Latest news with #Omani-Saudi
Observer
13-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
3 agreements signed for Sultan Said bin Taimour Road dualisation
Muscat: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) signed three agreements related to the dualisation of the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road (Adam-Thumrait), which is already under implementation in various stages. Agreements signed on Tuesday is for the third, fourth, and fifth parts of the dual carriageway of Sultan Said bin Taimur Road (Adam-Thumrait), with a total length of 400 km at a total cost of RO258 million. The total length of the three sections is 400 km, with a total cost exceeding RO258 million. It may be noted that the General Budget 2025 allocated RO 900 million for development projects, of which 36 percent was allocated to the infrastructure sector, including the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road, which is poised to become the longest dual carriageway in the Sultanate of Oman. The agreements were signed on behalf of the Ministry by Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology. He said, "The project implementation period is 36 months, as the contractors have begun preparations that include housing for workers and delivering equipment. The road will contribute to raising the efficiency of logistical transport between the governorates of the Sultanate of Oman and between the border crossings in the north and the south, as well as to the concession areas." Agreements The first agreement was with an Omani-Saudi joint venture between Sarooj Construction Company (Sultanate of Oman) and Rawaf Contracting Company (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) for Part Three of the project between the Wilayat of Haima to the Wilayat of Muqshin (132.5 km). It entails the design and construction of 16 ground-level bypass lanes, one overpass bridge, 115 reinforced concrete box culverts for surface water drainage, and 88 pipe culverts for median drainage. The project will also involve the installation of future utility ducts (broadband corridor) along the road. Additionally, the project includes the construction of four rest areas, 21 public parking areas, eight emergency openings in the central median, and 22 parking bays for the Royal Oman Police. It also covers the reconstruction of the existing road at Wadi crossings and the rehabilitation of certain segments, along with the implementation of road safety features (concrete and metal barriers, road studs, road markings, and directional and warning signs). The second agreement was with the Omani-Saudi joint venture between Galfar Engineering and Contracting and Alomaier Trading and Contracting Company the Part Four of the project. This section extends 135 km from the Wilayat of Muqshin to the Duka. This part includes the construction of a new dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction, 14 ground-level bypass lanes, one overpass bridge, 241 reinforced concrete box culverts for surface water drainage, and 95 pipe culverts in the median. It also includes the installation of future utility ducts (broadband corridor). The project also includes three rest areas, eight emergency openings, and 25 parking bays for the Royal Oman Police and reconstruction of the existing road at wadi crossings. The third agreement was signed with an Omani-Saudi joint venture between Oman Gulf Company (Sultanate of Oman) and Kom Al Fahd Trading, Industry, and Contracting Company, for Part Five. This section extends 132.5 km from the Duka area to the Wilayat of Thumrait. It will have 20 ground-level bypass lanes, 101 reinforced concrete box culverts for surface water drainage, and 110 pipe culverts. It also includes 5 rest areas, 16 public parking areas, 8 emergency openings in the median, and 25 parking bays for the Royal Oman Police. The implementation of these three sections follows the previously completed parts of the road from the Wilayat of Adam in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate to the Wilayat of Haima in Al Wusta Governorate, with a total length of 317 kilometers. Upon completion, the dualized road is expected to reduce road accidents.
Asharq Al-Awsat
09-03-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Oman's Dhahirah: A Strategic Gateway Strengthening Trade with Saudi Arabia
In the heart of Dhahirah Governorate in northwestern Oman, a key economic zone is emerging—not just as a border crossing but as a vital trade and logistics hub linking Oman and Saudi Arabia. The border crossing in the Empty Quarter, located about 170 kilometers from Ibri, plays a crucial role in facilitating commercial convoys and enhancing logistical integration between the two countries. Recognizing the strategic significance of this route, Oman has developed an integrated economic zone in Dhahirah, spanning 388 square kilometers and situated just 20 kilometers from the border. This joint Omani-Saudi project aims to capitalize on the region's geographic and commercial advantages, driving economic growth and attracting investment. The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and Oman Vision 2040, both of which prioritize economic diversification and regional cooperation. The project is expected to foster sustainable growth, create job opportunities, and position the area as a major economic hub in the Gulf. The Dhahirah Economic Zone will offer diverse investment opportunities to support cross-border trade, including business complexes and industrial zones specializing in agriculture, livestock, and mining. It will also feature a 4-square-kilometer dry port, a logistics hub, warehouses, and import-export companies. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Ibri Governor Dr. Saeed Al-Harthi emphasized the strategic importance of the Saudi-Omani border crossing, highlighting that the new economic zone will be a major catalyst for development. He noted that trade between the two nations has surged by approximately 360% between 2022 and 2024. The first phase of infrastructure development for the zone is estimated to cost around 120 million Omani rials ($312 million), with strong backing from both governments to ensure the project's success. Additionally, Dhahirah has seen the launch of the Ibri Solar Power Plant, Oman's largest, with an investment of $403 million. Covering 13 million square meters, the plant has a production capacity of 500 megawatts. According to Al-Harthi, the first phase has been completed, with the second phase underway, contributing to Oman's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The industrial city within the zone is also a key component of Oman's strategy to support private sector growth and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), with an estimated contribution of $3.9 million to SME development. Strategically positioned near the Empty Quarter border crossing, the industrial city is set to become a hub for manufacturing and logistics, strengthening economic ties between Oman and Saudi Arabia. Commenting on the project's progress, Majid Al-Muqrashi, Director of Financial and Administrative Affairs at Ibri Industrial City, told Asharq Al-Awsat that since the first phase's inauguration in 2024—spanning 3 million square meters at a cost of $23.4 million—the city has seen significant growth. He revealed that 15 contracts have been signed with investors across various sectors, with 191,000 square meters already leased. While some projects remain under construction, additional contracts are in the finalization stage, further cementing Dhahirah's role as a key economic hub in the region.
