MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s visit to Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) on Tuesday underscored the Sultanate of Oman’s continued commitment to strengthening the energy sector through digital transformation, operational excellence and advanced technologies aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
During the visit, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik inaugurated the Integrated Operations Centre at Bait Al Haitham, a major strategic facility designed to unify the remote monitoring and management of PDO’s oil, gas and energy assets within a single integrated operational environment.
The inauguration marks a key milestone in PDO’s corporate transformation journey and reflects the national drive to adopt Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies across critical sectors of the economy.
The world-class centre enables real-time operational coordination, integrated decision-making and enhanced efficiency across PDO’s extensive production network. It also supports remote operations and improves operational reliability and safety through continuous monitoring and collaboration across the company’s assets.
The facility remotely oversees 227 producing oil fields, 39 producing gas fields, 29 key production facilities and 15 power generation plants with a combined capacity of 1,400 megawatts. More than 13,000 active wells are connected through an integrated network of pipelines and transportation systems managed through the centre.
PDO said the project supports its long-term strategy to enhance operational resilience, improve resource management and reinforce Oman’s position as a leading regional energy producer.
Dr Aflah bin Said al Hadhrami, Managing Director of PDO, described the royal visit as an exceptional national occasion and a defining moment in the company’s transformation journey under the theme “For Oman”.
He said the inauguration of Bait Al Haitham reflects the continued support of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for the energy sector and highlights the growing role of innovation, digital transformation and operational excellence in driving sustainable economic development.
Al Hadhrami added that the visit represents a source of pride and motivation for PDO employees, particularly Omani professionals who continue to play a leading role in shaping the company’s future.
He noted that the visit also reflects the confidence placed in PDO as a strategic national institution that contributes significantly to economic growth, energy security and long-term sustainability.
The centre further demonstrates PDO’s focus on developing national talent and strengthening localisation within the energy sector. The facility currently employs 279 staff members and has achieved an Omanisation rate of 95 per cent.
PDO also reported strong operational performance in 2025, recording its highest oil production levels since 2002 while maintaining an overall Omanisation rate of 92.7 per cent.
As part of its workforce development strategy, the company launched the “Ruwwad” leadership programme in partnership with London Business School to prepare the next generation of company leaders.
The company also highlighted notable progress in occupational and operational safety. PDO completed 10 years without lost-time injuries in exploration operations, while lost-time injuries across operations declined by 15 per cent in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Vehicle accidents fell by 40 per cent, while Level 1 and Level 2 operational incidents declined by 85 per cent compared to 2020 levels.
Technology and innovation continue to form a central pillar of PDO’s strategy. The company is currently piloting 30 major technology initiatives targeting areas such as associated water management, energy optimisation, artificial lift systems, enhanced oil recovery and production measurement.
In parallel, PDO is implementing 22 additional technologies to improve well construction, energy efficiency and water management processes.
PDO also reinforced its contribution to the national economy through local value creation initiatives. The company retained nearly RO 1 billion of its supply chain expenditure within Oman and allocated RO 350 million to small and medium enterprises and local community contractors.
Additionally, RO 273 million was directed towards products manufactured in Oman, while PDO’s local content initiatives generated 2,552 employment opportunities for Omanis.
On the social investment front, PDO completed around 25 corporate social responsibility projects in 2025 valued at nearly RO 3.5 million and committed to implementing 45 additional projects.
The company also renewed its scholarship programme with RO 2 million allocated to support 150 students from concession areas. Educational initiatives under the Masar, Ma’rifa and Ta’aziz programmes attracted more than 300 students.
Separately, PDO obtained ISO 20121 certification for Sustainable Event Management, becoming the first entity in Oman and the first oil and gas company in the Middle East to receive the international accreditation, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and low-carbon practices. — ONA
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