Latest news with #Opaz
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: OPAZ engages with the community via ‘Tajawob' platform
Muscat: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz) engaged with several suggestions, complaints, reports and inquiries submitted via the national platform 'Tajawob' until the end of May. A total of 44 requests were received, including 12 suggestions, 10 complaints, 20 inquiries and 2 reports, reflecting a growing interaction aimed at enhancing public participation tools. Dr. Ahmed bin Saif Al Mamari, Acting Director of Customer Services Department at Opaz, confirmed that all requests received via the platform have been given due attention since its launch in late February. Complaints were handled within record timeframes, with the shortest response time recorded at under 10 minutes and the longest at two days. Most inquiries focused on investment procedures, company registration and investor visas. Complaints, meanwhile, were referred to the relevant departments for resolution. He stated that the received suggestions were diverse, including the development of incubators in industrial cities, enhancement of the tourism front in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Sezad), and the renaming of certain industrial cities under the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn). All suggestions have been referred to the relevant departments within the Authority and the zones it supervises for study and evaluation. Al Mamari also mentioned that some of the submissions received via the platform included innovative proposals, reflecting the level of public engagement with global technological and scientific advancements. One notable suggestion involved utilising the advancements in drone technology for the transport sector, which was referred to a specialised consultancy, while technical experts in the zone provided their input directly to the proposer. The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones affirmed that the national platform for suggestions, complaints, reports and inquiries, will contribute to strengthening community partnership and effective communication, as well as improving the business environment through continuous engagement, high transparency and prompt responsiveness. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
OPAZ engages with the community via ‘Tajawob' platform
Muscat: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz) engaged with several suggestions, complaints, reports and inquiries submitted via the national platform 'Tajawob' until the end of May. A total of 44 requests were received, including 12 suggestions, 10 complaints, 20 inquiries and 2 reports, reflecting a growing interaction aimed at enhancing public participation tools. Dr. Ahmed bin Saif Al Mamari, Acting Director of Customer Services Department at Opaz, confirmed that all requests received via the platform have been given due attention since its launch in late February. Complaints were handled within record timeframes, with the shortest response time recorded at under 10 minutes and the longest at two days. Most inquiries focused on investment procedures, company registration and investor visas. Complaints, meanwhile, were referred to the relevant departments for resolution. He stated that the received suggestions were diverse, including the development of incubators in industrial cities, enhancement of the tourism front in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Sezad), and the renaming of certain industrial cities under the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn). All suggestions have been referred to the relevant departments within the Authority and the zones it supervises for study and evaluation. Al Mamari also mentioned that some of the submissions received via the platform included innovative proposals, reflecting the level of public engagement with global technological and scientific advancements. One notable suggestion involved utilising the advancements in drone technology for the transport sector, which was referred to a specialised consultancy, while technical experts in the zone provided their input directly to the proposer. The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones affirmed that the national platform for suggestions, complaints, reports and inquiries, will contribute to strengthening community partnership and effective communication, as well as improving the business environment through continuous engagement, high transparency and prompt responsiveness.
