MUSCAT: Leading Chinese solar development company JA Solar signed agreements here yesterday for the establishment of a major plant specializing in the production of solar cells and panels at Sohar Freezone. The project, set on an area of 32.5 hectares within the second phase of the Sohar Freezone, represents a total investment of RO 217.3 million.
The pacts were inked with Invest in Oman, Sohar Port and Freezone, and Majis Industrial Services during the Advantage Oman Forum 2025, which concluded in Muscat on April 28, 2025.
JA Solar’s project is scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of 2026, with an annual production capacity of 6 gigawatts of solar cells and 3 gigawatts of solar panels.
This agreement is expected to advance the goals of Oman Vision 2040 by supporting the country’s transition towards renewable energy and economic diversification, while also reflecting growing investor interest in the second phase of the Sohar Freezone.
Commenting on the signing, Eng Khalid bin Salim al Qassabi, Director General of Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said: “The agreements to establish a solar cells and panels manufacturing facility in the Sohar Freezone, with investments totaling RO 217 million, embody the ambitious directions of the Oman Industrial Strategy 2040, which focuses on nurturing future industries and enhancing value-added investments. Renewable energy industries are a top priority within the strategy due to their significant potential to create promising industrial opportunities, support economic diversification, and boost the industrial sector’s contribution to the GDP, while strengthening Oman’s energy mix.” Al Qassabi further highlighted that the project, once operational in early 2026, will not only contribute to the clean energy value chain but also attract related industries, positioning Oman as a regional hub for renewable energy and green industries.
The two-day Advantage Oman Forum, organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, through Invest in Oman, brought together more than 250 senior officials, decision-makers, and regional and international investors, serving as a strategic platform that showcased Oman as a promising investment destination.
In her closing remarks, Ibtisam bint Ahmed al Faroojiyah, Under-Secretary for Investment Promotion, emphasized that the forum was organized to support the country’s economic diversification drive and to attract high-quality investments aligned with Oman’s future vision. She added that the forum provided an outstanding platform to connect local and international investors with leading thought leaders and economic experts, facilitating the exchange of ideas and exploration of promising growth opportunities.
Al Faroojiyah explained that the forum offered participants extensive opportunities to engage with leaders from both the public and private sectors, discuss key economic trends, and explore the investment map across vital sectors. She noted that the specialized panel discussions aimed to produce actionable, practical recommendations, inspired by regional and global success stories.
She concluded by stressing the importance of the forum’s outcomes and bilateral meetings, considering them a fundamental pillar in supporting Oman’s efforts to achieve economic growth and transformation in line with national priorities.
The second day of the forum featured panel discussions with key decision-makers, opportunities to build high-value partnerships, success stories from investors, and sector-specific roundtable meetings focusing on tourism, logistics, mining, food security, renewable energy, and information technology.
The forum also enjoyed extensive international media coverage as part of a global promotional campaign positioning Oman as a regional and international investment hub. Renowned CNN journalist Richard Quest moderated two of the forum’s main sessions.
The “Advantage Oman” Forum reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to enhancing its investment climate in line with the objectives of Vision 2040, further solidifying its role as a regional economic center and a global investment destination.
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