Latest news with #Suhar
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman opens first copper waste recycling plant
The first production phase is scheduled to begin in June 2025 with an output capacity of 60 tonnes of copper cathodes per year. By December 2026, capacity is expected to scale to 12,000 tonnes annually Oman has inaugurated its first industrial plant dedicated to converting legacy copper mining waste into high-purity copper using renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies — a major step toward green industrialisation and sustainable resource management in line with Oman Vision 2040 goals. Located in the Wilayat of Suhar, the plant was officially opened on Monday under the auspices of Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. The launch was attended by ministers, senior officials and business leaders from across Oman's public and private sectors. Developed by Green Tech Mining and Services, the project is the first of its kind in the country. It was made possible through a strategic partnership between Oman Mining Company and Austria-based BPG Group, with support from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. Total investment exceeds RO 41 million. The initiative aims to turn environmental liabilities into economic value by reprocessing waste from historical copper mining operations. The first production phase is scheduled to begin in June 2025 with an output capacity of 60 tonnes of copper cathodes per year. By December 2026, capacity is expected to scale to 12,000 tonnes annually — significantly enhancing Oman's footprint in the regional green mining sector. Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, described the project as a 'qualitative leap' in Oman's industrial trajectory. 'This plant integrates environmental sustainability with economic diversification and industrial localisation. It reflects our commitment to innovation-led development and cleaner industrial practices.' The project also supports the Oman Industrial Strategy 2040 by boosting value-added production, attracting high-tech investments and localising industries that harness the country's natural resources. Copper cathodes produced at the facility will be classified as sustainably recycled metal — a key asset in global decarbonisation supply chains. Khalid bin Salim al Qasabi, Director-General of Industry at the ministry, said the plant represents a practical embodiment of the ministry's push to enable advanced industrial projects. 'We worked to ensure streamlined procedures and robust technical standards to bring this facility online. It's a model of regulatory coordination and sustainable investment.' Ernst Grissemann, CEO of BPG Group, highlighted the long-term vision behind the project, which began in 2018. 'The use of renewable energy and the plant's zero-waste approach underlines our dedication to the responsible industry. This facility positions Oman as a regional hub for green transformation in the mining sector.' As Oman seeks to elevate its industrial competitiveness, reduce environmental impact, and create new value chains from existing resources, this project offers a blueprint for scalable, environmentally responsible industrial growth — reinforcing the Sultanate's position in the global transition to sustainable development. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's first copper recycling facility costing $106mln inaugurated
Muscat – Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) officially inaugurated Oman's first facility dedicated to recycling copper from mining waste on Monday, marking a significant development in the sultanate's green industrial efforts. The RO41mn plant is located in Suhar. Developed by Green Tech Mining and Services, the facility uses sustainable technologies to process legacy mining waste into copper cathodes. It is the first of its kind in Oman and aims to support the sultanate's transition towards a green economy. The opening was held under the patronage of H E Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and attended by senior officials and industry representatives. The project forms part of wider goals under Oman Vision 2040 and the Oman Industrial Strategy 2040, which aim to increase the added value of local resources, localise industries and enhance competitiveness of the sultanate's industrial base. The integrated complex was developed through a partnership between BPG Group and Oman Mining Company, with direct support from MoCIIP. Production is scheduled to be-gin in June 2025, with an initial output of 60 tonnes of copper cathodes per year. The capacity is expected to increase to 12,000 tonnes annually by December 2026, making Oman a regional player in sustainable mining. H E Dr Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry in MoCIIP, said the facility represents a 'qualitative leap' in building an innovation-led and sustainable industrial sector. 'This project is a practical example of clean technology in action, and a testament to the government's commitment to integrating sustainability into industrial development,' he said. Khalid bin Salim al Qasabi, Director General of Industry in MoCIIP, stated that the facility supports the ministry's aim to promote industrial projects that meet global environmental and technical standards. Imran Shaikh, Managing Director of Green Tech Mining and Services, said the project is the result of a long-term partnership that began in 2018. 'Launching the first phase of production using renewable energy is a strong reflection of our commitment to sustainability and Oman's green economy.' © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
