Latest news with #PublicAuthorityforSpecialEconomicZonesandFreeZones
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
OPAZ engages with local community via ‘Tajawob' platform
BUSINESS REPORTER MUSCAT, JUNE 2 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.
Qatar Tribune
26-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar, Oman discuss enhancing trade and investment cooperation
MUSCAT: Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry HE Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman HE Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef have discussed the growing economic relations and ways to enhance joint cooperation in trade and investment in order to achieve mutual interests and contribute to advancing economic development in the two brotherly countries. This came on the sidelines of his visit to the Sultanate of Oman, heading an official Qatari trade and investment delegation comprising several government institutions and representatives from the private and public sectors. As part of the visit, the Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry met with Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones in the Sultanate of Oman Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, with the meeting focusing on areas of cooperation in developing free zones and exchanging expertise on business environments that attract investment.
Observer
26-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman-UAE pact for special economic zone in Buraimi
Muscat: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones and Mahdha Development Company (an Omani-Emirati partnership) signed an agreement to develop and operate the first phase of Rawdha Special Economic Zone in Al Buraimi Governorate. The agreement stipulates that the developer will establish public facilities and infrastructure, such as roads, water supply, wastewater networks, and other services. The agreement also stipulates the preparation of a master plan, environmental studies, and preliminary design for the allocated area of 14 sq km in the first phase, expandable to 25 sq km in the second phase The developer will target economic activities in the first phase, mostly logistics, warehousing, pharmaceutical, medical, plastics, mining, and food industries, as well as security and safety services, in addition to providing one-stop-shop services.
Observer
18-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Duqm project joins Oman's green energy framework
MUSCAT : Project development and usufruct agreements have been signed on May 18, Sunday, to integrate Phases 2 and 3 of a green hydrogen and ammonia project in Al Duqm into Oman's national hydrogen framework. The agreements, involving Hydrom (the orchestrator of Oman's green hydrogen industry), the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) and India-based ACME Group, mark the formal inclusion of one of the Sultanate of Oman's earliest hydrogen initiatives into Hydrom's unified national portfolio. The signing ceremony was attended by Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals and Chairman of Hydrom; Shaikh Dr Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ); and Gursharan Jassal, ACME's Country Manager in Oman. The two new project phases will cover 80 square kilometres within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) and are expected to each produce 71,000 tonnes of green hydrogen and 400,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually. This expansion builds on the ongoing construction of ACME's Phase 1, designed to produce 100,000 tonnes of green ammonia per year under an offtake agreement with Yara Birkeland AS. Once all three phases are complete, ACME aims to reach a total production capacity of 0.9 million tonnes of green ammonia annually. Eng Abdulaziz al Shaithani, Managing Director of Hydrom, stated: 'Integrating ACME's project into our national framework is a major milestone in Oman's green hydrogen journey. It strengthens investor confidence, streamlines development, and reinforces Oman's status as a serious global player in this emerging sector.' Hydrom's portfolio has now expanded to nine large-scale green hydrogen projects across Al Wusta and Dhofar governorates, with combined expected investments exceeding $50 billion and an annual production capacity target of 1.5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. These projects will be powered by approximately 35 GW of renewable energy and coordinated through a centralised strategy to ensure scalability and international competitiveness. Eng Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, CEO of SEZAD, highlighted Duqm's rising prominence as a green energy hub. He noted the zone's 2025–2030 strategy prioritises green hydrogen investments, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the national goal of Net-Zero emissions by 2050. ACME's Country Manager Gursharan Jassal added: 'This agreement represents a major step toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Oman. It reflects our shared ambition to support the country's long-term vision and global leadership in the green hydrogen economy.' The agreement comes as Hydrom progresses with its third land auction round, underscoring the Sultanate of Oman's accelerating hydrogen strategy. By integrating early-stage and new developments under one framework, Oman is building a complete green hydrogen value chain — from renewable resource development to infrastructure and export — offering investors and offtakers a stable, scalable, and future-ready ecosystem. This expansion builds on the ongoing construction of ACME's Phase 1, designed to produce 100,000 tonnes of green ammonia per year under an offtake agreement with Yara Birkeland AS.
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New zones to redefine investment flow in Oman
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is accelerating its strategy to attract high-value investments by rolling out two dynamic new zones—the Muscat Airport Free Zone and the Integrated Economic Zone in Al Dhahirah—each positioned to offer unique advantages to global investors. According to Dr Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), these new hubs are part of a coordinated national ecosystem that unlocks fresh potential in logistics, e-commerce, and cross-border trade. 'All the free zones and economic zones in the country are working within an ecosystem that enables each to focus on specific sectors and unique selling points,' Dr Al Sunaidy explained in an interview with Observer, during the OPAZ media briefing held recently. 'The airport free zone, for instance, is a new concept in Oman designed to leverage our aviation infrastructure, which has so far been underutilised in terms of air logistics.' AVIATION-DRIVEN VALUE CREATION The Muscat Airport Free Zone is positioned as a game-changer in air cargo logistics, building on Oman's strategic investments in airports in Muscat, Salalah, and beyond. While seaports have long been the backbone of Oman's logistics sector, the integration of air transport through this new zone opens a 'new horizon' for the country. Dr Al Sunaidy emphasised that the zone will cater to sectors where air logistics is critical, such as pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and high-value components. 'Having a free zone next to the airport allows for value-added processes like repackaging, assembling, or modifying goods—activities that are not allowed under traditional bonded storage rules,' he noted. This means goods such as watches or pharmaceuticals can now be imported in parts, assembled or customised within the free zone, and then exported again without incurring customs duties or VAT until they enter the Omani market. This assembly-based value creation transforms Oman from a transshipment stop into a production and logistics hub, particularly attractive for firms with regional distribution needs. 'It's not about making it in Oman, but assembling and customising it in Oman,' said Dr Al Sunaidy, highlighting the zone's ability to provide flexible operations for businesses focused on just-in-time delivery models. AL DHAHIRAH: OMAN'S NEW GATEWAY TO SAUDI ARABIA AND BEYOND In the northwest, the Integrated Economic Zone in Al Dhahirah (Ibri) aims to become a key logistics and commercial bridge with Saudi Arabia, situated just 20 kilometres from the border. According to Dr Al Sunaidy, the zone was born out of a shared vision between Oman and Saudi Arabia's leadership to strengthen bilateral and regional trade ties. 'The zone can act as a consolidator of cargo destined for various locations inside Saudi Arabia and even further—to Egypt, Iraq, and Kuwait,' he explained. 'It also provides a platform for Saudi companies to reach Oman, Africa, and Asian markets through our ports.' The zone is envisioned not as an industrial cluster but as a trade facilitation hub, housing dry ports, warehouses, hotels, truck maintenance facilities, and possibly Potash-related manufacturing, given the mineral's abundance in the area. Oman's regulatory framework promotes seamless movement of goods between Oman's free and economic zones. As Dr Al Sunaidy pointed out, the regulations ensure minimal rechecking of cargo once it's cleared at the entry point, thereby enhancing operational efficiency across zones. STRATEGIC AND SOCIAL SYNERGIES Beyond commercial benefits, the Al Dhahirah zone is expected to support religious tourism and cross-border mobility. 'Omani pilgrims heading to Hajj will face fewer border challenges, and Saudi tourists visiting Salalah or Muscat could benefit from a smoother travel route,' Dr Al Sunaidy added. As Oman positions itself as a multi-modal logistics hub, both zones reflect a forward-thinking economic diversification strategy. By unlocking underutilised infrastructure and deepening regional integration, these zones are not just real estate developments—they are critical instruments in Oman's broader vision for 2040. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
