Latest news with #Freezone
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar Port and Freezone inaugurates one of a kind Sohar Emergency Response Organization
Suhar – Under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Saeed bin Hamoud bin Saeed Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communication, and Information Technology, SOHAR Port and Freezone hosted the inauguration ceremony of the SOHAR Emergency Response Organization, a milestone that redefines industrial safety and resilience in Oman. The SOHAR Emergency Response Organization is a fully integrated initiative, jointly established by SOHAR Port and Freezone in close partnership with its tenant community. Designed to serve all stakeholders, from employees and contractors to port users and visitors ,this model represents a unified, community-wide approach to emergency preparedness. Its collective nature is what sets it apart as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region. Ensuring the safety of people and the protection of valuable assets are fundamental principles at SOHAR. The Emergency Response Organization enhances risk mitigation, safeguards facilities, and ensures business continuity, directly supporting SOHAR's mission to be a reliable, safe, and sustainable industrial hub. H.E. Eng. Saeed bin Hamoud bin Saeed Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communication, and Information Technology, emphasized the broader significance of this achievement: 'The SOHAR Emergency Response Organization represents a critical step in aligning with Oman's vision for resilience and sustainability. By enhancing safety standards and ensuring operational continuity, it supports not only SOHAR's growth but also Oman's strategic objectives in the logistics sector.' 'This is not just a facility, it is a strategic outcome of collaboration,' said Abdullah Al Jabri, Chairman of the Board of SOHAR Port and Freezone. ' Together with our tenants, we have built a shared resource that protects the entire SOHAR ecosystem. This unified model reflects our collective responsibility toward safety, operational excellence, and long-term resilience.' Operating 24/7 and equipped with advanced technologies, the center provides rapid response to a wide range of emergency scenarios, from medical incidents and industrial fires to hazardous materials and technical rescues. Developed in collaboration with international experts such as the Safety Authority Rotterdam, and operated by Unity Fire and Safety Services LLC, the facility aligns with the best global practices adapted to the local context. The inauguration of the SOHAR Emergency Response Organization sets a new regional benchmark in industrial safety, not only for its operational capability, but for its ability to unite diverse stakeholders under one mission: protecting the entire SOHAR community through collective action. About SOHAR Port and Freezone As one of the fastest-growing ports in the world, SOHAR Port and Freezone continues to leverage on its strategic location and enhance its services, positioning itself as a key logistics hub within the region and across the world boasting container, liquids, and bulk terminals. A powerful combination of the expertise of the Port of Rotterdam and ASYAD Group, it is earmarked as one of the Sultanate's mega-projects, home to logistics, petrochemicals, and metal clusters, as well as the region's first dedicated agri terminal. Today, after 20 years of operation, it serves as the main gateway for import and export in Oman, directly contributing 2.1% of the country's GDP and almost 42,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. With a focus on sustainable development and cutting-edge technology, it is leading the development and modernization of the Sultanate's logistics infrastructure and supporting the economic diversification objectives of Oman's 2040 Vision. For more information about SOHAR Port and Freezone, please visit
Observer
28-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Invest Oman facilitates landmark solar manufacturing deal at Advantage Oman Forum
Muscat: Invest OMAN, the government's official investment promotion arm under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, led the signing ceremony of a major clean energy investment during the Advantage Oman Forum in Muscat. The agreement was signed between JA Solar Energy — one of the world's top four manufacturers and suppliers of high-performance solar cells and modules — on one side, and Invest OMAN, SOHAR Port and Freezone, and Majis Industrial Services SAOC on the other. This strategic investment marks a significant milestone resulting from the enablement and collaborative efforts with Invest OMAN, the government's gateway for facilitating large-scale investments in the Sultanate of Oman. The project's implementation is the result of a coordinated effort by key government institutions, including the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), the Authority for Public Services Regulation, Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC), NAMA Supply and Majis Industrial Services. With a total investment of $565 million and covering an area of 32.8 hectares in the second phase of the Freezone, the project is set to deliver an annual production capacity of 6 gigawatts of solar cells and 3 gigawatts of solar modules. Primarily targeting Europe, the US, and local markets, operations are scheduled to begin in 2025. This project will play a significant role in advancing the renewable energy sector in the Middle East and aligns with Oman Vision 2040's goals for sustainable development. This landmark agreement also marks a major step in positioning Oman as a competitive destination for renewable technologies and advanced industrial production, in line with Vision 2040. Led by Invest Oman, the project's advanced technology and large-scale production will significantly enhance the region's renewable energy capabilities and contribute to global sustainability efforts. Ibtisam al Faroojia, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Investment Promotion Ibtisam al Faroojia, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Investment Promotion, 'The