OPAZ cites RO 22.4bn cumulative investment

MUSCAT: Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) said cumulative investment across Oman’s economic and free zones has reached RO 22.4 billion, with RO 1.4 billion in added investment.

The authority said it signed 325 agreements in 2025 across all zones, according to figures presented at its media briefing.

It also said a digital platform is tracking 294 strategic projects, monitoring progress from negotiations and memorandum signing through to the start of construction. Sectors include renewable energy, petrochemicals, food and fisheries, and minerals, it said.

In Al Dhahirah Special Economic Zone, the authority highlighted phase-one works for main roads and water drainage valued at RO 5.7 million, with 11 agreements awarded to SMEs. Completion stands at 14.87%, it said.

For Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone, the authority said it signed a development and operations agreement with Mahdah Development Company. Phase one covers 11 sq km and targets logistics and industrial activities. Plans have been approved, and a tender will be floated for water-drainage channels, it added.

The authority reported a total workforce of 84,979 across the zones, including 30,780 Omanis, putting the Omanisation rate at 36%.

It said SMEs received contract and procurement awards worth about RO 8 million, alongside 72 initiatives to develop entrepreneurs’ skills, 29 training programmes, and 18 development-oriented investment opportunities.

One-stop-shop outputs cited by the authority included 2,605 commercial registrations, 2,509 economic activity licences, 7,114 work permits, 419 investor visas, 284 building approvals, 225 environmental permits, 131 environmental licences, and 1,125 public-services permits.