Zawya
24-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi firms eye Oman Al-Dhahirah zone development: report
Companies from Saudi Arabia are queuing up for a project to build a land port at the economic zone in Al-Dhahirah Governorate in North Oman, a newspaper has said. The Economic Zone at Al Dhahira (EZAD) project, which also includes a veterinary quarantine, is expected to cost around 1.2 billion Saudi riyals ($320 million), the Saudi Aliqtisadia daily reported on Sunday. The paper said the project is a 'strategic opportunity' for the Saudi contracting sector to expand logistic and business cooperation with Omani contractors. 'Companies from Saudi Arabia have shown increasing interest in participating in a project to build a land port and a vet quarantine in Al-Dhahirah,' it said. The paper quoted Abdulsalam Al-Saqaabi, CEO of the Saudi Al-Alamain Contracting Company, as saying his firm is 'following up tenders for that project' and that a number of Saudi companies are interested in the contract given the zone's strategic location. The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) is actively involved in funding EZAD. Last week, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) announced the launch of the third package tender for the development of EZAD, which includes the construction of dry port facilities and a veterinary quarantine. The tender includes the execution of civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural works for the dry port and veterinary quarantine. The project will include the construction of a customs gate, inspection platforms, customs clearance areas, substation facilities, a maintenance workshop, laboratories, a water tank, fire protection systems, X-ray and scanning equipment, as well as the administration building, mosque, offices, rest areas, staff accommodations, fencing, and surveillance cameras and various other facilities. The dry port will be operated by Asyad Group. The tender is open to experienced Omani-Saudi joint venture companies and has a bid submission deadline of 17 April 2025, according to OPAZ website. Tender document sales end on 3rd March 2025. Last year, OPAZ had awarded a consultancy services contract for the design and supervision of the first phase's infrastructure facilities to a Omani-Saudi consortium. OPAZ is expected to award a tender for the construction of the EZAD's main roads, protection channels, and surface water drainage systems along with associated services before the end of first quarter 2025. A total of 12 Omani-Saudi consortiums have purchased the tender documents. EZAD, located 20 kilometres from the Rub Al-Khali border crossing on the Oman-Saudi border, will span a total area of 388 square kilometres (sq km). The first phase covers an area of 20 sq km. (Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Times of Oman
19-02-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman-Saudi Business Council discusses export and import operations
Muscat: The Oman-Saudi Business Council on Wednesday held its first meeting of the year (2025) in Muscat. The meeting explored ways to increase export and import operations through the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) Checkpoint that links the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The meeting was chaired by Ali bin Hamad Al Kalbani, Head of the Omani side of the Oman-Saudi Business Council and Nasser bin Said Al Hajeri, Head of the Saudi side of the Council. Ali bin Hamad Al Kalbani stressed that the meeting comes in light of the growing development witnessed by Omani-Saudi relations. These relations, he said, are pressing ahead with confident steps towards enhancing the desired economic integration, thanks to the keenness of the leaderships of the two countries to develop the relations in a way that achieves the aspirations of their peoples. In his speech, he added that the Council seeks to enhance and enable communication between the private sector in both countries and the government authorities concerned with the prime aim to develop and protect mutual investments, find solutions to the challenges that investors may face, and explore investment opportunities. For his part, Nasser bin Said Al Hajeri said that the joint cooperation between the two countries supports sustainable development and enhances investment opportunities in various sectors in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and Oman Vision 2040. He added that the Council is keen on the partnership between the business sectors in the two countries, which represents a fundamental pillar for growth and prosperity. He stressed that the Council is seeking to enhance economic integration and open new horizons for investment and cooperation.
Zawya
18-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman floats tender for dry port construction on Saudi border
Oman's The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) announced today (February 17) the launch of the third package tender for the development of Economic Zone at Al Dhahira (EZAD). The scope of work includes construction of 4-sq-km-long dry port facilities and a veterinary quarantine. The dry port, the main driver of the Economic Zone at Dhahira (EZAD), located near the Omani-Saudi border (Al Rubaa Al Khali), is being developed in collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to OPAZ, the Phase I of the dry port will be constructed on 1 sq km, in addition the tender covering the construction of a veterinary quarantine. For the project, OPAZ has invited experienced Omani and Saudi companies to purchase the tender documents and submit their bids before the April 17 deadline. Eng. Ibrahim Yousuf Al Zadjali Project Manager - Economic Zone at Al Dahirah said the new tender will enable EZAD to achieve its objectives of enhancing trade between Oman and Saudi Arabia. The total area of EZAD is 388 sq km and is located 20 km from the Rub Al-Khali border crossing. The design incorporates the latest facilities and ensures the port is built with the highest standards and top-quality specifications taking into consideration all the stakeholders' requirements, he stated. The tender includes the execution of civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural works for the dry port and veterinary quarantine. According to the tender specifications, the project will include the construction of a customs gate, inspection platforms, customs clearance areas, substation facilities, a maintenance workshop, laboratories, a water tank, fire protection systems, X-ray and scanning equipment, as well as the administration building, mosque, offices, rest areas, staff accommodations, fencing, and surveillance cameras and various other facilities. The dry port will be operated by Asyad Group a subsidiary of Oman Investment Authority (OIA), due to its experience in managing and operation such facilities.- TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