signing of these landmark agreements underscore Oman's commitment to fostering a competitive and sustainable investment environment. This project aligns with Oman Vision 2040 by enhancing renewable energy capabilities, creating economic value and driving innovation in clean energy technologies. Through Invest OMAN's collaborative efforts, the Sultanate of Oman continues to position itself as a global hub for strategic, sustainable investments.' She added, 'As the government's dedicated gateway for investment promotion, Invest OMAN played a pivotal role in realizing this project. The plant's advanced technology and large-scale production will significantly boost the country's renewable energy potential and contribute to global sustainability efforts.' Mohammed al Shizawi, Acting CEO of SOHAR Freezone, emphasized, "The expansion of SOHAR Freezone highlights our strong appeal to investors and our key role in driving economic growth. With its strategic advantages and advanced infrastructure, the freezone is the perfect foundation for innovative projects like this one. This initiative reinforces our commitment to clean energy and supports Oman's vision for energy independence. By localizing solar panel production, we reduce our carbon footprint and set a new sustainability benchmark. Additionally, this project will contribute to the downstream sector, continuing the full ecosystem chain and fostering collaboration with existing industries in the freezone, further strengthening the renewable energy cluster." Victor Yang, President of Investment and Financing Center, JA Solar: said: "Our facility marks a significant advancement in the solar PV supply chain. The strategic location within SOHAR Freezone offers essential logistics and positions us in a rapidly growing renewable energy hub. By utilizing cutting-edge technologies, we aim to produce high-quality, affordable solar cells and panels that enhance accessibility and attract global investment, while expanding our presence in key markets." By establishing this manufacturing facility, SOHAR Port and Freezone reinforces its commitment to driving sustainable economic growth while positioning itself as a pivotal player in global trade. With 85% of Phase 1 fully leased, Phase 2 is actively expanding to accommodate further industrial needs across its 675 hectares of land. This milestone also serves as a testament to the trust and confidence in the freezone operations by investors and partners.
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar Freezone signs land lease agreement with Ja Solar (FZC) SPC for solar production plant
SUHAR – On the sidelines of the Advantage Oman Forum, organized by Invest in Oman, SOHAR Port and Freezone reinforced its growing reputation as a strategic hub for sustainable investment by signing a land lease agreement with JA Solar OM (FZC) SPC, one of the world's top manufacturers and suppliers of high-efficiency solar cells and modules. This agreement represents a major step toward enhancing Oman's renewable energy infrastructure. Leveraging advanced technologies and significant production capacity, the facility will play a critical role in accelerating the country's transition to clean energy and solidifying its position in the global sustainability landscape. With a total investment of USD 565 million and covering an area of 32.5 hectares in the second phase of the Freezone, the project is set to deliver an annual production capacity of 6 gigawatts of solar cells and 3 gigawatts of solar modules. Operations are expected to commence in Q1 2026. The project will play a crucial role in advancing the clean energy transition and supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 for sustainable development. Fan Jingchao, General Manager at JA Solar OM (FZC) SPC said, "Our facility marks a significant advancement in the solar PV supply chain, integrating all key components from polysilicon to modules. The strategic location within SOHAR Freezone offers essential logistics and positions us in a rapidly growing renewable energy hub. By utilizing cutting-edge technologies, we aim to produce high-quality, affordable solar panels that enhance accessibility and attract global investment, while expanding our presence in key markets." Mohammed Al Shizawi, Acting CEO of SOHAR Freezone, emphasized, 'This agreement cements SOHAR Freezone's position as a prime investment destination with world-class infrastructure and strategic advantages. In response to high investor demand and with the first phase nearing full occupancy, the ongoing expansion of SOHAR Freezone is now underway to advance local solar manufacturing, reduce carbon emissions, and raise regional sustainability standards. The project will drive industrial diversification, strengthen local supply chains, and unlock new downstream investment opportunities critical to Oman's economic growth.' By creating synergies within an integrated framework of green manufacturing, logistics, and trade, SOHAR Freezone reaffirms its commitment to driving sustainable economic growth while positioning itself as a pivotal player in global trade. With 85% of Phase 1 fully leased, Phase 2 is actively expanding to accommodate further industrial needs across its 675 hectares of land. This milestone also serves as a testament to the trust and confidence in the freezone operations by investors and partners. About SOHAR Port and Freezone As one of the world's most rapidly growing integrated industrial and logistics projects, SOHAR Port and Freezone capitalizes on its strategic location to cement its status as a crucial logistics hub in the region and globally. A unique collaboration between the Port of Rotterdam and ASYAD Group marks it as a key mega-project in Oman, offering a range of services including logistics, petrochemicals, metals, and the region's first dedicated agro terminal. With over 20 years of operation, SOHAR is the main gateway for Oman's import and export, contributing 2.1% to the nation's GDP and creating almost 42,000 jobs. Committed to sustainable development and advanced technology, SOHAR is modernizing logistics infrastructure in line with the economic diversification goals of Oman's 2040 Vision.
