AL MAZUNAH: The Al Mazunah Free Zone has continued to strengthen its position as a key gateway for trade and investment, with cumulative investments exceeding RO 140 million by the end of October 2025. This year alone, the zone attracted 13 new projects worth a total of RO 420,000.
Engineer Ahmed bin Khamis al Kasbi, Director General of the Al Mazunah Free Zone, said that 144 lease agreements have been signed covering industrial, service and commercial sectors. The management is prioritising industrial investments to ensure the sustainability and diversification of economic activity.
Al Kasbi revealed that preparations are underway to begin the trial operation of the animal quarantine facility in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources during the fourth quarter of this year. Meanwhile, the desalination plant project is 80 per cent complete and expected to start operations before year-end, further enhancing infrastructure in the zone.
He noted that several lease contracts were cancelled this year due to non-compliance with implementation schedules. However, trade activity continues to rise, with a 21.7 per cent increase in imports and exports during the first three quarters of 2025 compared to last year. The total weight of goods exceeded 228,500 tonnes, while vehicle movement surged 40 per cent, reaching 5,765 vehicles by the end of October.
To boost commercial services, the free zone has also issued a tender to manage and operate a duty-free market, aimed at facilitating direct sales and serving travellers crossing the Oman-Yemen border.
Al Kasbi stressed that the new Free Zones Law (Royal Decree No 38/2025) represents a major milestone in enhancing the investment climate by providing a unified legislative framework for free and special economic zones across Oman. He added that the law strengthens integration between Al Mazunah and other economic hubs, aligning with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. — ONA
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