Times of Oman
26-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Agreement inked to develop, operate first phase of Al Rawdha Special Economic Zone
Muscat: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz) and Mahdah Development Company (an Omani-Emirati partnership) signed an agreement to develop and operate the first phase of the Al Rawdha Special Economic Zone in the Wilayat of Mahdah, Al Buraimi Governorate. The signing ceremony was attended by HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates; along with a number of high-ranking officials and dignitaries from the public and private sectors of both countries. The agreement was signed on behalf of Opaz by Eng. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb, Opaz Deputy Chairman, and on behalf of Mahdah Development Company by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World Group. Under the usufruct agreement, the area allocated to the developer company spans 14 square kilometers in the first phase, with the potential to expand to 25 square kilometres in the second phase, based on the development plan submitted by the company. The agreement is valid for 50 years, and the zone will benefit from its connectivity to both Sohar Port and Jebel Ali Port in Dubai. The agreement stipulates that the developer will establish public utilities and infrastructure, including roads, water supply networks, sewage systems, and other services. It also includes preparing the master plan, environmental studies, and a preliminary vision for the allocated area. In the first phase, the developer company intends to target several economic activities, most notably manufacturing industries, logistics, warehousing, pharmaceutical and medical industries, plastics, mining, food industries, security and safety services, as well as providing one-stop-shop services. The zone will benefit from incentives, exemptions, and facilities such as customs duty exemptions for imports, exports, and goods storage, obtaining all licenses and permits through the one-stop-shop, the freedom to transfer profits abroad without restrictions, 100% foreign ownership, single approval for establishing and operating strategic projects, among other incentives and exemptions. The Al Rawdha Special Economic Zone project represents a strategic step aimed at leveraging the region's prime geographical location, enhancing investment opportunities in supply chains, developing re-export hubs between Oman, the UAE, and regional and international markets, promoting lifestyle and economic activities linked to residential and tourism sectors, diversifying economic fields in the Wilayat of Mahdah and Al Buraimi Governorate as a whole, and generating job opportunities and serving small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Eng. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Deeb stated that the Al Rawdha Special Economic Zone is designed to achieve priority developmental objectives, including job creation, attracting knowledge and modern technologies, and providing a business-friendly environment that supports sustainable development—all of which align with Oman's Vision 2040. He added that the Al Rawdha Special Economic Zone in Mahdah, Al Buraimi Governorate, enjoys a strategic location between Oman and the UAE and is connected to Sohar and Jebel Ali Ports. This enables logistics providers, manufacturers, and commercial companies to efficiently and competitively access Gulf, Asian, and African markets. On his turn, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World Group, said: 'The Al Rawdha Special Economic Zone marks a new chapter in the economic relationship between Oman and the UAE. Through joint collaboration with Opaz and Omani partners, this zone will strengthen our close trade ties and reflect the shared ambition of both sides to achieve sustainable and diversified economic growth.' He affirmed DP World's commitment to developing a world-class platform that will provide new growth opportunities, enhance trade connectivity, and deliver sustainable economic value for both Oman and the UAE. The signing of the agreement to develop and operate the Al Rawdha Special Economic Zone aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which focuses on diversifying the national economy, strengthening strategic partnerships, and attracting quality investments. Eng. Al Deeb announced that construction works outside the Al Rawdha Special Economic Zone will commence next week through a dedicated tender for external roads and protection. He noted that Mahdah Development Company, represented by DP World Group, will announce tenders in the coming period after completing the detailed design work for the project. He added that there are previous memoranda of understanding signed by DP World and several investors who have expressed interest in investing in the Al Rawdha Special Economic Zone, which will generate job opportunities for SMEs serving the zone. It is expected that the first-phase investments in the zone will reach approximately $2 billion. Sayyid Dr. Hamad bin Ahmed Al Busaidi, Governor of Al Buraimi, affirmed that the Al Rawdha Special Economic Zone project will bring about an economic transformation in the Wilayat of Mahdah and Al Buraimi Governorate at large by attracting global companies and factories, thereby generating employment opportunities in Mahdah and other wilayats of the governorate.
