Quarantine project to boost Oman’s biosecurity

MUSCAT, MAR 8
Oman has unveiled plans to strengthen national biosecurity infrastructure around livestock resources through the establishment of a network of Animal Quarantine Centres (AQCs) catering to the needs of the entire country.
As many as three such centres are envisioned for development and operation in the Sultanate of Oman. Two of these are greenfield facilities to be set up at Al Suwaiq and Al Buraimi, while the third — an existing centre in Raysut (Salalah) — is proposed to be modernised and expanded.
Significantly, the initiative will be undertaken by the private sector via the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) route overseen by the Ministry of Finance. The competent authority representing the government is the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, which is a principal stakeholder in the development of the country’s biosecurity infrastructure.
“This initiative represents a critical step in modernising the Sultanate of Oman's livestock management systems, reducing public health risks and supporting the Sultanate of Oman's ambition to become a regional hub for livestock trade and re-export”, the Ministry of Finance explained.
Interested companies have until March 28, 2026, to respond to a Request for Qualifications (RfQ) issued recently by the Ministry. The successful bidder will receive the mandate to undertake the project on a ‘Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Maintain’ (DBFOM) basis, underpinned by a concession to operate and maintain the network for 30 years.
As part of its remit, the new Project Company will replace the existing Animal Quarantine Centre at Raysut (adjacent to the Port of Salalah) with a modern, biosecure centre. In addition, a new greenfield facility will be developed at Al Suwaiq in place of the existing Sa'al centre to serve the entire Oman’s northern coastal region. At Al Buraimi, a new land border-based quarantine facility will be set up near the UAE border to manage livestock movements entering the Sultanate of Oman by road, with a particular focus on camel quarantine.
Importantly, the project aims to strengthen Oman’s biosecurity and disease-control capacity through modern, internationally compliant quarantine infrastructure that prevents the spread of transboundary animal diseases. It also seeks to enhance food security and public health through safer livestock import procedures, modernise existing quarantine facilities and support Oman’s position as a regional livestock trade and re-export hub by improving quarantine efficiency and aligning with GCC biosecurity standards.
Furthermore, private sector participation under the PPP model is expected to attract investment into Oman’s agriculture and biosecurity sectors while ensuring long-term value for money through performance-based management and efficient operations.
The partnership will also support job creation and skills development for Omani nationals, particularly in veterinary and facility management roles, while promoting environmentally sustainable practices and strengthening governance through coordinated oversight among relevant government authorities.