Salalah: The Gulf Green Mobility Forum concluded this evening at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Compound for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate under the patronage of Sheikh Salim Mustahail Al Ma’shani, Advisor at the Diwan of Royal Court.
According to Oman News Agency, this pioneering forum, the first of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman dedicated to Gulf youth, focused on discussing Gulf initiatives and projects in the field of sustainable mobility, showcasing leading regional experiences, and highlighting Oman’s efforts and national projects supporting innovation and sustainability in the transport sector. This aligns with the objectives of the National Program for Net Zero 2050 and “Oman Vision 2040”.
Eng. Abdullah Ali Al Busaidi, Director General of Oman Logistics Centre and expert of the Net Zero Team at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, delivered a speech clarifying that the forum addressed ways to transition to sustainable mobility in Oman and GCC countries, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. He noted that the world is witnessing an accelerated shift towards clean and renewable energy as a strategic choice for sustainable development.
He referred to the launch of the “Green Dhofar” initiative, which aims to make Dhofar Governorate a model for green mobility through a partnership between the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and the Dhofar Governor’s Office. This, he said, will be achieved by developing sustainable mobility infrastructure, encouraging the use of eco-friendly vehicles, and expanding the network of charging stations.
On his turn, Dr. Mohammed Al Rashidi, Director of Energy at the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), emphasized in his speech that the forum was held in implementation of the decision of the Committee of Ministers of Transport and Communications in the GCC states during their 26th meeting. It serves as a platform to enhance Gulf cooperation in sustainable transport and the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
He highlighted the pioneering initiatives adopted by GCC states, including electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, eco-friendly public transport, and artificial intelligence technologies in transport systems.
The closing ceremony witnessed the signing of several strategic agreements, most notably the establishment of the National Green Transport Company in collaboration with China Development Bank in the Middle East, as well as memoranda of understanding to establish and operate electric charging stations and provide digital solutions and integrated maintenance centers.
An agreement was also signed to implement a project for supplying ships with clean energy at Sohar Port, and a partnership agreement between the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology and Sohar International Bank to support green financing in the sustainable transport sector.
The agreements also included a concession to establish a facility for green ship recycling in the Khatmat Malaha area, with a production capacity of up to two million tons of low-carbon iron annually and providing approximately 2,000 direct and indirect job opportunities. This enhances Oman’s position as a leading regional center in this field.
In the same context, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning signed a strategic cooperation program towards a smart, low-emission city in Sultan Haitham City, along with an agreement between Dhofar Municipality and Mawasilat Company to develop smart and sustainable bus stops for public transport in the governorate.
Several initiatives were announced during the forum, most notably the launch of the on-demand transit service (Demand Transit Dart) and the national electric vehicle charging application “Shahin,” in addition to powering Aramex warehouses with solar energy, contributing to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
The forum concluded with the honoring of winning initiatives in the field of innovative sustainable transport solutions. The “Driving Non-Stop” initiative won first place, the “Electric Car Without Borders” platform came in second, and the “Driving Towards a Green Future” campaign won third place, in recognition of their efforts in spreading community awareness and promoting sustainable mobility practices.