Barka: The Barka Fishing Port Project, known as Barka Marina, in the Wilayat of Barka, South Al Batinah Governorate, exemplifies the goals of Oman Vision 2040 by diversifying income sources and enhancing the national economy's value. This project marks the first fishing port in Oman to be fully developed and invested in by the private sector under a usufruct system, with construction investments surpassing RO 55 million. It is designed to serve as a multi-purpose waterfront.
According to Oman News Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has outlined several key components of the project. The fisheries and logistics sector of the port includes an advanced marine quay for fishing boats and vessels, a modern fish market meeting international health standards, ice factories, cold storage facilities, and marine workshops.
On the commercial and tourism side, the port encompasses an integrated commercial complex called Marina Mall, a waterfront promenade hosting restaurants and caf©s with sea views, and areas dedicated to beach games and activities. Additionally, there are private marinas for yachts and leisure boats, as well as marine tourism activities. The promenade also serves as a family-friendly venue for events and festivals, boosting Barka's appeal as a tourist destination.
Eng. Hassan Hussain Al Aghbari, Assistant Director General of Fisheries at the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in South Al Batinah Governorate, indicated that the Barka Marina Project is part of the Ministry's strategy to transform fishing ports into integrated economic development centers. The project contributes to the national economy by integrating fisheries, commercial, and tourism activities, thus boosting GDP. It also provides modern infrastructure to ensure fish product quality and supply chain sustainability, while diversifying income through investment returns and stimulating commercial activity in South Al Batinah Governorate, particularly in Barka.
He mentioned that the project has started phased operations and production to ensure efficiency. Since its launch, the port has shown promising performance indicators, including increased traffic of fishing boats and higher fish landing volumes. These improvements are supported by logistics services and auxiliary plants that serve the sector directly.
The development at Barka Marina continues with plans for new investment packages and opportunities to meet growing demand. These include expanding yacht and leisure boat marina capacities, integrating advanced technologies in fisheries management, and exploring opportunities in the hospitality sector, such as beachfront hotels, to serve visitors.
Al Aghbari emphasized that the project provides a favorable investment environment with facilitation measures for Omani entrepreneurs and SMEs. This includes offering flexible commercial spaces at competitive prices and providing grace periods and rental concessions to help businesses stabilize and grow. The project also ensures an active consumer market through fully integrated infrastructure.
He highlighted that the project's management follows a phased operational plan to ensure quality management and technical readiness. The current phase focuses on activating systems related to fishermen and marine activities, operating the fish market and other facilities to secure supply chains and serve the local fishing community.
Eng. Al Aghbari noted that the construction of restaurants, caf©s, and other recreational and commercial facilities is in the final stages, with permits being processed for safe readiness. A gradual opening of these facilities is anticipated, completing the project's vision of an integrated destination merging fisheries economic activity with family-friendly recreation.