ONA: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology signed three strategic agreements on Thursday, in Muscat to enhance road infrastructure, develop port facilities and improve maritime services in Oman.
The agreements were signed by Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s transport and logistics sector.
The first agreement, signed with Galfar Engineering and Contracting, involves the implementation of a 30-kilometre-long dual carriageway project between the wilayats of Izki and Nizwa in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. The project aims to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety and support economic and social development in the surrounding areas. It includes the construction of service roads along 3.167 kilometres in various locations, the expansion of a connecting road leading to Sinaw Bridge on Sultan Thuwaini bin Said Road over a distance of 1.163 kilometres, and the development of a vehicle tunnel in Tawi Al Nisf, Izki. Additionally, a new road leading to Jabal Al Akhdhar will be built, extending 0.877 kilometres.
The second agreement, signed with Manji International Ports, focuses on an investment framework for designing, constructing, managing, and operating a port for quarry product transportation in the Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Hallaniyat Islands. The project will be implemented in two phases over 18 months, with the first phase requiring the company to submit financial and operational commitments to the ministry. The second phase will involve securing the necessary approvals from relevant authorities before signing a long-term concession agreement. The new port is expected to support the mining sector by providing a direct export channel for locally extracted minerals, reducing transportation costs, and increasing the competitiveness of Omani quarry products in global markets.
The third agreement focuses on devising an investment framework for the operation, management, and development of ship supply and crew change activities at Sultan Qaboos Port. Signed with Oman Integrated Logistics Services, the agreement aligns with the ministry’s strategy to strengthen Omani ports and boost their competitiveness. The project, which will be implemented over two years, will focus on improving services at the port, in line with its role as a key tourism hub. The agreement outlines a four-phase approach, beginning with an analysis of local and global market demand to identify service gaps. The second phase will focus on identifying investment opportunities, either through the introduction of new maritime services or the enhancement of existing ones. Based on these findings, a comprehensive marketing strategy will be developed to position Sultan Qaboos Port as a preferred destination for maritime services. Finally, performance indicators will be established to assess the efficiency and quality of services provided, ensuring continuous improvement and expansion of port operations.
The agreements signed reflect the ministry’s commitment to developing Oman’s transport and logistics infrastructure, supporting investments in port facilities, and expanding maritime services. These projects represent a significant step toward achieving Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to diversify the national economy by strengthening non-oil sectors and enhancing their contribution to the country’s overall economic growth.
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