Additionally, 4,352 registered companies were small and medium enterprises (SMEs), along with other entities such as property owners. A total of 3,510 tenders were floated on the platform by mid-April, comprising 2,145 local tenders, 90 international tenders and over 1,127 tenders exclusively for SMEs. Since its launch, the platform has awarded more than 19,000 tenders, including 1,564 awarded from the beginning of 2025 until mid-April. Local companies secured 818 tenders, while international firms won 6 tenders. SMEs were awarded 740 tenders. Turki bin Sulaiman al Hasani, Director-General of Statistics and Information Systems, stated that "Esnad" serves as an integrated national platform that accelerates procedures, reduces change orders and ensures compliance with approved budgets, enhancing the quality of government project implementation. He noted that thousands of companies have benefited from the platform, expanding participation and promoting equal opportunities, particularly for SMEs. Al Hasani emphasised that the platform maximises the efficiency of government spending by adopting best local, regional and international practices, optimising financial resources and supporting sustainable economic development goals. Eng Said bin Hamad al Amri, Director-General of Tenders, added that the Tender Board awarded tenders worth a total of RO 203 million by the end of March 2025. He noted that 26 tenders were floated in the first quarter of 2025, with a total value of RO 400 million. - ONA
