Latest news with #SaudbinHamoudalHabsi
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Shipbuilding hub to boost Musandam's economy
In a major boost for Oman's marine and fisheries industries, Musandam Global Investment Company SAOC (MGIC) and its Turkish partners have signed binding commercial terms and a shareholders' agreement to establish Musandam Drydock and Marine Industries LLC, a shipbuilding and repair facility in Musandam Governorate. The deal was formalised in the presence of Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidy, Governor of Musandam. The project, backed by an initial investment of $15 million, will support the construction and maintenance of aquaculture cages, fishing vessels, tugboats, and service and transport vessels up to 35 metres in length. It is set to serve both domestic and regional markets, aligning with Oman's strategy to enhance food security and marine industrial capacity under Oman Vision 2040. In an exclusive interview with the Observer, Raed al Shehhi, Chairman of MGIC, emphasised the project's strategic importance, "The launch of Musandam Drydock and Marine Industries LLC is aligned with our long-term strategy to build an integrated and diversified economy in Musandam. This project directly supports Oman Vision 2040 by fostering sustainable industrial growth, enhancing food security through support to fisheries, and creating meaningful employment.' According to Al Shehhi, the first phase of the project will include the development of slipways, fabrication workshops, and maintenance yards tailored for small to medium-sized vessels. The company will also build infrastructure for manufacturing and servicing aquaculture cages and coastal fishing boats. 'Phase one focuses on establishing the core shipbuilding and repair infrastructure. Future phases will likely include expansion to handle larger vessel classes, integration of smart technologies, and development of ancillary industries,' he explained. The decision to invest in this sector was driven by strong market signals, both nationally and regionally. 'The Sultanate of Oman has seen a steady increase in demand for modern fishing vessels and aquaculture infrastructure, in line with its national food security strategy,' Al Shehhi noted. "Regionally, the GCC marine sector is expanding, particularly in sustainable fisheries and coastal transport. However, there's a shortage of specialised facilities for these services — and we're stepping in to fill that gap.' Equally important to the project is its social and economic impact on the local community. MGIC has committed to an aggressive Omanisation and skills development programme, focusing on Musandam's youth. 'We are creating 50 direct jobs for the local community in the initial phase alone,' Al Shehhi said. 'We are also developing specialised courses in welding, marine mechanics, vessel design, and industrial safety, along with apprenticeship pathways. The aim is not just employment, but cultivating a generation of skilled professionals who can drive long-term growth in the marine sector.' The company's Turkish partners bring substantial technical know-how to the initiative. Their expertise in shipbuilding and modular construction will play a vital role in setting up world-class facilities and transferring knowledge to Omani technicians and engineers. 'Our partners bring experience in marine engineering and will support us in applying international best practices across the board — from project management and quality assurance to environmental compliance,' Al Shehhi affirmed. Beyond industrial development, the drydock project is expected to position Musandam as a strategic hub for marine services, leveraging its unique geography and proximity to key shipping lanes. The move represents another milestone in Oman's broader strategy to unlock regional development and local value creation in its northernmost governorate. The incorporation of Musandam Drydock and Marine Industries LLC signals more than just economic activity — it marks a commitment to sustainable, integrated growth built on innovation, partnership and local empowerment.
