SALALAH, AUG 29
The first edition of the Dhofar 2023 Forum was launched at the Rotana Salalah hotel on August 29, 2023, under the auspices of His Highness Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar. Also in attendance were Dr Ahmed al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, Shaikh Salem bin Mustahil al Maashani, and other dignitaries.
The forum was organized in light of the rapid developments that the Dhofar Governorate has witnessed at all levels. The governorate is a major export and industrial hub, with modern capabilities and integrated infrastructure. It has great potential for future growth and can contribute to facilitating the movement of international trade. The forum also comes in light of the efforts made to strengthen Dhofar as a tourist destination, given its rich climate, beautiful and attractive nature. This will enhance its contribution in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
The forum highlighted the most prominent developments that the Dhofar Governorate has witnessed in the last phase and the future growth of key sectors. Government officials, private sector leaders, experts, and specialists participated in the forum. They discussed the efforts made to support economic diversification, inclusive development, and sustainable growth. This will enhance the future of the province and reflect the efforts towards achieving a promising evolutionary vision.
The forum focused in particular on the sectors of manufacturing, export, ports, logistics, tourism, mineral resources, infrastructure, energy, wealth, agriculture and fisheries, real estate, banking, finance, insurance, and the education and healthcare sectors.
In his keynote address, Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, highlighted the most prominent developments and efforts to promote and develop the province, as well as the most prominent development projects and their executive plans.
The forum also witnessed a presentation on the structural plan for Greater Salalah, an ambitious project that aims to highlight the city of Salalah as a national economic gateway. The success of economic development in Salalah will have a positive impact on other areas in the Dhofar Governorate.
The endeavors to develop the city of Greater Salalah, coupled with urban planning and future city prospects, were also presented. These collective capabilities significantly contribute to the province's various economic sectors.
On the sidelines of the forum, a number of companies, initiatives, and pioneering projects were honoured in recognition of their contributions to supporting society and enhancing added local value in the governorate. Companies and organisations that were felicitated on the occasion were Port of Salalah, Dhofar Insurance Company, Al-Saad International School, Muriya Tourism Development, Dhofar Municipality, Ministry of Housing and Urban, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, and Oman Tourism College.
