UN hails Oman’s high-tech industrial push

VIENNA: The Sultanate of Oman has earned strong international recognition for accelerating the localisation of high-tech industries and strengthening its manufacturing base, according to the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’s (Unido) 2026 report, which ranks Oman among the world’s emerging industrial economies. The report highlights the country’s rapid progress despite its relatively recent entry into advanced industrial production.
Unido noted that Oman has made significant strides in building integrated industrial value chains linked to advanced technologies, particularly in renewable energy manufacturing. The country has established a solid industrial foundation in photovoltaic industries by attracting high-quality investments, implementing incentive-driven government procurement policies and fostering a business environment supportive of modern technologies.
Among the flagship projects cited is the United Solar Polysilicon facility under development at the SOHAR Port and Freezone. Described as one of the most important industrial projects in the region, the plant is designed to produce 100,000 tonnes of polysilicon annually, meeting rising regional demand for solar energy solutions while enhancing Oman’s role in global supply chains.
The report also underlined Oman’s structural advantages, including abundant high-quality silica sand, strong solar and wind resources throughout the year and a strategic location along major international shipping routes. These factors, combined with government incentives such as tax exemptions and full foreign ownership, position Oman as a competitive destination for advanced manufacturing investments.
In this context, Sheida Industries has begun construction of its first solar panel factory, covering 11,250 square metres and has signed an agreement with China’s JA Solar to establish a manufacturing complex with a capacity of 6 gigawatts for solar cells and 3 gigawatts for solar panels. The $564 million investment will primarily serve Gulf and African markets. The company has also announced the Mawarid Turbine Company project in Al Duqm to manufacture wind turbines, with an estimated investment of $181.8 million, alongside plans to establish an electrolyser assembly plant for green hydrogen technologies in partnership with China’s Sungrow.
Engineer Khalid bin Salim al Qasabi, Director General of Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said the progress reflects the adoption of proactive industrial policies and targeted initiatives aimed at attracting high-quality, technology-driven industries. He noted that the ministry has focused on streamlining investor procedures, enhancing the readiness of free and economic zones; and offering incentives such as flexible regulations, tax and customs exemptions and simplified licensing to boost local added value.
Engineer Jassim bin Saif al Jadidi, Technical Director at the Office of the Undersecretary of the ministry, said integrated industrial complexes — particularly in Suhar — are now taking shape, bringing together polysilicon, solar cell and solar panel factories alongside supporting industries. He added that growing global investment interest reflects confidence in Oman’s infrastructure, government support and industrial ecosystem, reinforcing the country’s transformation into a regional hub for advanced manufacturing in line with Industrial Strategy 2040 and Oman Vision 2040. — ONA