MUSCAT: The Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) has awarded a contract for the construction of infrastructure facilities linked to the establishment of the first phase of a new industrial city at Ibri in Dhahirah Governorate. The contract, valued at around RO 9 million, covers a 3 million sq metre area, with a completion timeframe of 18 months.
Eng Nasser al Mabsali (pictured), Director General of Ibri Industrial City, stated that Madayn will invest in developing the infrastructure including roads, lighting, water and communication networks, sewage networks, landscaping, and electricity network in coordination with Majan Electricity Company.
“The strategic location of Ibri Industrial City on the road leading to Saudi Arabia and due to its close proximity to Oman’s oil concession areas. Located about 200 km from Sohar Port and 300 km from Muscat Governorate, the industrial city will serve the mining, marble and food investment sectors,” Al Mabsali pointed out.
By establishing Ibri Industrial City, Madayn aims to achieve its vision in spreading a lineup of industrial cities throughout the Sultanate’s governorates, contributing to the advancement of the national economy, and providing direct and indirect job opportunities for the nationals in Al Dhahirah governorate.
In terms of incentives and privileges granted to investors to boost investment opportunities in Ibri Industrial City, Madayn has announced earlier this year exemption from rental value for a period of two years for all new projects, followed by a reduction in the rental value for a period of three years by 50 per cent for contracts concluded during the period from 2021 to 2024, in addition to reducing all other fees listed in Annex (1) of the Investment Regulations by 50 per cent for all new projects during the period from 2021 to 2024.
Ibri Industrial City will comprise a variety of industries ranging from oil and gas services, food industries, building materials, warehouses, and showrooms. Al Mabsali explained that interested investors wishing to set up their projects in Ibri Industrial City can apply through www.madayn.om and they will be contacted shortly; or they may visit the office of Ibri Industrial City or the nearest Masar Service Centre for the same purpose.
He added, “Once the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) border opens, it will facilitate the movement of goods from Saudi Arabia and the Levant countries, activate the warehousing and storage sector, and boost the volume of exports in marble, foodstuff and other sectors.”
Al Mabsali affirmed that Madayn, in coordination with Al Dhahirah branch of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), are making efforts to enable and support contractors and suppliers in Al Dhahirah governorate to apply for projects and services implemented by Madayn. There are also projects that shall be assigned to the Small and Medium Enterprises registered in Riyada from Al Dhahirah governorate.
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