Tender floated for dry port at Al Dhahirah Economic Zone
Published: 03:02 PM,Feb 17,2025 | EDITED : 07:02 PM,Feb 17,2025
Asyad Group will operate the planned dry port.
MUSCAT: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) announced on Monday, February 17, 2025, the launch of the third package of the tender for the development of the Economic Zone at Al Dhahira (EZAD), which includes the construction of dry port facilities and a veterinary quarantine.
OPAZ has invited experienced Omani and Saudi companies (JV) to purchase the tender documents and submit their bids before April 17.
The proposed dry port will be the main driver of the Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah (EZAD), located near the Omani-Saudi border in Rub Al Khali. It is being developed as a collaboration between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The total area allocated for the dry port is 4 square kilometres, with the first phase planned on a 1 square kilometre area. A veterinary quarantine facility is also planned in this phase
Eng. Ibrahim Yousuf Al Zadjali, EZAD Project Manager, said the new tender will enable the Economic Zone to achieve its objectives of enhancing trade between Oman and Saudi Arabia. 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 explained that the dry port, in integration with the border crossing, will shorten the time required for goods transported to and from Oman via other entry points. This will be achieved by reducing the number of transit points, thereby decreasing the time needed for goods to reach their final destination.
He also noted that the dry port will facilitate the smooth flow of goods between Oman and Saudi Arabia, enhance bilateral trade, strengthen investment partnerships, and attract further investment.
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.
Last year, OPAZ awarded a consultancy services contract for the design and supervision of the Phase 1 infrastructure facilities to an Omani-Saudi consortium. The first phase covers an area of 20 square kilometres.
Also, last year, OPAZ floated a tender for the construction of the main roads, protection channels, and surface water drainage systems and associated services. An award is expected for the end of Q1 225.
EZAD covers a total area of 388 km2.
OPAZ has invited experienced Omani and Saudi companies (JV) to purchase the tender documents and submit their bids before April 17.
The proposed dry port will be the main driver of the Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah (EZAD), located near the Omani-Saudi border in Rub Al Khali. It is being developed as a collaboration between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The total area allocated for the dry port is 4 square kilometres, with the first phase planned on a 1 square kilometre area. A veterinary quarantine facility is also planned in this phase
Eng. Ibrahim Yousuf Al Zadjali, EZAD Project Manager, said the new tender will enable the Economic Zone to achieve its objectives of enhancing trade between Oman and Saudi Arabia. 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 explained that the dry port, in integration with the border crossing, will shorten the time required for goods transported to and from Oman via other entry points. This will be achieved by reducing the number of transit points, thereby decreasing the time needed for goods to reach their final destination.
He also noted that the dry port will facilitate the smooth flow of goods between Oman and Saudi Arabia, enhance bilateral trade, strengthen investment partnerships, and attract further investment.
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.
Last year, OPAZ awarded a consultancy services contract for the design and supervision of the Phase 1 infrastructure facilities to an Omani-Saudi consortium. The first phase covers an area of 20 square kilometres.
Also, last year, OPAZ floated a tender for the construction of the main roads, protection channels, and surface water drainage systems and associated services. An award is expected for the end of Q1 225.
EZAD covers a total area of 388 km2.