Muscat:The 2026 Food Security Lab concluded with the approval of strategic initiatives and projects aimed at achieving the second billion localization targets and bolstering food security in Oman. This includes 16 enabling initiatives and 111 investment projects worth over RO 100 million, along with the signing of 10 agreements to support food security sectors.
According to Federation of Arab News Agencies, the closing ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. Abdulsalam Mohammed Al Murshidi, President of Oman Investment Authority. Dr. Masoud Sulaiman Al Azri, General Supervisor of the lab, highlighted that the lab’s outputs are designed to support the drive to increase local production and localize food industries. This is facilitated by linking investment opportunities with enabling initiatives to improve competitiveness and the investment environment, which are crucial for achieving the “second billion localization” target.
Eng. Asma Hamoud Al Hinai, Director of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Office at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, stated that the lab contributed to implementing food security programmes under the Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). This involves nine main programmes overseen by the ministry, focusing on enhancing food and water security, sustainable management of agricultural and fisheries resources, and advancing research and innovation.
The total projects under the food security investment programme reached 376, valued at approximately RO 899 million, distributed across plant wealth, livestock, fisheries, and water resources sectors. The lab also identified 25 targeted commodities, aiming to increase local production and self-sufficiency by 2030.
Several investment agreements were signed at the ceremony, including a factory to produce omega-3 from refined fish oil, and an integrated factory for producing mineral water, soft drinks, and dairy products, among others. These projects are intended to meet local market needs and support the diversification of locally manufactured products.
The lab's sessions emphasized developing investment opportunities, addressing project implementation challenges, and enhancing public-private partnerships, employing innovation and modern technologies to align with Oman Vision 2040 goals.