Times of Oman
18-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Agreements inked to incorporate Phase 2, Phase 3 of ACME green hydrogen ammonia project
Muscat: Hydrom, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz), and ACME Group have signed a Project Development Agreement and Usufruct Agreement for the incorporation of Phase 2 and 3 of ACME's green hydrogen and ammonia project in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Sezad). The agreements mark the formal onboarding of one of the Sultanate of Oman's earliest hydrogen initiatives into Hydrom's portfolio, concluding the consolidation of all commercial hydrogen developments under a single national structure. The agreements were signed by Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals and Hydrom's Chairman along with Sheikh Dr. Ali Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of Opaz, and Gursharan Jassal, Country Manager for ACME. The two new phases span a combined area of 80 square kilometres and are projected to produce around 71,000 tonnes of green hydrogen and 400,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually per phase. This expansion follows the commencement of construction for ACME's Phase 1 with an output of 100,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually, backed by an offtake agreement with YARA BIRKELANDAS. With all phases completed, ACME aims to reach an annual production capacity of 0.9 million tonnes of green ammonia. Eng. Abdulaziz Al Shidhani, Managing Director of Hydrom, said 'The formal integration of ACME's project into Hydrom's framework marks a significant milestone in Oman's green hydrogen journey. This step not only consolidates Oman's early initiatives but also demonstrates our commitment to structured and scalable development. By unifying all major projects under a cohesive national strategy, we are boosting investor confidence and reaffirming Oman's position as a competitive player in the global green hydrogen market.' The agreement comes as Hydrom advances its third land auction round, highlighting the sustained momentum of Oman's hydrogen strategy. With a complete portfolio now in place and the regulatory, infrastructure and human capital enablers progressing as planned,the sector is moving forward with the clarity and coordination needed to meet global offtake demand and realize Oman's long-term ambition to become a leading global exporter of green hydrogen. Eng. Ahmed Ali Akaak, CEO of Sezad, said the agreements reflect Duqm's growing appeal as a hub for green hydrogen and ammonia investment. He affirmed the attention given to the green hydrogen sector in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm as part of the zone's strategy (2025–2030), and the administration's efforts to adopt green industrial projects in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the strategy of the Sultanate of Oman to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Gursharan Jassal, Country Manager for ACME in Oman expressed, 'We are honoured to sign this landmark agreement for the development of the next phase of the green ammonia project in Duqm — a pivotal step in advancing Oman's transition to a sustainable energy future. This milestone reflects our shared commitment to achieving Oman Vision 2040 and reinforces the Oman's growing role in the global green hydrogen economy.' With this signing, Hydrom's awarded portfolio of large-scale green hydrogen projects in the Governorates of Al Wusta and Dhofar rises to nine, representing over $50 billion in expected investment commitments and a combined production capacity of nearly 1.5 million tonnes of green hydrogen per annum by 2030. Enabled by nearly 35 GW of renewable energy, these projects are coordinated within a single national framework designed to deliver at scale and aligned with global demand. Through this structured portfolio, Hydrom continues to advance Oman's positioning as one of the most advanced and investment-ready hydrogen ecosystems globally.
Times of Oman
29-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Pact signed to drive energy efficiency in Oman's industrial hubs
Muscat: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz) signed on Tuesday a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) to implement an Energy Excellence Programme. This initiative is part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions in economic zones, free zones and industrial cities, and to support the implementation of the national strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The memorandum also aims to explore potential cooperation opportunities in identifying and implementing energy efficiency initiatives and related certifications. The Memorandum of Cooperation was signed on behalf of Opaz by Eng. Ahmed Hassan Al Dheeb, Deputy Chairman of Opaz, and on behalf of OQAE by Najla Al Jamali, CEO of OQAE. The areas of cooperation covered by the memorandum include providing support and consultancy services for energy efficiency assessments and decarbonisation of certain technical and non-technical assets owned by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones; identifying and implementing energy efficiency improvement projects through performance contracting if both parties wish; supporting and advising the Authority on obtaining ISO 50001 certification in energy management; and providing consultancy services for developing an energy strategy for Opaz. Eng. Mazin Mansour Al Balushi, Head of the Technical Studies Section at Opaz, stated that the Authority accords great importance to environmental preservation and carbon emission reduction across the economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities under its supervision. The implementation of the Energy Excellence Programme comes in line with these objectives. He emphasised that the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation reflects the Authority's commitment to achieving Oman Vision 2040 objectives under the priority of environment and natural resources. He pointed out that in recent years, the Authority has signed numerous agreements and memoranda of cooperation to establish projects in green hydrogen, green ammonia, green steel, and direct reduced iron, reflecting the Authority's dedication to promoting environmental sustainability in line with national sustainability goals. He further explained that the Energy Excellence Programme will contribute to improving energy usage in the economic zones, free zones and industrial cities, and will have a positive impact on enhancing innovation and developing human capital in the areas under the Authority's supervision.