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
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman real estate market poised for growth amidst economic diversification
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman's real estate market demonstrated resilience in the first half of 2025, despite global economic uncertainties, according to the latest market research report by Hamptons International. The report highlights steady performance across key submarkets, driven by infrastructure investments, Oman Vision 2040-aligned reforms and a growing emphasis on sustainability and economic diversification. These initiatives have bolstered investor confidence and contributed to the recovery of logistics, tourism and mixed-use assets. SUBMARKET PERFORMANCE AND SECTOR HIGHLIGHTS Muscat emerged as the most active real estate hub, benefitting from government-backed urban development projects and increased demand for high-end residential and commercial properties. Al Duqm continued to attract industrial and logistics investments, leveraging its strategic location and the expansion of the Duqm Special Economic Zone. Suhar maintained steady demand for warehousing and manufacturing spaces, while Salalah's real estate sector thrived on tourism-related developments. The industrial and logistics sector remains one of the most attractive for long-term investors, with yields ranging from 9.5% to 11%. Cold storage, e-commerce fulfilment centres and facilities near free zones such as Suhar and Al Duqm are in high demand, supported by infrastructure growth and trade expansion under Oman Vision 2040. However, Oman still lags behind regional peers like the UAE in ESG-compliant industrial stock. ECONOMIC GROWTH AND MARKET TRENDS Oman's economy expanded by an estimated 2.3% in H1 2025, driven by growth in logistics, manufacturing and tourism. Brent crude oil prices stabilised at an average of $62 per barrel, ensuring fiscal stability and supporting government revenues. Non-oil GDP contributions rose above 35%, signalling progress in reducing reliance on hydrocarbons. Inflation remained moderate at 1.8%, while private sector activity and job creation in emerging industries showed positive momentum. The residential market saw stable demand for mid-income apartments and villas, with rents rising slightly in core Muscat districts such as Al Mouj and Al Qurum. Affordable housing initiatives aligned with Oman Vision 2040 gained traction, while professionally managed gated communities commanded a 10-15% premium over standalone properties. The report projects a compound annual growth rate of 9.19% for the residential real estate market, increasing from $4.75 billion in 2024 to $6.60 billion by 2029. HOSPITALITY AND RETAIL SECTOR INSIGHTS The hospitality sector recorded a rebound in business travel and regional tourism, with hotel occupancy in Muscat averaging 59% in H1 2025. Boutique and eco-resorts gained popularity in Dhofar and Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, supported by government-led sustainable tourism initiatives. The Average Daily Rate for 4- to 5-star hotels grew by 7%, while luxury and eco-tourism hotels reported above-average occupancy rates. Retail performance stabilised in urban malls and destination centres, with Mall of Oman and Oman Avenues Mall maintaining high occupancy rates. A clear trend towards F&B and experiential retail emerged, with landlords adopting hybrid leasing models to attract new tenants. OUTLOOK FOR H2 2025 Looking ahead, Oman's real estate market is expected to maintain steady growth in the second half of 2025, supported by government initiatives, infrastructure expansion and increasing investor interest. Key growth themes include sustained demand for industrial and logistics assets, affordable housing initiatives, tourism-led investments and ESG integration. Strategic projects in Al Duqm, Suhar and Muscat will play a catalytic role, while Salalah and Dhofar are set to benefit from tourism expansion. With Oman Vision 2040 shaping real estate policy and infrastructure spending, Oman's commitment to economic diversification and sustainability positions the sector for continued growth, offering lucrative opportunities for developers and investors alike. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Zawya
Suhar sizzles at 44.2°C as dust storms sweep across Oman
Muscat – Oman is currently experiencing a surge in summer heat and turbulent weather, with Suhar recording the highest temperature in the country at a blistering 44.2°C over the past 24 hours, according to Oman Meteorology Department. Other areas also reported sweltering conditions, with Suwaiq and Sur both reaching 43.1°C, followed by Jalan Bani Bu Hassan (42.3°C), Muscat (42.2°C) and Awabi (42.1°C). Temperatures exceeded 40°C in several other regions, including Khasab, Mahdha, Ashkharah, Ibri, and Ibra. In addition to the intense heat, the CAA has issued a weather advisory warning of active northwesterly winds starting Friday through to Sunday evening, impacting most governorates of the Sultanate. These winds are expected to cause widespread dust and sandstorms, particularly in desert and exposed areas, reducing horizontal visibility and posing a hazard to commuters and outdoor activities. Furthermore, sea conditions along the western coast of Oman are forecast to become rough, with wave heights potentially reaching up to two metres, prompting caution for marine operations. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel during dusty conditions, and follow updates from official meteorological sources. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