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman, Turkey announce RO5mn venture to boost marine industry
Muscat – Musandam International Investment Company, in partnership with Turkish investors, has signed binding commercial terms and a shareholders' agreement to establish the Musandam Drydock and Marine Industries Company. The venture, based in Musandam governorate, will see an initial investment of over RO5mn in its first phase. The signing ceremony was attended by H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidi, Governor of Musandam. The company will offer a range of marine services including construction and maintenance of fish farming cages, coastal and commercial fishing vessels, marine tugs, service vessels, and transport vessels up to 35 metres in length. The facility is intended to cater to Oman's domestic market as well as regional demand. The project aims to enhance industrial integration in the marine and fisheries sector, supporting national goals for food security and sustainable economic growth. It forms part of Musandam International Investment Company's wider strategy to build an integrated local ecosystem and promote development in Musandam, aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Shipbuilding, maintenance project pact signed
KHASAB: Musandam Global Investment company and its Turkish business partners on Tuesday signed an agreement to establish Musandam Drydock and Marine Industries Company. The agreement deals with launching a strategic project in Musandam Governorate, with an investment cost of more than RO 5 million in its first phase, to provide a set of vital services like construction and maintenance of fish farming cages, coastal and commercial fishing vessels, marine tugs, service vessels and transport vessels. The company will take steps to meet the needs of the Omani market and neighbouring regional markets, besides enhancing industrial integration in the marine and fisheries services sector. The project will keep pace with national trends in promoting food security and sustainable industrial growth. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidy, Governor of Musandam. - ONA
Muscat Daily
03-05-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Oman's first university vet hospital opens in Ibra
Muscat – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) on Thursday inaugurated the first veterinary hospital in Oman affiliated with an academic institution, at A'Sharqiyah University (ASU), in celebration of World Veterinary Day. H E Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources presided over the inauguration ceremony in Ibra. The state-of-the-art facility marks a milestone in veterinary education and healthcare in the sultanate. The hospital aims to raise public awareness, improve animal health, and enhance collaboration between academic and scientific institutions through the exchange of expertise and information. A'Sharqiyah University is the first university in Oman to introduce veterinary medicine as a specialisation, with the first batch of students expected to graduate in the 2025/2026 academic year. Equipped with advanced medical laboratories, diagnostic and treatment rooms, surgical theatres for both routine and complex procedures, as well as educational and therapeutic pens, the hospital has already begun receiving cases and performing microsurgical operations. It also serves as a training hub for veterinary students, providing a comprehensive learning environment. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Abdul Aziz bin Ali al Mashikhi, Director General of Agricultural and Water Resources in North Sharqiyah, highlighted the ministry's broader efforts to strengthen the sector. He said over 2.4mn livestock have been vaccinated, benefiting more than 192,000 breeders, while early field surveys are being conducted to detect poultry diseases and protect national investments and exports. He noted that the Central Animal Health Laboratory has been upgraded under international twinning programmes, ensuring accurate diagnostics and robust health controls at border crossings. The ministry currently operates 69 government veterinary clinics, 41 mobile units, and oversees 477 licensed private veterinary facilities. Additionally, 486 licences for veterinary professionals and 14 for auxiliary staff have been issued or renewed after thorough academic and field evaluation.
Muscat Daily
03-05-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Oman's first vet hospital opens in North Sharqiyah
Muscat – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) on Thursday inaugurated the first veterinary hospital in Oman affiliated with an academic institution, at A'Sharqiyah University (ASU), in celebration of World Veterinary Day. H E Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources presided over the inauguration ceremony in Ibra. The state-of-the-art facility marks a milestone in veterinary education and healthcare in the sultanate. The hospital aims to raise public awareness, improve animal health, and enhance collaboration between academic and scientific institutions through the exchange of expertise and information. A'Sharqiyah University is the first university in Oman to introduce veterinary medicine as a specialisation, with the first batch of students expected to graduate in the 2025/2026 academic year. Equipped with advanced medical laboratories, diagnostic and treatment rooms, surgical theatres for both routine and complex procedures, as well as educational and therapeutic pens, the hospital has already begun receiving cases and performing microsurgical operations. It also serves as a training hub for veterinary students, providing a comprehensive learning environment. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Abdul Aziz bin Ali al Mashikhi, Director General of Agricultural and Water Resources in North Sharqiyah, highlighted the ministry's broader efforts to strengthen the sector. He said over 2.4mn livestock have been vaccinated, benefiting more than 192,000 breeders, while early field surveys are being conducted to detect poultry diseases and protect national investments and exports. He noted that the Central Animal Health Laboratory has been upgraded under international twinning programmes, ensuring accurate diagnostics and robust health controls at border crossings. The ministry currently operates 69 government veterinary clinics, 41 mobile units, and oversees 477 licensed private veterinary facilities. Additionally, 486 licences for veterinary professionals and 14 for auxiliary staff have been issued or renewed after thorough academic and field evaluation.
